Refugee Legal Centre: Zimbabwean asylum seekers face destitution

Refugee Legal Centre: Zimbabwean asylum seekers face destitution

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The following is a statement by the Refugee Legal Centre reacting to the November 23 AIT judgment in HS (Zimbabwe) which clears the way for the UK government to begin deporting failed Zimbabwean asylum seekers:

"THOUSANDS of Zimbabwean asylum seekers may now be forcibly returned to persecution, as a result of today's AIT decision, or may continue to face destitution on Britain's streets.

An Asylum and Immigration Tribunal ruling announced today overturned a landmark decision in 2005 that all Zimbabwean asylum seekers faced a real risk of persecution in Zimbabwe if they were forced to return.

This new decision now puts thousands of Zimbabweans who have already been refused asylum in Britain in fear of being forcibly returned, or leaves many in destitution on Britain's streets. The RLC is considering whether to appeal.

There have been no removals to Zimbabwe since August 2005, pending decisions on this case, although the Home Office has continued to try to remove many to neighbouring countries, from where they can face deportation to Zimbabwe.

Instead, many refused asylum seekers from Zimbabwe have been given the stark choice of either returning voluntarily to the country where they fear persecution or staying in Britain and living in destitution.

Most asylum seekers who have been refused asylum receive no financial help from the Government 21 days after losing their appeals. They are then evicted from their accommodation and are not allowed to work. Given the very real risk of human rights abuse in Zimbabwe it is unsurprising that many have chosen destitution."

Caroline Slocock, the Chief Executive of the RLC said on Monday:

"This decision leaves thousands of Zimbabweans at risk of being put in detention centres and forcibly removed to the country where they fear persecution. The situation in Zimbabwe is highly dangerous and is only likely to get worse in the run up to the Presidential and Parliamentary elections next March.

The Refugee Legal Centre is considering whether to appeal against this decision, which overturned a ruling in 2005 that all Zimbabwean asylum seekers faced a real risk of persecution if they were to return. The RLC will also continue to support individuals who are able to challenge removal.

In the meantime, we hope the Government will build on Britain's long tradition of protection for persecuted people and grant a temporary period of stay to all Zimbabwean asylum seekers, until such time as conditions in Zimbabwe improve.

Many Zimbabweans who have been refused leave to stay face destitution here, with no housing or financial support, but still choose not to return home because they have a genuine fear of persecution. We hope the Government will allow them to stay and work to support themselves."

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