On Friday 25th April, the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 received Royal Assent and became law.
At SLRA we are outraged and heartbroken at the passage of the misleadingly named ‘Safety of Rwanda Act’. This is a shameful and cruel law that will risk the lives of people who have come to the UK to ask for safety.
On Sunday 28th April The Guardian reported that the Home Office has planned a two week long exercise of detaining people at risk of being deported to Rwanda.
The Rwanda Act and political debate around it aims to push people underground, divide communities, and isolate people from support. The cruel announcement of detentions is spreading fear through our communities here in South London. SLRA stands with those who are afraid and at risk now as we always have and we stand with colleagues across the sector in support of this open letter to the Prime Minister.
Here’s a link to some key information about who this announcement applies to, who it doesn’t, and what to do if you or someone you know may be at risk.
Our office telephone line 0203 490 3443 is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those in need of advice or reassurance.