Humanists add their voice to calls for compassionate & humane refugee & asylum policy

December 9, 2021

Government and Law

On the 3rd of December we added our support to an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel, calling for a change in refugee and asylum policy that is based on a humane and compassionate approach in how we deal with those seeking asylum, and which honours our responsibilities under the International Refugee Convention of 1951.

Humanist Society Scotland Chief Executive, Fraser Sutherland, said,

In the wake of the tragic deaths of 27 people who drowned whilst trying to cross the English channel trying to reach the UK, and the proposed Nationality and Borders Bill that will give the UK even more powers to turn people back at sea to be screened abroad, and will likely result in the death of many more people fleeing war, famine, and natural disaster, we cannot remain silent. The humanist community implores the UK Government to do better and support those who are in most need of our help.

The letter was organised by Positive Action in Housing and the full text can be read here.