Jewish equality group explores impact of pandemic on asylum system
There has been 'an increase in hostile rhetoric from the government to those supporting displaced people' an organiser of the virtual JCORE event said
A Jewish online audience has heard how the pandemic has impacted the UK’s asylum system and those who rely on it, as experts convened for a panel event hosted by the Jewish Council for Racial Equality (JCORE).
Organisers noted “an increase in hostile rhetoric from the [British] government to those supporting displaced people”, including Jewish groups, as well as the impact of the current political climate and an “emboldened far-right”.
Ministers recently rejected Lord Alf Dubs’ family reunion amendment to the Immigration Bill, and discussion turned to issues facing child refugees, including the practical steps people can take to support refugees and asylum seekers.
Speakers included the Refugee Council’s Maurice Wren, Aimee Georgeson from Social Workers Without Borders, and immigration and asylum barrister Colin Yeo.
JCORE’s Edie Friedman, who chaired the event, said: “This was an important and timely discussion. The pandemic has made it clearer than ever that our asylum system needs major reform. The Jewish community must have a strong voice in these calls for change.”
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