26th September 2023 

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The VOICES Network, a group of Experts by Experience on matters of asylum and migration, responds to the Home Secretary’s attack on the right to claim asylum for those fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
 

Zarith, an Ambassador within the VOICES Network, feels that the Home Secretary’s words, coming as an attack on the already most vulnerable, are unjust and unfair. He said, “I feel baffled. I’m questioning what the values of this country really are, especially as the UK highly promotes itself as a beacon of democracy and human rights. This feels somewhat far-fetched from actual realities.” He also highlighted how the government’s use of language, including words such as “invasion” to describe people fleeing war and persecution from countries with anti-LGBTIQ+ laws, causes even more harm.
 

VOICES Ambassador Wan also shared her response: “I am absolutely disappointed and broken by the Home Secretary’s speech, as for me, the UK is a beacon of hope for the all commonwealth countries, and especially for women. We were taught to see the UK as our motherland, but how could a mother deny the human right of her children?”
 

The VOICES Network urges the UK Government to uphold the UK’s longstanding commitment to offering sanctuary to those fleeing persecution, and recognise the particular challenges faced by those fleeing persecution because of their gender or sexuality.