A message to all political parties in the lead up to the General Election

The next government faces a series of considerable challenges, as the UK prepares to leave the European Union and forge a new identity on the world stage. It will have a responsibility to stand by our values as a country and to heal divisions in society. With all political parties calling for a society that works for all and laying out their visions of Brexit, our leaders must challenge prejudice and ensure protection of vulnerable groups such as torture survivors.

We are calling on the next government to:

1. Champion the absolute torture ban and human rights globally

Torture is always wrong, illegal and proven to be ineffective. It is critical that the UK government takes a firm stand to uphold the absolute prohibition on torture. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a current member of the Human Rights Council, as well as member of other intergovernmental organisations, the UK is well-placed to positively influence other states in promoting and protecting human rights. It can achieve this by putting human rights, including the absolute ban on torture, at the heart of its foreign policy agenda. The UK must encourage all states to end torture and ill-treatment, condemn any attempts by states to justify the use of torture, and speak out against such practices wherever they occur.

2. Show unashamed leadership on the refugee crisis at home and abroad

The UK has a proud tradition of providing sanctuary to those fleeing war and persecution; tough immigration targets must not detract from our obligations to protect the most vulnerable. Britain should play a leading role in tackling the unprecedented global refugee crisis and protecting torture survivors; a national discussion based on facts and compassion is long overdue. Following the closure of the ‘Dubs scheme’ to resettle unaccompanied child refugees in the UK and inadequate support for Syrian torture survivors in the UK as part of the government’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis, the next government must urgently step up its response to the global refugee crisis. 

​​​​3. Build a fair asylum system that protects torture survivors

We want to see an immigration system that delivers fair and efficient decisions. Our Proving Torture report revealed how Home Office asylum caseworkers disregard or mistreat expert independent medical evidence of torture and make clinical judgements about survivors’ injuries that they are not qualified to make. This goes against Home Office policy, wastes taxpayers’ money on a long-drawn out process and leaves exceptionally vulnerable people unable to rebuild their lives and terrified of being returned to face further torture. Our campaign has received cross-party support and secured Home Office commitments to address these issues: this promise must be delivered without delay.

4. Make Refugees Welcome as they build new lives in the UK 

The next government must address the divisions in our society and end the demonisation of immigrants. For vulnerable groups, including survivors of torture, who flee to the UK for protection we need to do more to help them find a place of safety, rebuild their lives and contribute to our society. A new national refugee integration strategy must urgently end the policies and practices that often leave refugees homeless, destitute and isolated. Any changes to the asylum system must avoid a “two tier system” and ensure all refugees are given the same protection and ongoing support, whether they arrive independently or through a resettlement scheme.

Freedom from Torture CEO Susan Munroe said:

"As politicians on all sides pledge to offer a brighter future for our country, it’s worth remembering that our strengths come from the diversity of our nation and our history of offering sanctuary to those in need.

Every day at Freedom from Torture we see how torture is used to silence people. Refugees are extremely vulnerable when they reach the UK; it is vital that their asylum claims are treated fairly, that they have access to the support they need to rebuild their lives and that they feel welcomed to the UK.

Toxic and divisive discussions on immigration leave torture survivors fearful and threatened. Freedom from Torture is calling on all parties to uphold and celebrate the UK as a welcoming and inclusive nation not only in their manifesto pledges but also in the run up to Election Day. We want to see the next government taking concrete action to strengthen the asylum system, and ending the erosion of safeguards to protect the vulnerable."