When the “Safety of Rwanda” Bill passed in May 2024, Home Office enforcement teams started detaining people to remove them to Rwanda. Our service teams had to mobilise rapidly so those seeking safety had the information and the practical and emotional support needed to ease the widespread panic and fear.
Originally from Syria, 21-year-old Mohammed was detained in May, after attending a routine appointment. Without warning, Mohammed had no time to prepare himself or say goodbye to his family in person.
Hisham, Mohammed’s dad, says, “Mohammed was arrested and brought to a detention centre where he was told he will be deported to a third country or to Rwanda.”
When Mohammed was detained, Hisham and his wife were so scared for their son’s safety that they couldn’t eat. They cried every day.
Mohammed’s mental health was ‘crushed’ in the detention centre, Hisham remembers. He feared his son might ‘do something to himself’.
We helped Mohammed’s family speak out about their situation in the media. Thankfully he has now been released from detention.
Others in the asylum system also suffered in the chaos and although the scheme has now been scrapped, uncertainty is still having a detrimental impact on those we’re here to support.
The Refugee Council will continue to work tirelessly to stand up for the rights and freedoms of refugees in the UK. This includes helping people access legal representation and psychological support, as well as advocating for the rights of unaccompanied children.
