The recent eruption of violence in Sudan threatens millions of men, women and children who, through no fault of their own, will be forced to flee for their lives, leaving their homes behind in search of safety.

In response to this, Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said:

“The men, women and children fleeing the violence in Sudan have no viable safe option to get to the UK. Even before the recent clashes erupted, Sudanese people were already one of the main groups forced to take dangerous journeys to find safety in the UK, risking their lives in the process. The vast majority of them – including hundreds of unaccompanied children – were recognised as refugees in need of protection.

“It’s deeply disturbing that rather than creating safe pathways for those fleeing the bloodshed in Sudan and elsewhere, the Government’s unworkable, costly and inhumane asylum Bill would see them locked up and then kicked out of the UK if they do manage to reach our shores.

“Anyone who arrives from Sudan in search of safety should be given a fair hearing on our soil. The majority of Sudanese people who claim asylum are recognised as refugees in need of protection. At the Refugee Council, we work with a number of separated children from Sudan and we now expect more to arrive.

“We must also prioritise creating safe routes for refugees: just as we welcomed refugees from Ukraine when Russia invaded last year, we must extend our compassion and support to those fleeing Sudan and other conflicts.

“We know there are many people in the UK who are very worried about their family members in Sudan. The family reunion visa process is far too slow and far too narrow for them to use yet they have no other way of arriving safely to be with their loved ones.

“The crisis in Sudan underlines just how important it is to work together with the international community to address refugee issues and ensure the safety of those fleeing violence and persecution around the globe. In an emergency, the UK should be part of international efforts to provide access to safe routes and support in the region.”