Asylum seekers in Worcester, who have fled religious persecution and the threat of capital punishment for their sexuality, have been left feeling 'very vulnerable' following a series of protests outside their accommodation.
Charity Highlights Impact of Summer Protests
Simon Cottingham, co-founder of the charity Worcester City Welcomes Refugees, addressed the city council on Tuesday, 25 November. He revealed the profound impact that demonstrations outside the Fownes Hotel during the summer had on its residents.
The charity works directly with families from countries including Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine. Mr Cottingham warned that the UK is entering a period where immigration is set to become a 'much more contested idea,' presenting significant challenges.
Reasons for Seeking Asylum and a Call for Action
Many of the asylum seekers have escaped dire circumstances. 'A lot of young men who are in that hotel actually are fleeing because they are gay,' Mr Cottingham stated. He further explained that individuals face persecution for reasons such as converting to Christianity or their political beliefs, with countries like Iran and Nigeria imposing the death penalty for homosexuality.
In response to these challenges, Mr Cottingham called for local authorities to convene a refugee forum 'at least once a year'. This forum would serve as a platform to exchange ideas and better understand the effects of war and the forces that compel people to seek refuge.
Correcting the 'Illegal Immigrant' Label
Following the council meeting, Mr Cottingham spoke with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, where he strongly criticised the 'harmful rhetoric' of branding asylum seekers as 'illegal immigrants.'
'The people in the hotel are not here illegally,' he asserted. 'They are people claiming asylum. And the only way to claim asylum in a country is to step foot in that country.'
He clarified that while some individuals are trafficked for exploitation or a small minority overstay visas, it is incorrect to label those in the hotel as illegal. The Fownes Hotel acts as a processing centre, and most individuals do not remain in Worcester once their claims are processed.
