Who becomes destitute?
Lillian was involved in political opposition to an unstable, oppressive regime. She fled to the UK after her fellow activists were beaten by the police, and claimed asylum. Her application for asylum was refused; the Home Office didn’t dispute her evidence but said she was not senior enough in the opposition movement to be under personal threat if she went back. The UK recently described the human rights violations in her country as ‘grotesque’. She is committed to rebuilding her country once the regime falls, but believes that she would be arrested if she returns there now and has remained here. Refugee Action and the Still Human Still Here coalition believe that it does not make sense to make people like Lillian destitute when they clearly cannot return. Why not give those who cannot return to dangerous countries temporary status and allow them to work until it is safe to return?
