GAPS is deeply concerned by last week’s announcement of new UK asylum and returns policy by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The proposals focus on restricting rights rather than ensuring safety and protection and mark an alarming shift in the UK’s approach to refugee protection.

Women seeking asylum already face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence, on their journey, and including when they arrive into the UK. The proposals do nothing to address these risks and instead increase the likelihood of further harm. This directly contradicts the UK’s commitments under the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict initiative (PSVI), where the Home Office holds obligations to prevent gender-based violence, support survivors, and meet the needs of women and girls.

GAPS urges the Government to move away from this hostile direction and uphold an asylum system consistent with its international obligations. The UK must uphold its international commitments and global responsibility and ensure that women, girls, and all people fleeing conflict and persecution can access safety and protection.

Read the full statement: GAPS Network statement in response to the Home Secretary’s announcement of new UK asylum and returns policy