MANCHESTER, UK – 18 November 2025
We at the African Rainbow Family, today issue a scathing rebuke of the government’s new asylum and returns policy, arguing that the changes fundamentally undermine international human rights obligations.
Core Message: Repugnant and Unlawful
The government’s policy, “Restoring Order and Control,” is a deliberate attempt to make the UK uninhabitable for refugees. The core principle of the reform—that refugee protection should be temporary and conditional—is rejected by us as a violation of the spirit and intent of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
The Human Rights Crisis within the Policy
We highlight the following key concerns as attacks on human dignity:
- 20-Year Settlement Rule: Extending the path to life stability to two decades is a form of prolonged psychological trauma and punishment. For LGBTIQ+ refugees fleeing State and non-State – sanctioned violence, this perpetual uncertainty prevents healing, denies integration, and creates a state of permanent instability.
- Revoking the Duty to Support: Removing the legal obligation to prevent destitution for people seeking asylum will push the most vulnerable, especially those isolated by homophobia and transphobia into acute homelessness, exploitation, and illegal work—contradicting the government’s stated goals of control.
- Restrictions on Family Reunion: Denying the right to rebuild a family is a severe blow to the well-being of refugees whose support networks are often severed by persecution.
Aderonke Apata, Founder and CEO of African Rainbow Family, stated:
“This is effectively another form of government-sanctioned slavery! It beggars belief that a compassionate nation like the UK would embark on a policy so inhumane and extremely cruel. LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum would be doubly subjected to mental torture and limbo under this toxic policy.
We urge the Home Office Secretary to have a rethink about this diabolic policy, as it does nothing but alienate people within the community and further fuels discontentment.“
Call to Action
We call on the government to halt the implementation of these destructive reforms immediately. We demand a system based on humanitarian principles that offers refugees a clear and timely path to stability and integration, in full adherence to the UK’s international commitments to human rights.
Support the Fight: Fund Our Legal Casework Capacity
To ensure LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum do not face this hostile environment alone, we are mobilising our resources. We are proud to announce that we are now accredited by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) formerly known as OISC to provide essential legal advice and casework support.
Our Legal Access department is critical in the fight for justice, but with every new policy announcement—such as the 20-year wait and the duty to prove compliance—the need for our expert casework capacity immediately increases. You can be part of standing up for the rights of people seeking sanctuary by chipping in to fund our dedicated caseworker hours today.
Contacts for press:
Adeniyi Balogun, Refugee Advocacy and Campaigns Manager: adeniyi.balogun@africanrainbowfamily.org
Luca Dicorato, Media, Relationships & Communications Officer: luca.dicorato@africanrainbowfamily.org