According to a research conducted by Women For Refugee Women (WFRW), two-thirds of those refused asylum in the UK were left destitute and over half had thought about killing themselves.
The charity’s study of more than 70 respondents living in seven UK cities, which is entitled “Refused: the experiences of women denied asylum in the UK,” also found that nearly half (48%) of women seeking asylum in Britain have fallen victim to rape in their home countries.
“These findings suggest that every year hundreds of women who have survived rape and abuse are refused asylum and experience destitution, detention and despair in this country,” said Natasha Walter, director of WFRW.
“We are asking the Government to note the growing concern about this issue and reform the asylum process to make it more responsive to women’s needs.”
However, a UK Border Agency spokesman said, “We are proud to offer refuge to those who need it. But when we and the courts have found that applicants are not in need of asylum then we expect them to go home.”
SSM/HE