£5 a day not right for Asylum seekers
I SHARE Stuart Crossthwaite's concerns (Oct 13) that asylum seekers have had their benefits reduced to an impossible £5 per day.
There is no point in creating a situation in this country where thousands of people live below the survival line. Much better to give them the opportunity to work legally or give them adequate support.
Crucially, there is often a possibility that their lives will be endangered upon their return to the country from which they have fled.
For example, here in Sheffield there are asylum seekers from parts of Iraq where they cannot be returned with guarantees of safety.
Removing someone to Baghdad, or elsewhere in central or southern Iraq, is likely to put their life in danger. Amnesty International is opposed to all forcible returns to southern and central Iraq.Until the situation improves and it is safe to return to Iraq, these people must be offered some form of protection in the UK.
Amnesty International is part of Still Human Still Here, a broad coalition of 29 organisations campaigning to bring all refused asylum seekers out of destitution. Asylum seekers should be allowed the right to work or given adequate support and, if necessary, accommodation until the applicant either leaves the UK or is given permission to stay.
Graham Jones, Press and Media Officer, Sheffield Amnesty International Group
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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