LONDON: The United Kingdom’s (UK) decision to “turn its back” on war-hit Sudan could create a dangerous precedent that sees the refugees’ rights “lost to history,” a refugee charity warned on Sunday.
Urging the United Kingdom’s government to reverse its decision and establish a new visa system to help those fleeing war in Sudan in the same way it has done for Ukrainians, Deputy CEO of Choose Love Emma Stevenson said that the organization has a request for Britain to not turn its back on people seeking safety, Arab News reported.
She said that even if just a few nations follow the UK government’s example and deny asylum to those fleeing violence and persecution, the refugees’ rights and the fundamental legal right to claim asylum could be lost to history.
Clashes erupted between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in mid-April, and the war has only intensified since.
Hundreds of people have vanished in the crossfire, and at least 200,000 — but potentially around one million — have been displaced. Yet, the UK has refused to bring a visa scheme, especially for Sudanese affected by the war.
Petitions for war-hit people’s rights
A petition has been initiated, which at the time of writing had inked 27,000 signatures. If it reached 100,000, the government would have to consider it for a debate in the parliament.
Responding to the petition, the UK government reiterated no plans to bring a visa scheme for family members of British nationals and settled migrants affected by the violence.
It added that the government recognized that some people displaced by the war might wish to join the family in the UK. Those family members who do not have a current British visa can apply for it via one of the country’s standard visa routes, which remain available.
The government further said that it was monitoring the situation in Sudan very closely to ensure that it could respond in a proper way.
On the international level, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, said those participating in Friday’s Arab League Summit in Jeddah had to benefit from this “unique opportunity” to end the conflict.
Saudi Arabia is involved in trying to bring about peace in the country, having brokered multiple ceasefires. But with each agreement is broken, Stevenson is circumspect on the short-term possibilities for a resolution.
She said there was little sign that the conflict would cease any time soon, with the situation becoming increasingly desperate as the war intensified.
