Snowdrop's statement - Rwanda bill

Last night, the government’s Rwanda Bill passed in parliament.

This is a devastating blow for human rights and the rights of people seeking sanctuary.

We know many people across the country will be horrified that the bill has passed in their name - as are all of us at Snowdrop.

We believe the Rwanda Bill breaches many of the UK’s obligations under domestic and international law, and sends a damaging signal to the world about the UK’s commitment to human rights.

This is an unprecedented moment for the UK. The government has ignored the Supreme Court and used legislation to declare a country safe. This does not change the facts on the ground.

At Snowdrop, we are deeply concerned about the impact of the bill on survivors of modern slavery.

Contrary to the government’s claims, the bill makes it easier for traffickers to operate by strengthening their hold over those they are exploiting.

It also places survivors of modern slavery, who are already extremely vulnerable, at even greater risk.

Finally, the bill means that the Illegal Migration Act can now be fully implemented, creating further barriers to accessing support for survivors.

The bill will silence those who are being exploited from speaking out, due to fear of detention and deportation.

Those who have escaped exploitation will be forced underground in order to avoid contact with the authorities. This will put survivors at increased risk of homelessness, destitution and, ultimately, re-exploitation.

In addition, although the bill states that a person’s removal to Rwanda will be rendered unsafe if they are a victim of trafficking, in reality, individuals will be given just seven days’ notice before their removal.

This means that survivors will have an extremely brief window in which to gather evidence to prove their status as a victim of trafficking - a virtually impossible task.

The Rwanda Bill is incredibly cruel.

It treats those who arrive in the UK through unofficial means as criminals who should be detained and deported.

It puts the rights, and lives, of those seeking sanctuary - including survivors of modern slavery - at risk.

Survivors of modern slavery have a legitimate claim to safety in the UK. The bill disregards this.

We remain committed to the fight for an immigration system that is fair, compassionate and respects human rights.

We remain committed to ensuring that survivors of modern slavery can access the support they need to rebuild their lives.

We remain committed to demonstrating to survivors that humanity, kindness and empathy prevail in the UK.

We will continue doing everything we can to further these goals.

As ever, thank you for your support, and for being part of a community dedicated to building a future free from modern slavery.

The Snowdrop team

For press enquiries: rosie@snowdropproject.co.uk