During the course of 2018 the evidence of a deliberate government policy which aimed to create a hostile environment for migrants became known to the public across the UK. The clear and most obvious effect of this has been the treatment of people from the Windrush generation of immigrants.
At the same time the fact that similar policies directed against the human rights of migrants and refugees have been put into effect across other European countries. In response to this Permanent People's Tribunal - a distinguished international human rights organisation based in Rome - instigated a public inquiry into violations with impunity of the rights of migrants and refugees.
To further the work of this inquiry a hearing session was conducted in London across the weekend of the 3rd and 4th November 2018. At this hearing a jury of experts considered written and oral evidence submitted by over 40 civil society organisations based in the UK which detailed the many and various ways in which the rights of migrants and refugees have been violated in this country.
The deliberation of the London jury has now been published. This concludes that the UK government "purposively designed and implemented the hostile environment." It found that this is an environment which "facilitates and perpetuates racism and cruelty." It commended the role of civil society groups which have acted in support of migrants, acting to build the solidarities which are now needed if we are to meet challenges which come from nationalism and racial division.
Supporters of this petition commend the report to the attention of Her Majesty's Government and bring attention to its principal calls for action. Taken together these amount to an immediate end to hostile environment policies; defend and extend the right to freedom of movement; promote safe passage for people across all regions; end practices which render migrants vulnerable to exploitation and abuse; end detention; and build uncompromising opposition to racism and xenophobia in all its forms.
