The decision to house asylum-seekers on the Bibby Stockholm, dubbed a “floating prison,” has sparked concern and outrage from Steve Smith, the CEO of Care4Calais, a refugee charity.
Smith emphasizes that this approach is not only inhumane but also risks retraumatizing vulnerable individuals who have fled war zones and endured horrific experiences.
He raises alarm over the lack of sufficient fire safety measures on the vessel, expressing fears that this initiative prioritizes cost-cutting over people’s lives.
The Risk of Retraumatization:
Smith highlights that Care4Calais is currently assisting 11 individuals who have been informed by the Home Office that they will be moved to the Bibby Stockholm.
Many of these individuals are survivors of torture, people with disabilities, and those who have experienced trauma during their perilous sea journeys.
Placing such individuals in an environment reminiscent of a “floating prison” is deemed unacceptable and cruel, as it disregards their past traumas and struggles.
Fire Safety Concerns:
The Bibby Stockholm was originally intended to accommodate 220 people, but the government aims to house 506 residents on board, with additional security and staff bringing the total to 546.
This overcrowding raises significant fire safety hazards, as the vessel’s narrow corridors and limited fire escapes could lead to chaos and pandemonium in the event of a fire.
Smith emphasizes that panicked individuals, cramped in tight spaces, would face difficulties escaping and could be exposed to serious risks, particularly those who cannot swim.
Calls for Alternative Solutions:
To address the housing crisis for asylum-seekers, Smith proposes alternative solutions to speed up the asylum process.
He advocates prioritizing applications from high-risk countries like Afghanistan and implementing a safe passage system similar to what has been established for Ukraine.
By accelerating the processing of claims and integrating refugees into communities, the need for facilities like the Bibby Stockholm would decrease, and concerns about costs would diminish.
Conclusion:
The proposed housing of asylum-seekers on the Bibby Stockholm is met with strong opposition from Steve Smith and Care4Calais.
The humanitarian concerns of retraumatization and inadequate fire safety are paramount, prompting calls for more humane and effective solutions to support refugees.
By prioritizing the asylum process and providing safe passage options, the UK government can alleviate the strain on facilities like the Bibby Stockholm and better support vulnerable individuals seeking a new beginning in the country.
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