compassion, dignity, safety

KRAN Manifesto - Safe Routes

By Rishan, Media Ambassador

Current state of UK refugee handling:

• refugees are labelled as “illegal” due to their entry methods

• many refugees end up in illegal situations - including exploitation from smuggling groups - due to lack of safe entry routes.

Causes of refugee status:

• refugees flee due to war, conflict and increasingly, climate change.

Impact of climate change:

• climate change leads to more frequent and severe floods, hurricanes, and droughts. Such events destroy homes and livelihoods, creating more climate refugees

• the number of climate refugees is expected to rise, highlighting the need for safe routes.

Definition of a safe route:

• a safe route is a secure, legal pathway for individuals fleeing danger to reach safety

• It minimises risks and ensures protection throughout the journey.

Moral and legal obligations:

• it is a collective responsibility to ensure refugees' journeys are met with compassion, dignity, and safety

• The dangerous crossings of the English Channel emphasises the need for structured, humane routes. In the last decade, more than 240 people have died making the crossing. 

Need for international collaboration:

• UK and France must collaborate on policies for safe and humane refugee passages

• International bodies such as the UN and EU should support and facilitate the establishment of safe routes with resources and oversight.

Role of organisations and communities:

• Organisations and advocacy groups should continue to support refugees and secure safe routes

• Individuals and communities should stand in solidarity with refugees, advocating for their rights and supporting safety initiatives.