A 23-year-old refugee from Sudan was spotted freezing and desperate outside Erewash Borough Council in Long Eaton after losing his accommodation.
The young man, who had only a suitcase and backpack, spent a night on a bench outside the council building when his attempts to secure help went unanswered.
The refugee from Sudan, who left his family in Sudan seeking safety, was told by his former accommodation providers that the council would arrange a new place for him.
Despite repeated calls and emails, he received no response. He waited for hours outside the council building, which operates limited hours from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., only to find it closed. A passerby noticed the man, who was visibly cold and distressed and spoke with him.
Also read: Family torn apart as mum forced to live at hospital for ill brave daughter
“He was so cold he could barely write,” the passerby said, expressing frustration at what they described as “disgusting treatment” of the Sudanese refugee.
After multiple calls and some assistance from council contacts, the passerby finally managed to secure a place for him for the evening. The young man was taken to a taxi and transported to his new accommodation, where he had access to warmth and a hot shower.
Explaining, the Good Samaritan said: “After lots of calls finally they called and said he needed to get a taxi and he had accommodation for this evening! I took him and made sure he got his taxi.
“Thank god! This evening he has messaged expressing his appreciation and is safe and had a hot shower and he’s ok.
‘Thank god. I dread to think what would have happened to him if I had not stopped and helped him.”
What the council said about the Long Eaton refugee from Sudan
Erewash Borough Council thanked the Good Samaritan who intervened. In a statement, they said they were saddened about the entire situation but happy that the refugee would not be sleeping in the cold any longer.
Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing Cllr Josy Hare said: “We are extremely sorry to hear about the plight of this young refugee, who is now thankfully not sleeping in the cold. The intervention of the individual who came to his assistance is to be applauded.
“Erewash Borough Council’s Housing Options Team works with a range of partners to offer advice and assistance to anyone who is homeless or threatened with homelessness.
“For out of hours emergency help the number to call is that of the charity we have partnered with – P3. The hotline is 0808 1692 333. Further details are on the council’s website.
“In Long Eaton especially we are grateful for the magnificent work of the Canaan Trust, who also have an emergency hotline. They can be reached 24 hours a day on 0115 946 4903.”
Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing Cllr Josy Hare said: “We are extremely sorry to hear about the plight of this young refugee, who is now thankfully not sleeping in the cold. The intervention of the individual who came to his assistance is to be applauded.
“Erewash Borough Council’s Housing Options Team works with a range of partners to offer advice and assistance to anyone homeless or threatened with homelessness.
“For out-of-hours emergency help the number to call is that of the charity we have partnered with – P3. The hotline is 0808 1692 333. Further details are on the council’s website.
“In Long Eaton especially we are grateful for the magnificent work of the Canaan Trust, who also have an emergency hotline. They can be reached 24 hours a day on 0115 946 4903.”
UK Law and Council Obligations Towards Refugees
International, national, and local frameworks govern the United Kingdom’s obligations to refugees. At the heart of this is the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, which the UK has ratified. This treaty requires the UK to protect individuals fleeing persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Legal frameworks of refugee protection in the UK
Under UK law, refugees can claim asylum, seeking protection from persecution in their home countries. The process is governed by the Immigration Rules, alongside the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 and the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, which aims to differentiate between refugees based on their method of arrival. While the law guarantees the right to apply for asylum, the UK enforces strict checks, requiring claimants to prove they face serious threats in their home country.
Once granted refugee status, individuals have the right to remain in the UK, access public services like healthcare and education, and work. For unsuccessful claimants, councils and charities often provide emergency support, though they may face deportation.
Is the council obligated to provide for refugees?
Local councils play a vital role in supporting asylum seekers and refugees, as per their duties under the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014. This includes providing:
•Housing: Councils are required to house asylum seekers under the Home Office’s dispersal system. Refugees granted status may qualify for mainstream social housing.
•Financial Support: While asylum seekers receive modest subsistence allowances (around £47.39 weekly per person), councils ensure needy families or individuals have essentials.
•Social Services: Councils offer social care, education for refugee children, and health referrals. Vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied minors, are entitled to additional protections.
Challenges and Debates
Critics argue that recent legal changes, particularly under the Nationality and Borders Act, have made the asylum process more restrictive. Councils face increasing strain due to housing shortages and funding gaps, with many advocating for greater financial support from the central government to fulfil their obligations.
The UK government must review applications fairly and provide temporary protections during processing. Breaches of these obligations, such as delays or inadequate housing, often lead to legal challenges.
This complex system underscores the tension between maintaining a fair asylum process and managing local resources effectively.
Refugees and Asylum Seeker Stats in the UK
In 2023, the UK received 67,337 asylum applications, covering 84,425 individuals. This marked a sharp rise from previous years, with applications increasing significantly since 2021.
Asylum seekers accounted for 7% of UK immigration last year. Major countries of origin included Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
The success rate for asylum applications at the initial decision stage dropped to 67% in 2023, down from 76% in 2022, reflecting stricter policies and changes in applicant demographics.
Afghanistan has consistently been the leading country of origin for applicants, driven by ongoing conflicts and instability. Other major groups included Ukrainians and Afghans resettled under bespoke humanitarian schemes.
Small boat arrivals accounted for nearly one-third of all asylum applications, with 28,400 individuals making the Channel crossing in 2023.
The UK has also processed 224,700 asylum cases as of June 2024, with 87,200 still awaiting an initial decision. This backlog reflects both delays in processing and an increase in applicants. Comparatively, the UK had 13 asylum applicants per 10,000 residents in 2022, below the EU average of 25 per 10,000.
What to Do If You Spot a Refugee in Distress
If you encounter a refugee in distress, there are steps you can take to assist them effectively while ensuring their safety and respecting their rights:
1. Assess the Situation
Evaluate their immediate condition. If they seem injured or unwell, contact emergency services (999 in the UK).
Ensure your safety and theirs—avoid putting yourself at risk.
2. Contact Relevant Authorities
Notify local police or border agencies if the refugee appears lost or displaced.
You can also reach out to organizations like the Refugee Council, Red Cross, or Refugee Action for professional intervention.
3. Provide Immediate Assistance
Offer water, food, or warm clothing if it’s safe and appropriate to do so.
Avoid overwhelming them with questions or actions that may heighten their stress.
4. Offer Emotional Support
Speak calmly and reassure them. Use translation apps if there is a language barrier.
Be empathetic and avoid making assumptions about their situation.
5. Refer to Support Networks
Encourage them to seek help from trusted organizations. The Refugee Council helpline (0808 196 7272) offers advice and support.
Direct unaccompanied minors to the local social services team.
Key Points to Remember
- Refugees are often fleeing traumatic situations and may fear authority figures. Reassure them that help is available.
- Always follow legal guidelines and avoid taking matters into your own hands.
- Refugee rights under UK law include access to protection, legal advice, and humanitarian support.
For additional resources, visit the UK Refugee Council or contact local advocacy groups.
- The story was updated at 3.10 pm to include the statement from Erewash Borough Council…
Comments are closed.