Proposals to restrict protections for survivors of modern slavery and trafficking are not only cruel, but dangerous. It risks undermining key protections the UK has developed - and been proud of. @johnmcdonnellmp.bsky.social argues 'the Bill does not reflect the reality' 10/🧵

As we have argued, the £10k refugee tax is punitive and harsh. We were pleased to see MPs from across parties call out this cruel proposal. As @bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social said, it is 'purely punitive and ignores the legal right to asylum.' Thank you, Bell. 9/🧵

Proposals to overhaul the appeals process are concerning & have received opposition from many civil rights organisations & the @thebarcouncil.bsky.social. Key concerns raised by MPs, including @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social, highlighted the risk of undermining the independence of the judiciary. 7/🧵

The Bill fails to acknowledge the reasons why people need to seek safety in the first place, and undermines the very right to seek asylum. Instead, the Bill will make it harder for people to find a safe home here and cause huge harm. Thank you @sianberry.bsky.social for your interventions. 6/🧵

As @petewishart.bsky.social points out, anti-immigration sentiment has led to whole communities feeling unsafe, demonised and scapegoated - on a weekly basis. This is shameful. Thank you Peter for raising this vital issue. 5/🧵

Since 1998, there have been over 150 pieces or legislation or policy changes on immigration. Rather than increasing fairness or efficiency, each has taken away rights and treated people badly. @hackneyabbott.bsky.social argues this Bill will be one more. 3/🧵

We're proudly marching in London Pride today with Rainbow Sisters - our solidarity group for LGBTQ+ women seeking safety. While we march with joy and celebration, we are also marching with a spirit of protest for freedom, safety and dignity for LGBTQ+ people all around the world. 🏳️‍🌈💜 🏳️‍⚧️

🌈Pride is one week away! Rainbow Sisters, our solidarity group for LGBTQ+ women seeking safety, have been decorating their t-shirts to wear proudly in the official parade. As refugee and queer communities face growing hostility, we're celebrating who we are louder and prouder than ever!✊

📰⬆️Disinformation and misleading news stories are on the rise. If this worries you, we have a webinar for you! Develop the tools you need to have productive conversations about immigration and violence against women. 📆 Tuesday 14 July ⏰ 1-2pm 📍 Online us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... 1/2

We're proud to be part of 100 Years, 100 Migrants 🌍✨ This unique photography project captures 100 portraits of 100 people, representing 100 different countries and 100 different ages. Vicky, a refugee woman and member of our network, is proudly representing Namibia in this beautiful portrait. 1/🧵

To our sisters who are still going through the asylum system: you are strong. Keep your voice loud Your spirit alive, and Your hope intact. 6/🧵

Our hope is our power. Despite the challenges and hostility of the asylum system, our hope cannot be taken away. 5/🧵

Despite all the challenges, we know: 😄 Confidence can return 🗣️ Voices can rise 🕊️ Freedom can be reclaimed 4/🧵

We live in a system that constantly reminds us: you do not belong. This is tiring, upsetting, dehumanising. But we do belong. We all belong in our communities. 3/🧵

Over the last few years, far-right hostility has spilled out onto our streets, with increasing frequency. But: 🗣️ We are still here. We refused to be silenced. We speak because silence is giving up - and giving up is not an option. 2/🧵

This @refugeeweek.bsky.social, we celebrate the courage of... 💜 Women who seek safety for their children. 💜 Women who challenge injustice and demand change. 💜 Women who live proudly as queer women. 💜 Every refugee woman who rebuilds her life, on her own terms. Videography: Yoni Gal

Our Campaigns Champions - refugee women from our network - volunteered on the day and shared: 🗣️ "We had a great time!" 🗣️ "I had so many interesting conversations. I felt powerful!" 🗣️ "It was the best day." 6/🧵

🪡 Threads of Connection🪡 We invited participants to share something about themselves in response to prompts such as 'I love' or 'I worry about' and to then connect their statement with something similar. The wall became a huge web of connection - showing that we have more in common 💜 5/🧵

🔄 Spin the Wheel 🔄 We invited festivalgoers to spin our wheel to receive a statement about the asylum system in the UK and to decide whether it is true or false. The wheel sparked lots of interesting conversations and so many people told us they learnt something new! 4/🧵

🌳 Tree of Courage 🌳 This week is #RefugeeWeek and the theme is #Courage. So, we invited festivalgoers to share a message of courage to women seeking safety in the UK. By the end of the day, our tree was blooming with messages of hope, welcome, love, and courage. 3/🧵

Today is the first day of Refugee Week. This week and every week, we stand alongside refugee women - championing their strength, amplifying their voices, and keeping their lived experiences at the heart of everything we do. Today and every day: Refugees welcome! 💜🧡

🌈 It's Pride month, which means we are officially counting down to @prideinlondon.bsky.social! Rainbow Sisters - our solidarity group for LGBTQ+ women seeking safety in the UK - have started making placards to carry in the parade. 🏳️‍🌈 "Human rights are NOT a matter of opinion!" 1/2

🎉☺️ A couple of happy things that have happened this week! 📸 Some members of our network took part in a photoshoot for one of our corporate partners, and ✍️ Our amazing volunteers wrote about their experiences to share for #VolunteersWeek next week We like to celebrate the small things too!

(TW: Image shows homophobic slurs) Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. To mark the day we're sharing our Rainbow Sister Elise's powerful photograph, titled 'Attack', which explores the homophobic abuse she has experienced as a lesbian woman. 1/🧵

Hope can feel distant when hate and fear fill the headlines. But when we resist together, support one another, and build community, we create hope. And this is powerful! 💜 Listen to refugee women and our team share what hope means to them 👇 #MillionActsofHope @refugeestogether.bsky.social

No matter what the results today, our resolve for a better future for all of us remains as strong as ever. We know that: 💪 Hope is stronger than fear 💜 Refugees are welcome ✊ We are stronger together Because, we will not give up.

🎉👏 This week, the fourth cohort of our Spokesperson Network graduated! Our Spokesperson Network is a dedicated course to support women to develop the skills and confidence for media, public speaking and events. We are so proud of everyone and can't wait to see what they go on to do!

We’re hiring a Referrals Coordinator! In this role, you’ll: 🙌 Welcome women into our community with warmth and care; 🫶 Support the needs of asylum‑seeking and refugee women; 👩‍💻 Manage referrals into and out of WRW. If this sounds like you, apply now ⬇️ www.refugeewomen.co.uk/referrals-co...

🚨✈️ Five airlines are helping the Government forcefully remove people seeking safety here – sometimes using violence - including survivors of torture and human trafficking. This is cruel and unacceptable. Join @jcwi-uk.bsky.social & email the airline CEOs and tell them to STOP. shorturl.at/HBhvJ

We’re looking for a Grassroots Assistant to join our team! Are you: ✅ A woman with lived experience of the UK’s asylum system? ✅ Keen to build community? ✅ Passionate about supporting refugee women? Three yeses? You could be the one! More about the role: www.refugeewomen.co.uk/we-are-recru...