Rainbow Bedfordshire Events C.I.C statement on provision of letters of support for those claiming asylum in the United Kingdom.
Introduction
As an LGBTQ+ organisation we are often approached by members of the community requesting a letter to support their application for asylum in the United Kingdom. These cases typically concern the stigma, and prejudice, persecution and draconian legal practices they will face if they return to their home country.
We are always willing to listen to these individuals with an open mind, and compassion, we understand that these terrible circumstances exist globally.
We realise that it is very difficult for someone who is forced to claim asylum and to navigate the challenging system when they have been unable to disclose their sexual orientation and/or gender identity before they reach the United Kingdom. It can be dangerous to disclose this in certain cultures, and there are language barriers that make it difficult for them to connect with a lot of LGBTQ+ communities in the UK.
For someone who is facing human rights abuses in their country of birth, who has no evidence of their LGBTQ+ status, or any evidenced experience of prior violence and oppression, the chances of a successful claim for asylum are low.
We have to ensure that any action we take will not damage our organisation. Any legal action taken against Rainbow Bedfordshire would make it untenable for us to continue our community work.
Statement of intent – Asylum claim evidence
Letters of Support
We will always have to consider whether, as individuals or an organisation, have really developed a strong enough relationship with the asylum applicant for the purpose of supporting their application. We have to consider whether the applicant has a genuine relationship with us as individuals and/or engagement with our organisation/ community
A letter of support will later be used as a piece of legal evidence. It can be very difficult to write one for someone that we do not know well enough.
For this reason, our leadership has implemented boundaries to make sure that all the letters of support we provide are genuine and of a good quality. For example:
The applicant needs to have been an active member of their organisation for a minimum of 8 weeks/10 groups (2 of these can be online monthly groups)
The applicant needs to engage with the above Rainbow Bedfordshire activities and responsibilities to demonstrate a certain level of commitment before they request a letter.
The level of commitment must be such that we have no doubt that the applicant will continue to be an active member of the Rainbow Bedfordshire community after the supporting letter has been drafted and submitted, so that we can provide valid evidence to the Home Office that their connection with us is a genuine, authentic one.
Additional Evidence
Under no circumstances will we permit photography or filming at any of our events or activities from anyone who has not become an active participant, or trusted member of the community, for any purpose without explicit permission. (please refer to the existing Rainbow Bedfordshire Code of Conduct) This poses a risk to others, and is not negotiable.
Only directors of the Rainbow Bedfordshire Events C.I.C can draft letters of support to confirm engagement within our organisation. Volunteers or community members who draft letters claiming to be representative of our organisation will be risking our reputation and their involvement with the services we offer.
For further understanding of the position we have taken: