After vaccinating nearly 1/3 of the population, the U.K. has strengthened its international reputation. But as the media reflects on royal departures and the government’s success, it fails to cover recent human rights violations.

In Sep. 2020, the U.K. designated the Napier Barracks in Kent as their first migrant camp. The former military base has been used by asylum seekers — who mostly came from France across the English Channel — ever since. Whilst the Home Office called it suitable accommodation for the swathes of migrants, human rights groups have uncovered the unsanitary and unsafe conditions migrants are facing. In December, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Doctors of the World and Freedom from Torture, wrote to the British government, expressing their concerns over the barrack conditions. 

One camp resident named Alex said, “I feel like I am in a prison. I am detained although the only thing I did was seek sanctuary here in the U.K. Why am I being punished for this?”

Over 300 migrants, asylum seekers and refugees currently reside at the camp. Adequate heating and healthcare provisions are lacking, with up to twenty sharing one shower. In the midst of a pandemic, these conditions should be deemed unethical and illegal. Residents have refused to sleep indoors, threatened suicide and committed to a series of hunger strikes as a way to get their voices heard by leaders and the general public.

COVID-19 cases are said to have infected at least 50% of the resident population. Housed and sleeping in blocks of more than twenty, Home Secretary Priti Patel is still open to using similar sites to accommodate migrants in the future. Residents have been given no date as to when they will be moved into new accommodation, they currently face a fenced-in future.

On Jan. 29, a fire broke out, the canteen closed and windows were smashed, limiting the already small resources the asylum seekers had access to. Despite food being delivered to the residents, a large number reported that it was cold upon arrival. Since the fire, there has been a limited hot water and electricity supply. An Egyptian resident told Al Jazeera, “After the fire, we stayed in the dark for a couple of days and there was no heating. It was extremely cold and dark, it was horrible.” Further reports indicate there is only one nurse at the site. One medical staff member stationed to oversee over 300 people is a direct failure of the government. 

As the risk of catching the coronavirus remains high, many are also witnessing a mental health decline. As of January, ChooseLove reported that 22 residents are currently on suicide watch. On Feb. 3, documents leaked to the Independent stated that asylum seekers were refused enhanced accommodation by the government after determining it may “undermine confidence” in the British immigration system. Trafficking victims and those fleeing war-torn countries are among those stuck in squalid conditions, the vulnerable are being failed by an inhumane asylum process. 

One Iranian resident indicated the real reason they are being kept in the conditions was to send a message. “I know you made us suffer for political purposes. I know you did this to send a clear message to the asylum seekers around Europe that you don’t want them here. But you ruined your country’s reputation and in regard to protecting human rights, especially the ones who are vulnerable.” 

Life outside the barracks consists of far-right protesters intimidating residents and heightened hostility in the local community. Government hotels have also been subjected to scrutiny, with asylum seekers reporting sexual harassment and workers claiming they are being paid below the legal minimum wage. Last year, at least nine died in hotels run by Home Office private contractors. The same company that owns the hotels – Clearsprings Ready Homes – runs the Napier barracks, where asylum seekers live in unsanitary and cramped conditions. Maddie Harris from the Human for Rights Network said women were being abused in one of the hotels. “We have received allegations that young women are being exploited. This is deeply concerning as these vulnerable women must be protected from harm. The Home Office must immediately investigate these allegations and ensure that asylum seekers whom they have a statutory responsibility to protect are safeguarded from harm.”

The British government must see the face behind the case, a policy they promised to follow after the Windrush scandal. Despite having no choice but to leave their home countries, residents continue to be treated as though they are being punished. Leaders should move the group to more suitable accommodation with adequate facilities and resources, ensuring these people are correctly looked after. Close the camp, save lives.

How to help:

Sign the ‘freedom from torture’ petition here that is calling for the government to close the barracks