Funds to support LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system

Sixty-five countries around the world criminalise homosexuality, with penalties ranging from imprisonment and public stoning to, in the cases of twelve countries, the death penalty.

Since last year, the legal pro bono practice at Stephenson Harwood LLP has worked with Rainbow Migration as a legal partner, representing Rainbow Migration's referral clients and advising them throughout the asylum process.

The asylum process in the UK is convoluted and lengthy, and a successful asylum claim is unattainable for many without legal advice and representation. The high standard of proof required in applications, compounded by barriers such as language difficulties, means that a disproportionate number of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers are unable to make successful applications and are forced to return to their home countries to face persecution.

Since the Rwanda Bill, thousands of people now need urgent advice to challenge their removal to Rwanda. Rainbow Migration is the only legal advice is UK that specifically helps LGBTQI+ people to secure permission to remain in the UK.

Your donations helps Rainbow Migration continue their work:

• £20 pays for an urgent one-to-one emotional support call for someone who has just been notified they are being sent to Rwanda;
• £50 pays for over an hour of professional interpreting so that no matter what country someone is from, we can support them when they need it most; and
• £100 pays for four LGBTQI+ people to receive specialist legal advice and help to find them lawyers so they can challenge their removal to Rwanda.

Please give as generously as you are able.