Abandoned by the Justice I Once Believed In

Why I Risked My Life

I did not come to the UK on a small boat because I was reckless, desperate, or careless with my life. I came because every legal door was closed to me. The danger I faced at home left me with no real choice. My journey began from a place of stability—managing an oilfield in my country—before everything unraveled due to power, corruption, and personal vendettas.

From Safety to Fear

My path brought me to France, where the notion of safety quickly evaporated. Even in France, I lived under constant threat from powerful networks of smugglers and traffickers. As my family received ominous calls from back home, I knew I had to make the perilous decision to cross the Channel. I believed desperately in British law and justice—qualities that have long safeguarded those fleeing persecution. The sight of the UK flag on the Border Force boat was a beacon of hope.

The Reality of Asylum Processing

Upon arrival, that hope was utterly crushed. Instead of receiving compassion, we were subjected to cursory interviews that felt more like interrogations than anything resembling humane treatment. Officers glanced at screens rather than at the people in front of them, belonging to a system that failed to acknowledge our humanity.

“Randomly, we were either detained or sent to migrant hotels; I was among the unfortunate, ending up in a centre that felt like a prison.”

Detention: A Life-Altering Experience

My first entry into a detention centre left me in disbelief. The environment was hostile, populated with individuals who had criminal records, surrounded by drugs and violence. How can a country that prides itself on justice imprison innocent souls simply for seeking asylum? We were treated as criminals when the only “crime” we committed was asking for safety.

Access to Justice: An Illusion

What's worse, many detainees find themselves navigating this labyrinthine system without proper legal representation. They are often too traumatized or confused to understand their rights or the legal processes at play. When a peaceful protest was organized, the response was horrific—enhanced intimidation through dogs and teargas, as if we were the threat.

The 'One In, One Out' Policy

Under the UK government's “one in, one out” policy, I could be sent back to France, despite the documented threats against me. I submitted evidence of these threats, only to be dismissed because my translations weren't perfect. This felt like a mockery. Who could possibly trust a system that blatantly ignores credible risks to its most vulnerable?

“This UK-France deal is presented as a solution, but it is not. It mostly benefits France, while the UK suffers loss of moral standing.”

The Fallout of Failed Policies

Despite the claims of control, more than 16,000 people have crossed the Channel since this misbegotten policy started. Only a fraction have been returned; the vast majority remain trapped in limbo. Supplanting compassion with harsh measures has given the smugglers the upper hand—proving that punitive approaches fail to address the core problem.

A Call for Real Solutions

The UK must confront the reality: punishing innocent asylum seekers will not dismantle smuggling networks. Instead, we need to advocate for safe and legal routes, timely asylum processing, and meaningful cooperation targeting those who exploit desperate people. Without this, we will remain trapped in a cycle of shame and suffering.

Conclusion: The Cost of Abandoning Justice

I am not an isolated story; I represent countless souls who risk everything believing in a system that, at this moment, seems more intent on preserving its flawed policies than protecting the innocent. We deserve better. The UK must remember its legacy of justice and arm itself with courage, honesty, and leadership.