Recent studies show a disturbing increase in the number of asylum seekers who have died while in the custody of the UK Home Office. According to data, the number of fatalities has more than doubled in the last year. This growth has caused major worry among charities and advocacy groups.

Sharp Increase in Deaths

Between January and June 2024, 28 asylum seekers died in Home Office facilities. This statistic comprises two babies—a Pakistani boy and an Afghan girl—and a 15-year-old Iraqi male. This represents a significant increase above the 13 deaths recorded over the same period in 2023.

The Civil Fleet, the NGO that collected this information, has seen a troubling trend. Data for the first half of 2024 do not reveal particular causes of death, however some are unknown.

However, the 2023 data show that numerous deaths occurred as a consequence of unfortunate circumstances, including a hit-and-run incident and a fatal fire caused by an e-bike's exploded lithium battery.

Since 2020, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of deaths among asylum seekers in Home Office facilities. Between April 2016 and June 2024, there were 217 fatalities. Twenty-eight of these occurred between April 2016 and December 2019.

The remaining 189 deaths occurred between January 2020 and June 2024, accounting for 87% of the total. At the outset of the pandemic, the Home Office relocated tens of thousands of asylum seekers from communal housing to hotel rooms, sparking this rise.

Impact of Accommodation Conditions

Charities and advocacy groups are deeply concerned about the deteriorating conditions for asylum seekers. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, has denounced the sharp increase in deaths as "deeply troubling." He stressed the harmful consequences of isolating asylum seekers in low-quality housing with limited financial support.

Solomon emphasized that many of these people had escaped conflict, bloodshed, and terror in places like Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan. They sought refuge in the United Kingdom, but their current circumstances are causing significant distress. The lack of proper support and solitude in poor accommodation is having an impact on their health.

The Home Office has not commented on the increasing death toll. However, the department stated that the data reflected the previous government's record. They said that they would completely cooperate with inquiries into asylum seeker deaths.

This increase in mortality highlights the critical need for reforms in the care and support provided to asylum seekers. The mounting worries regarding their well-being underline the importance of thoroughly assessing current accommodation policies and procedures.

FAQS

Why are asylum seekers in the UK being put in hotels rather than conventional communal accommodation?

The transition to hotel accommodations began with the pandemic when the Home Office shifted tens of thousands of asylum seekers from shared homes to long-term hotel facilities. This was partially in reaction to public health concerns during the pandemic.

What legal responsibility does the UK government have for the welfare of asylum seekers?

The UK government is legally responsible for the safety and well-being of asylum seekers in its care. This includes providing enough housing, healthcare, and assistance to avoid catastrophic results like recent publications.