sunny.shehab@voicesinexile.org, Author at Voices In Exile https://www.voicesinexile.org/author/sunny-shehabvoicesinexile-org/ Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:56:33 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://www.voicesinexile.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ViE_icon_primary_screen-150x150.png sunny.shehab@voicesinexile.org, Author at Voices In Exile https://www.voicesinexile.org/author/sunny-shehabvoicesinexile-org/ 32 32 End the private contractor’s greed in asylum seeker housing: BBC News story https://www.voicesinexile.org/1458-2/ Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:50:25 +0000 https://www.voicesinexile.org/?p=1458 In August, Voices signed onto a statement with 60 organisations calling for an end to using for-profit private contractors in the delivery of housing for people seeking asylum. We also […]

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In August, Voices signed onto a statement with 60 organisations calling for an end to using for-profit private contractors in the delivery of housing for people seeking asylum. We also pushed for a story to be used by BBC News, highlighting the unliveable conditions experienced by those in the hotels.
The story was published this morning by the BBC – have a read: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9r5m74de8o
A screenshot from the BBC article

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]]> A statement of solidarity and support with Peacehaven Mosque https://www.voicesinexile.org/a-statement-of-solidarity-with-peacehaven-mosque/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:54:13 +0000 https://www.voicesinexile.org/?p=1462 We are deeply shocked and saddened by the attack on Peacehaven Mosque yesterday, and our thoughts are with all those affected. During this challenging time of increased division and tension, […]

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]]> We are deeply shocked and saddened by the attack on Peacehaven Mosque yesterday, and our thoughts are with all those affected.

During this challenging time of increased division and tension, Voices in Exile stands in full solidarity with communities of all faiths, and of none, in Brighton & Hove, Sussex and throughout the UK.

We will always be committed to the values of equality, dignity, and respect for all.

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]]> Letter to the Home Secretary: Unite our communities https://www.voicesinexile.org/letter-to-the-home-secretary-unite-our-communities/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:41:04 +0000 https://www.voicesinexile.org/?p=1454 Anger and division cause tensions in our communities, dividing us and tearing the social fabric of our society. It harms us all. We have signed this open letter with over […]

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Anger and division cause tensions in our communities, dividing us and tearing the social fabric of our society. It harms us all.
We have signed this open letter with over 100 other organisations calling on the new Home Secretary to unite communities to improve everyone’s lives.
“Anger and division will never satisfy voters in the long term. They cause tensions in our communities, dividing us and tearing the social fabric of our society. As the new home secretary, you now have an opportunity to turn the tide, and to end the scapegoating of migrants and performative policies that only cause harm. The government runs the risk of this country accelerating along a dangerous path, and now is the time to urgently correct this and change course.”
Update: It has now also been featured in The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/…/stop-blaming-migrants-and…

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]]> 28 days is never enough: A letter to Government https://www.voicesinexile.org/28-days-is-never-enough-a-letter-to-government/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:47:49 +0000 https://www.voicesinexile.org/?p=1456 With 63 other expert groups, we have written to Government to oppose the sudden reduction in the asylum accommodation move-on period for newly recognised refugees. This short-sighted move to halve […]

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With 63 other expert groups, we have written to Government to oppose the sudden reduction in the asylum accommodation move-on period for newly recognised refugees.
This short-sighted move to halve the period many refugees have to find accommodation to 28 days risks significantly increasing homelessness and rough sleeping. The policy change is a reversal of a pilot scheme which early indications show was successful in reducing homelessness and helping refugees integrate successfully into their new communities. We urge Ministers reconsider their decision, which risks undermining cross-government efforts to reduce homelessness and ensure the safety of people in vulnerable situations.

“…Furthermore, to cause higher rates of homelessness among newly recognised refugees at a time when racist and anti-migrant sentiment is on the rise will put individuals at even greater risk of harm on the streets and exacerbate community tensions. We urge you to reconsider.”

Read our joint letter in full in the The Guardian today: https://www.theguardian.com/…/scrap-policy-that-gives..

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]]> End this alarming current of hatred: Open letter to party leaders https://www.voicesinexile.org/end-this-alarming-current-of-hatred-open-letter-to-party-leaders/ Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:35:16 +0000 https://www.voicesinexile.org/?p=1410 Voices in Exile join over 200 orgs to call on party leaders to end the divisive politics, racist rhetoric and demonising language of the past. Only then will they bring […]

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]]> Voices in Exile join over 200 orgs to call on party leaders to end the divisive politics, racist rhetoric and demonising language of the past. Only then will they bring unity instead of division and cohesion rather than hate.  This must be a turning point.

Anti-refugee protests across the country have been distressing to witness, with echoes of last summer’s riots making them all the more alarming.

‘The pernicious and insidious currents of racism and hatred underlying these protests are glaring evidence of a failing system. The responsibility to end the divisive politics, racist rhetoric and demonising language of the past is yours. Only then will you bring unity instead of division and cohesion rather than hate.’

A snapshot of The Guardian article about our open letter

You can read the article posted on The Guardian here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/11/uk-party-leaders-urged-end-pernicious-currents-racism-hatred-fuelling-anti-migrant-protests

The press release and full letter is posted here by Together with Refugees: https://togetherwithrefugees.org.uk/far-right-response-aug-2025/

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]]> Safe Homes, Not Hotels: Open letter to Yvette Cooper demanding action on asylum accomodation https://www.voicesinexile.org/safe-homes-not-hotels-open-letter-to-yvette-cooper-demanding-action-on-asylum-accomodation/ Wed, 14 May 2025 07:45:14 +0000 https://www.voicesinexile.org/?p=1217 Voices in Exile joined over 50 organisations in signing Conversations Over Borders’ open letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper demanding a chance in the UK’s initial asylum accommodation system. The […]

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]]> Voices in Exile joined over 50 organisations in signing Conversations Over Borders’ open letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper demanding a chance in the UK’s initial asylum accommodation system. The current system is failing people – asylum seekers face abuse, targeted violence, and is costing the taxpayer millions — benefitting private companies who continue to provide inhumane and dangerous living conditions.

‘The hotel contracts have a break clause in 2026 – and we are calling for this government to use this moment to stop housing vulnerable asylum seekers in hotels, and to create new, community-based housing that protects the rights of refugees and asylum seekers and allows them to settle into their new lives in the UK, while saving taxpayer money.​​​ We are now calling for the government to take immediate action to implement a safe, community-based asylum accommodation system.’

We need Safe Homes, Not Hotels. 

You can read the open letter here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V-TR6pyBOoNzmpiQCkHTczMlG0o-Tf7EMzSDeCdWS5Y/edit?tab=t.0

You can sign the open letter here: https://airtable.com/app1cYKkNjetTrwRI/shrdFbvymtSn4EzNu

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]]> Migrant parents screen video message across Westminster https://www.voicesinexile.org/breaking-migrant-parents-screen-video-message-across-westminster/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:26:15 +0000 https://www.voicesinexile.org/?p=1148 ‘This week, Praxis campaigners screened a video message across Westminster to make migrant voices heard on child poverty. The video played on loop around Westminster, parking outside the Department for […]

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]]> ‘This week, Praxis campaigners screened a video message across Westminster to make migrant voices heard on child poverty. The video played on loop around Westminster, parking outside the Department for Education, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Home Office – the departments with the power to make change for migrant children living in poverty. With its Child Poverty Strategy due to be published in Spring, the Government has a unique opportunity to lift families living in vulnerable situations out of poverty and ensure all children can have the best start to life, no matter where they or their parents were born.’

You can watch it here:

We also have a write to Ministers campaign action live if you would like to share.

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]]> No child left behind: Take action now! https://www.voicesinexile.org/no-child-left-behind-take-action-now/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:21:16 +0000 https://www.voicesinexile.org/?p=1145 This Government promised to cut child poverty. Right now, they are writing their strategy on how they’ll do it. The question is, will they protect every child from poverty or […]

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This Government promised to cut child poverty. Right now, they are writing their strategy on how they’ll do it. The question is, will they protect every child from poverty or just British children? 1 in 3 children living in deep poverty are migrant children. This is not a coincidence. Hostile immigration policies drive migrant families into poverty.
With Praxis, Voices in Exile took action in writing to Liz Kendall and Bridget Phillipson to make sure no child is left behind.
You can take action and write here: https://act.praxis.org.uk/email-ministers-child-poverty-taskforce?utm_medium=share&utm_source=allies
Praxis also share a couple of explainers on the links between NRPF and poverty, and the solutions that government should consider,

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]]> Love in Limbo: Visa rules tearing families apart https://www.voicesinexile.org/love-in-limbo-visa-rules-tearing-families-apart/ Mon, 17 Feb 2025 13:02:37 +0000 https://www.voicesinexile.org/?p=1138 As loving couples and families will celebrate their love and relationships, this Valentines Day Voices in Exile stand with Reunite Families UK https://reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/uk and a coalition of organisations, to use today […]

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As loving couples and families will celebrate their love and relationships, this Valentines Day Voices in Exile stand with Reunite Families UK https://reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/uk and a coalition of organisations, to use today to highlight how the hostile environment is preventing people from loving whoever they choose, resulting in their #LoveInLimbo
Every single day we see:
– People being impacted by the cruel spouse visa rules
– People being denied the possibility of being together
– Even if people meet the MIR needed to sponsor their loved ones, they are then penalised with extortionate visa fees
There must be a better way forward, one that does not willingly make the lives of so many people (and children) in our country so miserable. They, like everybody else deserve a fulfilling life here. #FamiliesBelongTogether

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]]> Open letter: Refugee citizenship rules ‘breeding division and distrust’ https://www.voicesinexile.org/open-letter-refugee-citizenship-rules-breeding-division-and-distrust/ Sun, 16 Feb 2025 14:07:09 +0000 https://www.voicesinexile.org/?p=1140 Voices in Exile signed, along with 148 organisations, a letter urging the government and Home Secretary from citizenship rules which effectively banning tens of thousands of refugees from ever becoming […]

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]]> Voices in Exile signed, along with 148 organisations, a letter urging the government and Home Secretary from citizenship rules which effectively banning tens of thousands of refugees from ever becoming British citizens. This garnered interest from The Guardian –

The online article can be read here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/16/starmer-union-ally-joins-opposition-to-rules-barring-citizenship-for-small-boat-refugees?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Below, you can see the printed headlines:

 

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