Refugee Legal Support (RLS)

Read our latest report, "I am not a case number, I am a human being," here: refugeelegalsupport.org/publications...

The Afghan Data Breach Victims Who Say They Have Been Abandoned by Britain The unprecedented data breach left many Afghans who worked for the UK military in fear for their lives. A year on and they tell Byline Times they have been abandoned by the British state

New reporting from Byline Times covers RLS’s latest research into the devastating impact of the Afghan data breach.

Read the full article here: bylinetimes.com/2026/03/04/t...

This winter, stand with people seeking safety against hostile policies We're RLS - a team of frontline UK and European asylum lawyers and activists. We assist displaced people with casework support and legal advice.

After a traumatic journey and a hostile welcome, this support is vital. But we need your help to keep this service running.

If you can, please visit our CrowdJustice page and donate today: www.crowdjustice.com/case/stand-w...

We’re one of the only organisations supporting people who are thrown in jail simply for trying to find safety in the UK.

We help people find immigration lawyers, challenge bail conditions, and find emergency accommodation if they’re left homeless following release from prison.

RLS Outreach Officer Basma Kamel works with people who have been imprisoned upon arrival in the UK. She warns that the Act will mean that “survivors of war, persecution, trafficking and torture are treated as criminals rather than humans who seek protection.”

The government has closed or suspended almost all safe routes to the UK, including Refugee Family Reunion and the Afghan Resettlement Schemes.

But without safe routes, crossing the Channel is one of the only options for people fleeing violence and persecution.

The government claims these measures will deter people from attempting the dangerous Channel crossing. However, there’s no evidence to support this.

In fact, we’re already seeing how increased border policing is pushing people into more dangerous routes and increasing exploitation.

🚨 Last week, new offences under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act came into force. 🚨

This legislation expands detention, surveillance and enforcement powers, further penalising people for how they arrive in the UK.

International Protection in the Context of the Climate Crisis: Post-Conference Report   - Refugee Legal Support Discover the latest news articles published by Refugee Legal Support.

As announced at the conference, RLS is launching the UK’s first specialist asylum clinic for climate-displaced individuals in January 2026. This is a crucial step in ensuring people affected by climate harm can access their rights.

Read the report here: refugeelegalsupport.org/internationa...

🌍 Climate change is already reshaping patterns of displacement. The challenge is how existing legal tools can be used effectively.

🤝Cross sector collaboration is essential. Everyone must work together to strengthen protection for those displaced by environmental crises.

We’re proud to launch the post-conference report from the International Protection in the Context of the Climate Crisis conference, delivered in partnership with DLA Piper and Earth Refuge.

The report captures the key themes, learnings and calls to action that emerged across our expert panels.

Community Volunteer Interpreter - Refugee Legal Support Refugee Legal Support is seeking a Community Volunteer Interpreter to join the team.

We’re especially seeking interpreters fluent in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Somali, Sorani, Tigrinya, Amharic, and other languages spoken within refugee and asylum-seeking communities in the UK.

You can find more details here: refugeelegalsupport.org/vacancy/comm...

These sessions are often the first time people receive reliable information, and interpreters are essential in making them accessible to all.

📣We’re recruiting! 📣

RLS is looking for a Community Volunteer Interpreter to join our UK outreach team.

In this role, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring newly arrived asylum seekers can access clear information about the UK asylum process at legal outreach sessions.

Trustees | Refugee Legal Support | CharityJob Apply now for Trustees. , Unpaid role, expenses paid, find a career with meaning today

We value lived experience of the asylum or immigration system and encourage applications from those who can bring this perspective to our work.

You can find out more details, including how to apply, here: www.charityjob.co.uk/volunteer-jo...

The application deadline is Monday 5th January.

We’re particularly looking for trustees with expertise in:
🔵 UK immigration legal aid
🔵 Greek asylum and immigration law
🔵 Fundraising, philanthropy or communications
🔵 HR and people management
🔵 Finance and audit
🔵Charity governance and risk
🔵 Refugee, immigration or human rights law

📣We’re recruiting! 📣

RLS is looking for up to four new Trustees to join our Board from early 2026.

As far-right sentiment continues to rise, becoming a trustee is one of the most effective ways to stand in solidarity with people seeking safety, and use your skills to push back.

Everyone should be able to spend the festive period with their loved ones, in a place they can call home.

This winter, stand with people seeking safety against hostile policies We're RLS - a team of frontline UK and European asylum lawyers and activists. We assist displaced people with casework support and legal advice.

This winter, we’re seeking to raise £8,000 so that we can continue providing this vital support to people on the move.

If you can, please visit our CrowdJustice page and make a donation today: www.crowdjustice.com/case/stand-w...

Hostile government policies are targeting people seeking safety, pushing them to live in isolation, fear and uncertainty.

As governments in the UK and in Greece continue to prioritise far-right votes over humanity, legal support is essential. It’s the key to fighting back.

One of the strongest themes that emerged throughout the day was the urgent need for further collaboration and knowledge-sharing in this space. We hope to continue this dialogue at future events – watch this space!

Feedback from attendees noted the “strong and impressive group of panel speakers and moderators,” and the “wealth of knowledge and expertise in the room.”

Last week, we hosted our conference “International Protection in the Context of the Climate Crisis” alongside Earth Refuge and DLA Piper.

This landmark event brought together lawyers, academics, leaders and policy experts to explore how we can better protect people displaced by the climate crisis.

Research conducted by @reflegalsupport.bsky.social !

At least 49 relatives and colleagues of Afghans in data leak have been killed, study suggests Research also finds 200 of 231 people notified by MoD of breach reported threats to themselves or families

49 Afghan people are dead as a DIRECT result of the data breach. 52% of affected Afghans reported threats to themselves/family DIRECTLY from the Taliban. The evidence is now so clear, yet the Gov has no problem turning their back on Afghanistan. Cruel.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025....

Fundraising and Operations Director - Refugee Legal Support Refugee Legal Support is seeking a Fundraising and Operations Director to join the team.

🚨Applications close on Tuesday 21st October

🔗Visit our website for the full job description, and more details on how to apply: refugeelegalsupport.org/vacancy/fund...

The successful candidate will:
➡️Lead RLS’s income generation through the next phase
➡️Build on strong foundations to support RLS’s sustainability
➡️Be a key member of our senior management team, working closely with the Exec Director, Legal Director, and trustees to shape the future of RLS.

🚨There’s just one week left to apply to be the new Fundraising and Operations Director at RLS! 🚨

If you’re a leader who is passionate about migrant justice and equity, and you’re looking for a role that combines strategic oversight with hands-on work, this could be the role for you.

The UK is abandoning asylum seekers. Can you help us fight back? We're RLS - a team of frontline UK and European asylum lawyers and activists. We assist displaced people with casework support and legal advice.

With just 9 days left in our urgent appeal to raise £8,000, please visit our CrowdJustice page and make a donation today: www.crowdjustice.com/case/the-uk-...

Even as the challenges facing the Afghan community are no longer making headlines, we’re committed to standing and working with Afghans to push the UK government to fulfil their promises.

However, we can’t continue this work without help from our supporters.