The UK’s asylum system should identify those in need of protection and ensure they're able to rebuild their lives in safety. Too often, though, people seeking asylum are disbelieved and dismissed by the very system set up to help them.

The people featured on this microsite – created in 2020 – were tortured for their sexuality, speaking out against corruption, or simply being of a different ethnicity. Forced to flee, they came to the UK seeking sanctuary. All were rejected by the Home Office after their asylum interview.

It was six months until I heard anything from the interview. When I saw the refusal letter, I could see plainly that my whole story wasn’t on there.

Read Srika's story

Srika

"They can’t know anything about what’s happening in Iran if they think it’s okay for me to go back. I got rejected and I still don’t understand why."

Read Dilawer's story

Dilawer