Dorset barge preparing to house asylum seekers is divided into general – thread site

In the eyes of many – including those who are meant to live there – the barge is seen as a “prison”. This perspective is only reinforced by the fact that residents of Bibby Stockholm will be required to check everything they have with them in an airport-like security system every time they leave the building.

Yesterday, fifteen asylum seekers boarded the boat for the first time. At least 20 other people refused to board the ship in what government officials were sure to warn would lead to their housing benefits being withdrawn.

Members of two human rights groups — Stand Up To Racism and a group called No Barge — stood together on the sidewalks to protest and show solidarity with the newcomers.

Both campaign groups questioned the suitability of living conditions in Bibby Stockholm and also questioned whether residents had sufficient access to basic services.

They value respect for human dignity and argue that using barges as shelter can amount to degrading treatment – and ultimately violate the rights of those most in need of protection.

Isolation physically separates residents from the larger community, which may affect their ability to integrate into society. It can also affect their chances of finding work and accessing legal aid and support networks.

Not to mention that the psychological effects of staying on a barge can heighten the sense of vulnerability and fear that comes with the trauma of fleeing conflict countries.

Some say the Stockholm Baby is a symbol of the lack of empathy and understanding officials have for people fleeing dangers in their home countries.

Instead of investing in temporary, isolated shelters, they suggest promoting community-based programs that facilitate the integration of asylum seekers into society.

In response, the government continued to insist that the barge was a temporary solution while long-term strategies were implemented. But no matter how “moral” the government would call Bibby Stockholm, the situation has drawn attention again to the government’s approach to immigration.

It also renewed the debate about the ethics of dealing with immigrants. As the situation evolves, it is clear that striking a balance between solving real problems and upholding ethical principles will continue to be a challenge.