A new report from our top-rated Anthropology department has revealed the shocking conditions endured by mothers and babies in dispersal asylum accommodation across the UK.
Conducted by Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre and Amma Birth Companions, the study exposes substandard housing that endangers the health and safety of vulnerable families.
Unsafe housing
The report describes flats riddled with dangers, from unstable furniture to the absence of baby-proofing essentials like stair gates.
Families are often placed in high-rise buildings without functioning lifts, creating significant safety risks for parents with young children.
In some cases, mothers are housed in environments marred by drug activity and anti-social behaviour, leaving them feeling unsafe and isolated.
Researchers warn that the issues documented in Glasgow's asylum housing are indicative of a broader crisis.
Lack of proper systems
Beyond the physical hazards, the report details the psychological toll on families, who frequently face hostility, intimidation, and neglect.
Housing officers are criticised for their lack of empathy and respect, with many mothers reporting experiences of fear and frustration when attempting to address basic needs such as heating, hygiene, and safe sleeping arrangements for their babies.
The research also highlights the absence of proper systems to log and address repair requests, leaving families to navigate broken heating systems and faulty electrical facilities for weeks or even months on end.
Such conditions not only violate the human rights of these families but also compromise the well-being of their children.
Need for urgent reform
The report calls for immediate reforms, urging policymakers to prioritise the safety and dignity of asylum-seeking families.
Recommendations include ensuring all housing meets national standards, providing baby-proofing equipment, and training housing officers in respectful communication.
Importantly, the study stresses the need for those with lived experience to play a key role in shaping future policies.
