New UK govt booklet tells asylum-seekers rape and child sex abuse are illegal

The UK government has published a booklet and posters for asylum-seekers, explaining that rape and child sex abuse are illegal in the UK. The pamphlet, titled "Understanding Behaviours and Expectations in the UK," informs asylum-seekers that consent is required for any sexual activity and that individuals under the age of 16 are considered children and cannot legally give consent.

The guide also emphasizes that anyone who approaches someone repeatedly when they are not interested is considered harassment, and that women in the UK have the right to make their own decisions without needing permission from a man.

According to the source, the guide warns asylum-seekers against physically or verbally abusing or controlling their family or partner. It also stresses that female genital mutilation is illegal in the UK. The booklet was released following the deportation of Ethiopian Hadush Kebatu, who had sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl while staying at an asylum hotel. She had told her victim that it was normal to marry children in her country.

Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the booklet, stating that it highlights the differences in attitudes towards women between illegal immigrants and Western society. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the guide, emphasizing the importance of making clear what the UK law and societal norms are. In the year ending March 2026, a total of 93,525 people claimed asylum in the UK, with the top five nationalities being from Pakistan, Eritrea, Iran, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.