The No Walls Podcast
The No Walls Podcast is a show about human rights and refugee law, covering both the people who work in the field and those whose lives are shaped by government policies and legislation. It is hosted by three human rights lawyers, Toufique Hossain, Sheroy Zaq and Sophie Lucas, and edited by Jon Rist. Episodes explore legal developments, advocacy and the personal stories behind asylum and immigration cases. The podcast is aimed at anyone interested in how the law affects refugees and migrants.
Episodes
40. Home Office Reforms — Law, Policy and Pushback
Lately, we've focused a lot on international law but in this episode, we bring it back to domestic affairs. Sheroy and Toufique discuss the Home Secretary's various announcements and we speak to our good friend and leading public law solicitor, Jeremy Bloom, on two test cases listed to be heard soon - one on the refugee family reunion "suspension" and the second on "Good Character" guidance change
39. US/Israel’s unlawful use of force on Iran.
The No Walls Podcast is back! We interview Marko Milanović. Marko is Professor of Public International Law at the University of Reading School of Law and Director of the Global Law at Reading (GLAR) research group, as well asthe Raoul Wallenberg Visiting Chair of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, University of Lund. He talks to us about the recent use of force by US-Israel, the UK’s current posit
38. Unseen and the Fight Against Human Trafficking: Kate Garbers Speaks to the No Walls Podcast
The Home Secretary recently accused asylum seekers of making “vexatious, last-minute trafficking claims” to avoid removal from the UK, as the Home Office said it would review modern slavery laws. The government’s rhetoric and actions targeting migrants continue to take an extreme turn. We speak to Kate Garbers, a founder and director of Unseen, a charity that provides safety, hope and choice to su
37. Barrister Mira Hammad on Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations & the Law
In this episode, Toufique speaks with Mira Hammad, a formidable criminal barrister at Garden Court North. Mira speaks about erosion of protest rights in the UK and the stifling of peaceful dissent. She also sheds light on the recent proscription of Palestine Action, its potentially chilling effect on free speech and the ongoing legal challenge.
36. Europe’s Frontier: Refugee Rights on Lesvos
In this episode, Sophie interviews Lorraine Leete, lawyer andcoordinator at the Legal Centre Lesvos. Lorraine has extraordinary front-line experience working with migrants and refugees on the island. She gives our listeners an insight into camp conditions, the Hellenic coastguard’s pushbacks operations, and the criminalisation of migrants and human rights defenders. This is a must-listen for thos
35. Refugee Rights in India: A Fight for Recognition – Prashant Bushan
It’s Refugee Week and we’re releasing three episodes focusing on the experiences of refugees across the globe. In this episode we hear from Prashant Busan, one of India’s most highly regarded Supreme Court advocates who works on landmark cases, including on behalf of Rohingya refugees in India. In this powerful interview, Prashant outlines the atrocities being faced by Rohingya refugees and and th
34. Goodbye Anna!
Goodbye Anna!It's an emotional time for the No Walls Team as we have to say goodbye to Anna as a co-host. This episode goes down memory lane, as Anna, Sheroy and Toufique look back on their favourite episodes. We'll miss you Anna!
33. Trump's Second Term So Far
We’re back!!Trump’s executive actions have been described by Amnesty International as “harmful, racist - an anti-immigrant agenda”. We see here in the UK, our own Prime Minister’s rhetoric is becoming more and more extreme. This episode delves into Trump’s recent decisions and we hear from the incredible Karen Tumlin, Founder and Director of the Justice Action Centre and a nationally recognised at
32. ICC Arrest Warrants and Syria
We’re back! Amid a world of increasing conflict and suffering, this episode shines a light on international justice and the ongoing efforts to seek accountability for human rights violations. We cover the ICC arrest warrants in relation to Palestine, and the recent developments in Syria. We speak to two brilliant guests: Yasmine Ahmed, the UK Director of Human Rights Watch with two decades of expe
31. Climate Justice & Migration
In this episode we hear two brilliant interviews on climate justice and migration. First from the heavyweight barrister Jessica Simor KC, covering her remarkable career and role in the landmark ECtHR case of Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland. Then from Yumna Kamel, Legal Education Officer at Right to Remain and the co-founder and executive director of Earth Refuge, the plan
30. 14 years of Tory Home Secretaries
Sheroy and Toufique are back discussing the last few years of the Tory government through the lens of some of their cases, Toufique's recent award success and a little on the EUROs.
29. What is Happening in Sudan?
The latest conflict has plunged Sudan into "one of the worst humanitarian nightmares in recent history", according to the UN who also warn it may trigger the world's largest hunger crisis. UNICEF says some communities in Sudan have been pushed to the brink of famine.We speak to Mark Townsend, a senior global development reporter at the Guardian who has recently visited neighbouring Chad, home to S
28. Human Rights Defenders: Helen Duffy
This episode shines a light on a formidable human rights defender, Helen Duffy, a Scottish international lawyer and academic. She is a Professor of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at the University of Leiden and runs her own international law practice ‘Human Rights in Practice (HRiP)' specialising in strategic litigation – with cases from Guantanamo Bay to Palestinian land rights.
27. The Safety of Rwanda Bill
As the UK's House of Lords currently debates the 'Safety of Rwanda Bill', this episode returns to Rwanda.We hear from Michela Wrong, an award-winning journalist and author who has spent over two decades writing about Africa. She has written for Reuters, the BBC and the Financial Times, amongst others. She has also written several books, including ‘Do Not Disturb’ - a scathing assessment of Rwanda
26. International Criminal Law (plus Rwanda round 2- a constitutional crisis!)
This episode dives into International Criminal Law, including the avenues for international criminal accountability and the role and power of the International Criminal Court. We hear a fascinating interview with Toby Cadman, barrister and co-founder of The Guernica 37 Group and Joint Head of Guernica 37 Chambers, and an experienced international criminal and humanitarian law specialist. However,
25. International Humanitarian Law: Israel-Gaza
This episode dives into International Humanitarian Law, specifically in the context of what is happening right now in Gaza especially as Israel resumes its offensive. We hope to provide you with a clear overview of the international legal position through insights from two highly-informed guests: Clive Baldwin, Senior Legal Advisor at Human Rights Watch, and Professor Andrew Clapham, Professor of
24. The Supreme Court's Rwanda Judgment
We are back for Season 3!On Wednesday 15 November, the UK Supreme Court unanimously held the Secretary of State's Rwanda policy to be unlawful. Tune in to hear our co-hosts plus solicitor Sophie Lucas debrief on the judgment, discuss the process running up to it and what it was like to be in the Courtroom when Lord Reed read out those words.
23. Music, Protest & Resistance
Music plays a central role in the lives of so many, not least those who want to express their views of protest and resistance through the medium of art. The No Walls Podcast is back, this time with two extremely gifted guests: Nick Armstrong KC of Matrix Chambers - one of the country’s leading barristers, and Bumi Thomas - an inspirational musician with lived experience of standing up to the Home
The No Walls Podcast: a trailer!
With 21 episodes and an increasing audience, The No Walls Podcast is continuing to grow! If you're interested in listening, we've put together a short trailer so you can hear some of the conversations we've had over the past 16 months and the kind of content you can expect going forward! The trailer includes the following clips:
1. Toufique Hossain, one of our co-hosts, talking about
22. The Illegal Migration Bill, Rwanda, the ECHR....a summary!
It's been an interesting few months! This episode attempts to summarise the latest issues that are keeping those working in the immigration and asylum fields very busy...and worried. Toufique and Sheroy talk Rwanda, Rule 39 interim measures, ECHR, asylum accommodation on barges and the dreaded Illegal Migration Bill. Tune in!!
21. Especial de la Segunda Temporada: Defensores de Derechos Humans por el Mundo: Adil Jose Meléndez Marquez (Spanish version)
Spanish Version of S02 Special - Part 2En este episodio, entrevistamos a Adil Jose Meléndez Marquez, un extraordinario abogado colombiano de derechos humanos. Es uno de los pocos abogados que trabaja en casos de restitución de tierras y enjuiciamiento de (para)militares en la región norte de Bolívar. Representa principalmente a personas desplazadas e indígenas. Adil Meléndez sobrevivió a tres inte
20. Human Rights Defenders Around The World: Milica Svabic
We now bring you Part 3 of our mini-series within Season 2, where each episode will focus on a different human rights defender in a different country across the world. We hope it inspires you and provides hope to all who stand up for people's rights...you are not alone!This episode interviews Milica Svabic, a Serbian human rights lawyer who works for the NGO KlikAktiv, the Center for Development o
19. Human Rights Defenders Around The World: Adil Jose Meléndez Marquez
We cannot wait for you all to listen to Part 2 of our mini-series within Season 2, where each episode will focus on a different human rights defender in a different country across the world. We hope it inspires you and provides hope to all who stand up for people's rights...you are not alone!This episode interviews Adil Jose Meléndez Marquez, an extraordinary Colombian human rights lawyer. He is o
18. International Women's Day 2 - Phillippa Kaufmann KC
This our second International Women’s Day episode with two new faces. Sophie Lucas, a solicitor in the public law team interviews the formidable Phillippa Kaufmann KC, a leading silk at the top of her field. In this candid conversation we discuss Phillippa’s career, the challenges surrounding gender equality in the judiciary and why police are failing to protect women’s rights. Phillippa has fasci
17. International Women’s Day 1 - Cristel Amiss, Women Against Rape
Happy International Women’s Day! In celebration, we’re releasing two episodes this week each one interviewing an incredibly inspiring woman working in this field.First up is Cristel Amiss, Joint Coordinator at Women Against Rape. Cristel has had a remarkable three-decade career, where she has consistently and fearlessly advocated for marginalised women and survivors of gender-based violence seekin
16. Human Rights Defenders Around The World: Cecillia Wang
We’re very excited to release Part 1 of a mini-series within Season 2, where each episode will focus on a different human rights defender in a different country across the world. We hope it inspires you and provides hope to all who stand up for people's rights...you are not alone!This episode interviews Cecillia Wang, the deputy legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union, director of the
15. 2022: A recap!
We're back!! We resume series 2 with a recap of our team's work in 2022 and a specific focus on three chosen cases. We speak to the brilliant Ahmed Aydeed about a landmark case on trafficking; the formidable Hannah Baynes (Baynesy) about her work on Resettlement cases and finally, our very own Sheroy Zaq reminds us of the Home Office’s lawlessness in running Manston House- a short term holding fac
14. Journalists!
This episode of the No Walls Podcast, hosted by Toufique and Sheroy, is an episode dedicated to journalism in the immigration and asylum sphere. Not enough journalists dedicate careers in raising awareness as to the policies of the Home Office, as well as the impact that these policies have upon those in need of protection. We speak to two!We have very special guests for our listeners this week: N
13. Judgments!
The No Walls Podcast is back again, with the insight of three leading barristers: Alex Goodman (Landmark Chambers), Chris Buttler KC (Matrix Chambers) and Camila Zapata Besso (Doughty Street Chambers). Each of our guests delve into a particular judgment that resonates. We hear about how the cases shaped the law, their personal experiences of litigation and why those judgments matter in the current
12. Priti Patel’s Legacy
The No Walls Podcast is back for another season, and what better place to start than the tenure of our previous Home Secretary? Our hosts Toufique Hossain and Sheroy Zaq discuss how they will remember Priti Patel, delving into a handful of legal challenges that the Duncan Lewis Public Law Team pursued throughout her time in office. This episode also attempts to envisage what might be awaiting us i
11. End of Season 1 Special
This episode brings our first season to a close. The direct and relentless attacks that this sphere has had to face since we started this Podcast have been frightening, and it has been an honour for us to try and spark some useful discourse around all of those topics. We will be back after the summer with our second season, but for now, our three hosts look back at some of their favourite moments
10. Gender-Based Violence
TW: Sexual violence, gender-based violence A huge proportion of the women we represent have sadly suffered gender-based violence. This episode raises awareness of the symptoms experienced by survivors & informs practitioners how they can best avoid re-traumatisation & advocate for their clients’ specific needs. However, this episode also reminds us that gender-based violence is not just pe
9. The Legal Profession & Race
Race impacts the way that people are treated throughout society. The legal profession is no different. This episode delves into the impact that racial prejudice, bias and the intersection of race and class have had upon solicitors and barristers, and tries to assess whether things will ever change for the better. As ever, the No Walls Podcast does not hold back. Our very own Toufique Hossain and S
8. Mental Health for Asylum Lawyers: Awareness, Coping and Vicarious Trauma
It is Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 and as such, The No Walls Podcast in this episode delves into the significant impact that comes with being a legal aid asylum lawyer. Whether it’s vicarious trauma, being targeted by the Government and the media, professional pressures, or a combination of them all - this episode shines a light on the difficulty that comes with working in this area, and hope
7. Rwanda: Humanitarian Partnership or Shirking Moral & Legal Responsibility?
The UK’s latest shocking attack on asylum seekers is, put simply, an agreement to send them to Rwanda in exchange for money. There is a lot of misinformation being spread by those in favour of this agreement and, as such, the No Walls Podcast wants to set the record straight. We are extremely grateful to be joined by two revered guests, both of whom provide an invaluable insight into the terrifyin
6. Food: Nostalgia, Heritage and Belonging
It is no secret that starting a new life in a country that is not your own is very difficult. As a result, for all people seeking protection in the UK, remembering and retaining their heritage is of heightened importance. There are many ways in which this can be done, and this episode delves into one of them: food!We have the pleasure of interviewing three previous clients of ours, all of whom sha
5. The UK’s Response to Ukraine
This is an episode dedicated to the tragic events that are unfolding in Ukraine. The situation is fast-moving, as is the legal landscape within the UK with regard to ensuring that Ukrainians are afforded the protection that they require.This episode, thanks to our three esteemed guests, seeks to set out the available routes to protection for Ukrainians who are trying to reach the UK, whilst also h
4. International Women's Day 2022
It's International Women’s Day 2022! To celebrate, our focus in this special episode is on migrant women. Four of our clients talk about what being a woman means to them. All are survivors of gender-based violence but today they share with us their proudest moments, the women who have inspired them the most, the advice they would give their younger selves and their aspirations for the future. This
3. Myth Busting: Asylum Seekers, Legal Aid Lawyers & ‘Safe’ Countries
The No Walls Podcast is a podcast about all things human rights and refugee law, including the people working within it and the clients we represent. It is hosted by three colleagues at Duncan Lewis Solicitors: Toufique Hossain, director of our Public Law team, Sheroy Zaq, solicitor and supervisor and Anna Spivack, a trainee solicitor in the team.There is a lot of public discourse surrounding asyl
2. The Most Moving Moments
The No Walls Podcast is a podcast about all things human rights and refugee law, including the people working within it and the clients we represent. Representing refugees and migrants is both an honour and a privilege. Our clients are why we do this work. It can so often have a profound effect on you - to have been able to assist someone in standing up against power, in changing their lives. T
1. An Introduction
The fearless Duncan Lewis Public Law team, known for their groundbreaking challenges to government policies, ranked 1 in Immigration and Human Rights work in the Legal 500, now brings you The No Walls Podcast! This is a podcast about all things human rights and refugee law, including the people working within it and the clients we represent. It is hosted by three colleagues at Duncan Lewis Solicit
