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Human rights.
Dignity in public.
The human rights work of William Gomes, also published as William Nicholas Gomes. Parliamentary evidence, joint advocacy and writing on dignity, accountability and the rights of people facing exclusion.
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Conversations on society, politics and psychosocial life. Listen to William Gomes and his guests explore the ideas and experiences that shape our world.
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Evidence on
the public record.
Three written submissions published by House of Commons committees. Each entry links to the original evidence on Parliament’s website.
‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ White Paper
Education Committee
Written evidence submitted by William Gomes to the Education Committee’s inquiry into the ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ White Paper. The original submission is published on Parliament’s website.
Children and Young People’s Mental Health
Health and Social Care Committee and Education Committee
William Gomes’s submission examines barriers to early identification and mental health support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. It discusses service thresholds, coordination between education, health and local authorities, and institutional accountability.
The Access to Work scheme
Public Accounts Committee
William Gomes’s evidence examines the administration of Access to Work and its consequences for disabled workers. The submission addresses processing delays, consistency of decisions, effects on claimants and employers, and the evidence needed to evaluate proposed reforms.
These are William’s submitted views and recommendations. Publication as written evidence does not imply that Parliament or a committee endorses the submission.
A record of
public advocacy.
Selected records published by human rights organisations and civil society coalitions. The source lists William Gomes, William Nicholas Gomes or The William Gomes Podcast as a signatory or endorser. Open a year to explore the original publications.
38 distinct records · Original sources checked 17 October 2026
20266 records
Reject retrospective settlement proposals
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast supported this open letter on proposed retrospective changes to UK settlement rules. William Gomes’s project joined parliamentarians and civil society organisations asking the Home Secretary to withdraw the retrospective plans. The appeal warned of the effects on migrants, families, employers and public services when people’s route to permanent settlement is changed after they have already begun it.
Read the original ↗Civil society statement on “earned settlement” proposals
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast is listed among the organisations supporting this statement opposing the government’s “earned settlement” proposals. Through the project, William Gomes supported calls to protect migrants’ rights and challenge a framework the signatories considered discriminatory. The statement addressed the consequences of making secure residence depend on restrictive conditions affecting people’s working and family lives.
Read the original ↗Fair elections at the UN Committee on NGOs
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast joined this international letter calling for fair and competitive elections to the UN Committee on NGOs. William Gomes’s project supported calls for ECOSOC regional groups to put forward candidates committed to civil society participation. The appeal addressed the committee’s role in deciding which organisations can obtain consultative status and contribute to UN processes.
Read the original ↗United against harmful media narratives
Signatory: William Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes signed this statement as Director of The William Gomes Podcast, raising concerns about BBC reporting on immigration and asylum. The signatories called for responsible reporting that reflects the experiences of marginalised communities, rather than presenting isolated cases as typical. They also urged better access to legal advice and support for people seeking asylum or escaping abuse.
Read the original ↗A national antiracism strategy
Signatory: William Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes co-signed this open letter as Director of The William Gomes Podcast, calling for a national antiracism strategy. The appeal asked the Prime Minister for coordinated government action to address racism and racial inequality. It connected protection against racist violence with longer-term changes across public policy and the institutions shaping people’s everyday lives.
Read the original ↗Government and civil society: an invitation to collaborate
Signatory: William Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes signed this Fair Vote UK joint letter as Director of The William Gomes Podcast. The appeal invited the Prime Minister to build a more meaningful working relationship with civil society. It argued that organisations’ practical experience, research and knowledge of communities could help government develop effective responses to challenges across public policy.
Read the original (PDF) ↗20251 record
Protecting human rights defenders in the digital era
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast joined this letter to states considering a Human Rights Council resolution on defenders and emerging technologies. William Gomes’s project supported protections against surveillance, online harassment and restrictions on expression. The appeal called for rights-based regulation of technology, safeguards for personal data and secure communications, and action to prevent digital tools being used against defenders.
Read the original ↗20246 records
Reject the Safety of Rwanda Bill
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast joined this coalition appeal asking the House of Lords to reject the Safety of Rwanda Bill. William Gomes’s project supported a statement raising concerns about refugee safety, access to legal protection and the constitutional implications of the legislation. The signatories asked peers to uphold human rights and the rule of law when scrutinising the bill.
Read the original ↗Respectful language about migrants and digital sanctuary
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast joined this open letter to parliamentary candidates during the 2024 general election campaign. William Gomes’s project supported calls for respectful language about migrants and refugees, alongside a commitment to digital sanctuary. The appeal connected dignity and community safety with privacy, secure personal data and equal access to services and justice.
Read the original ↗Address the homelessness crisis
Signatory: William Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes co-signed this letter as Director of The William Gomes Podcast, asking political party leaders to address migrant homelessness. The signatories called for coordinated government action and changes that would stop the asylum and immigration systems pushing people into destitution. The appeal also highlighted legal advice, access to public support and prevention of rough sleeping.
Read the original ↗Open letter following racist riots in the UK
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast supported this open letter following racist violence in the UK in August 2024. William Gomes’s project joined organisations asking the Prime Minister to protect affected communities and respond to racism. The letter called for political leadership that addresses the conditions enabling racist violence and rejects the scapegoating of migrants and minorities.
Read the original ↗Frontline advice organisations on far-right violence
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast co-signed this letter from frontline advice organisations to the Home Secretary following far-right violence. William Gomes’s project supported calls to protect communities and those providing immigration advice. The signatories also asked the government to examine the effects of hostile political rhetoric and immigration policies on safety, trust and access to justice.
Read the original ↗Open letter to Serco on immigration contracts
Signatory: William Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes signed this open letter as Director of The William Gomes Podcast, questioning Serco’s diversity commitments alongside its immigration enforcement work. The coalition asked the company to end contracts implementing hostile-environment policies. The letter raised concerns about detention and surveillance and called for corporate practice to be consistent with stated commitments to racial equality.
Read the original ↗202310 records
Help Afghan families reunite
Signatory: William Nicholas Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Nicholas Gomes signed this open letter as Director of The William Gomes Podcast, supporting Afghan families separated by conflict and displacement. Addressed to the UK Prime Minister, the appeal called for action to help families reunite. It brought together organisations and individuals asking the government to provide workable routes to safety and family reunion.
Read the original ↗Tamang Indigenous peoples and local communities in Nepal
Signatories: William Nicholas Gomes and The William Gomes Podcast
William Nicholas Gomes and The William Gomes Podcast are listed as signatories of this statement concerning Tamang Indigenous peoples and local communities in Nepal. The appeal called for an end to alleged abuses and for the protection of Indigenous rights. It linked community safety with accountability and respect for people affected by decisions concerning their lands and livelihoods.
Read the original ↗Renew the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast joined this international call to renew the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. William Gomes’s project supported a statement asking states at the Human Rights Council to back consensus renewal. The appeal emphasised the continuing need for an independent mechanism to support defenders and address threats to their work.
Read the original ↗Concerns over the new asylum questionnaire
Individual signatory: William Nicholas Gomes
William Nicholas Gomes individually signed this letter raising concerns about the Home Office’s new asylum questionnaire. The signatories warned that language barriers, limited access to legal advice and short response requirements could prevent people from explaining their protection claims properly. They asked for safeguards so that an administrative process would not produce unfair asylum decisions.
Read the original ↗Civil society response to the proposed Illegal Migration Bill
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast was among the organisations supporting this letter opposing the proposed Illegal Migration Bill. William Gomes’s project joined calls for the government to uphold refugee protection and assess asylum claims fairly. The appeal argued for safe routes, humane accommodation and practical support, while challenging policies based on detention, removal and deterrence.
Read the original ↗Solidarity statement on the Illegal Migration Bill
Signatory: William Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes signed this solidarity statement as Director of The William Gomes Podcast. It set out civil society concerns about the Illegal Migration Bill and its consequences for people seeking asylum. The signatories affirmed their commitment to refugee protection and access to justice, and pledged continued support for people whose rights and safety could be affected by the proposals.
Read the original ↗Statement on the passage of the Illegal Migration Act
Signatory: William Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes co-signed this statement as Director of The William Gomes Podcast following the passage of the Illegal Migration Act. The signatories recorded their opposition to the legislation and its effects on refugee protection. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting people seeking sanctuary, defending rights and challenging measures they considered inconsistent with the UK’s human rights obligations.
Read the original ↗Five urgent actions on the humanitarian crisis in Palestine
Signatories: William Nicholas Gomes and The William Gomes Podcast
William Nicholas Gomes and The William Gomes Podcast supported this international civil society appeal on the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. It called for urgent action to protect civilians, end the siege of Gaza, enable humanitarian assistance and pursue accountability. The signatories also urged international institutions to support a political process towards a just and lasting peace.
Read the original ↗Statement on the Supreme Court ruling on Rwanda
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast co-signed this civil society response to the UK Supreme Court’s ruling on the Rwanda removal scheme. William Gomes’s project supported the call for the government to abandon the plan and respect the judgment. The statement urged a change towards a fair asylum system grounded in refugee protection and the rule of law.
Read the original ↗Close the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge
Signatory: William Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes signed this appeal as Director of The William Gomes Podcast, calling for the closure of the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge. The letter raised concerns about isolation, living conditions and the mental wellbeing of people seeking asylum. It called for safe accommodation in the community and an independent inquiry following a death on board.
Read the original ↗20226 records
Digital forensics in immigration enforcement
Organisational signatory: The William Gomes Podcast
The William Gomes Podcast joined Privacy International and other organisations in a letter to the UK Forensic Science Regulator about digital evidence in immigration enforcement. Through this joint intervention, William Gomes’s project supported calls for scrutiny of immigration officers’ forensic activities, reliable evidence and safeguards against the misuse of data extracted from people’s electronic devices.
Read the original ↗Human Rights Act reform consultation
Signatory: William Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes co-signed this letter as Director of The William Gomes Podcast, raising concerns about the government’s Human Rights Act reform consultation. The signatories challenged its presentation of case law and data, and the framing of its questions. They asked for revised consultation materials and more time for people to submit properly informed responses.
Read the original ↗Open letter on plans to send people seeking asylum to Rwanda
Signatory: William Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes signed this coalition letter through The William Gomes Podcast in opposition to plans to send people seeking asylum in the UK to Rwanda. The signatories urged the Prime Minister and Home Secretary to abandon the proposal. The letter raised concerns about refugee protection, unequal treatment and the safety of people who had fled persecution.
Read the original ↗Rethink the Borders Bill: poverty, destitution and homelessness
Signatory: William Gomes, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes, representing The William Gomes Podcast, joined this letter on the proposed Nationality and Borders Bill. It warned that different treatment of refugees according to their route of arrival could increase poverty, destitution and homelessness. The signatories asked ministers to rethink the proposals and consider their consequences for protection, family life and access to support.
Read the original ↗Ten years on: “Where is Sombath?”
Signatories: William Nicholas Gomes and The William Gomes Podcast
William Nicholas Gomes and The William Gomes Podcast supported this renewed appeal on the tenth anniversary of Sombath Somphone’s enforced disappearance. The signatories asked the Lao government to establish his fate and whereabouts, deliver justice and provide effective remedies for his family. The statement also pressed for stronger protections against enforced disappearance and accountability for other unresolved cases.
Read the original ↗Words Matter: challenging harmful rhetoric on migration
Signatory: William Nicholas Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Nicholas Gomes signed this Words Matter open letter as Director of The William Gomes Podcast. It challenged harmful and divisive language about refugees and migrants and called on political leaders to change how they speak about migration. The appeal linked dehumanising rhetoric with unequal treatment and asked for public debate grounded in dignity and respect.
Read the original (PDF) ↗20213 records
Protecting Indigenous human rights defenders in Peru
Individual signatory: William Nicholas Gomes
William Nicholas Gomes co-signed this open letter urging Peru to put effective protections for Indigenous human rights defenders into practice. The appeal called for timely protection measures, secure communal land rights and action on the structural conditions exposing Indigenous leaders to threats and violence. It stressed the participation of Indigenous communities in decisions affecting their safety and territories.
Read the original ↗Safe routes, compassion and fairness for people seeking sanctuary
Signatory: William Gomes, Director, The William Gomes Podcast
William Gomes signed this joint letter as Director of The William Gomes Podcast. The signatories urged the UK government to place safe routes, compassion and fairness at the centre of its approach to people seeking sanctuary. The letter called for practical protection and a humane response to displacement, rather than policies that make already dangerous journeys more hazardous.
Read the original ↗Nine years on: answers on Sombath’s enforced disappearance
Signatories: William Nicholas Gomes and The William Gomes Podcast
William Nicholas Gomes and The William Gomes Podcast are both listed among the signatories of this appeal marking nine years since Sombath Somphone’s disappearance in Laos. The statement called for an effective investigation, information for his family and justice. It also expressed solidarity with other victims of enforced disappearance and affirmed families’ rights to truth and remedies.
Read the original ↗20202 records
Joint statement on Laos
Individual signatory: William Nicholas Gomes
William Nicholas Gomes signed this joint statement on the enforced disappearance of Lao community leader Sombath Somphone. The signatories called for answers about his fate and whereabouts, an effective investigation and protection against enforced disappearance. Published in 2020, the appeal records continuing civil society concern eight years after Sombath went missing.
Read the original ↗ASEAN: global ceasefire and human rights during COVID-19
Individual signatory: William Nicholas Gomes
William Nicholas Gomes individually signed this regional statement urging ASEAN states to support the UN Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire during COVID-19. The appeal called for conflict-sensitive responses and respect for human rights during the health emergency. It warned against using emergency measures to undermine civil liberties or the safety of already vulnerable communities.
Read the original (PDF) ↗20162 records
Reprisals against human rights defenders in Thailand
Individual signatory: William Nicholas Gomes
William Nicholas Gomes joined the signatories of this statement supporting three human rights defenders in Thailand: Pornpen Khongkachonkiet, Anchana Heemmina and Somchai Homlaor. It called for criminal defamation and Computer Crimes Act charges to be withdrawn and for defenders to be protected from reprisals for reporting alleged torture and ill-treatment. The linked publisher’s version is in Thai.
Read the original ↗Alleged torture of Mrs Tran Thi Hong must be investigated
Individual signatory: William Nicholas Gomes
William Nicholas Gomes co-signed this international appeal concerning allegations that Vietnamese activist Tran Thi Hong had been tortured in custody. The statement called for a prompt, independent and impartial investigation, accountability for any perpetrators, medical care and effective remedies. It also called for the release of her husband, Pastor Nguyen Cong Chinh, and respect for freedom of religion.
Read the original (PDF) ↗20141 record
Housing and homelessness in the United States of America
Individual endorser: William Nicholas Gomes
William Nicholas Gomes individually endorsed this housing and homelessness report submitted for the United States’ Universal Periodic Review. The report examined access to adequate housing, discrimination and the criminalisation of activities associated with homelessness. It called for stronger protections and government action to prevent homelessness and uphold the right to housing.
Read the original (PDF) ↗20111 record
Syria’s candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council
Signatory: William Nicholas Gomes, Executive Director, Christian Development Alternative
William Nicholas Gomes signed this joint letter as Executive Director of Christian Development Alternative. Addressed to UN member states in the Asia Group, it called for Syria to withdraw its candidacy for the Human Rights Council, or for the group to reconsider its endorsement, in response to the suppression of peaceful protests and wider human rights concerns.
Read the original ↗Each joint statement appears once, with one original publisher or participating organisation as its source. A listed signature records support for that statement; it does not imply employment, accreditation or endorsement by the publisher or the United Nations. Dates follow the linked publication. A year alone means no precise publication date is displayed here. These historical records retain their original context.
Rights in writing.
Lives in view.
A selection spanning workers’ rights, freedom of expression, protection from torture, refugee experience and access to education. Dates refer to the original publications; linked articles retain their historical context.
Reason and responsibility: the Rana Plaza collapse
An essay on workers’ rights, corporate responsibility and accountability following the Rana Plaza disaster.
Read the original ↗Shahbagh: what revolution, whose revolution?
An essay examining political representation, the rule of law and freedom of expression during the Shahbagh protests.
Read the original ↗How will the UK’s Nationality and Borders Bill affect migration across the English Channel?
Writing on asylum, dignity and refugee protection, originally published in The Big Issue and republished by Countercurrents.
Read the original ↗My road from refugee to university graduate
A first-person reflection on education, recognition and opportunities for people with refugee experience.
Read the original ↗Refugee week: In conversation with William Gomes, alumnus
An institutional interview about refugee experience, study and the importance of dignity.
Read the original ↗