Zimbabwe
There was extensive coverage of developments in Zimbabwe as Robert Mugabe was sworn in for a sixth term as President and violence escalated. The British government was criticised over the Home Office’s plans to send thousands of refused asylum seekers back to Zimbabwe. Refugee Council Chief Executive Donna Covey said “it is utter hypocrisy for the Prime Minister to be talking about his ‘revulsion’ at Mugabe’s treatment of his people, when brave men and women who’ve had to escape to the UK after standing up for human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe are being left homeless and hungry as a direct result of his government’s shameful policies.” A rally led by the Archbishop of York John Sentamu was held in London, demanding that Zimbabweans be able to seek employment in the UK until it is safe for them to return. Gordon Brown finally announced that returns to Zimbabwe would be halted “at this time.”
Refugee Council press release: "Give all Zimbabweans a temporary right to stay in the UK"
Refugee Council news story: Rally on Zimbabwe planned for Friday 11 July
Refugee Council press release:“Utter hypocrisy” as government fails to act on Zimbabweans left destitute in the UK
How it was covered by the media
Independent: Ministers accused over return of refugees
Independent: Mugabe’s secret war – in Britain
Guardian: Pressure grows to free detained Zimbabwean asylum seekers
Observer: 11,000 Mugabe refugees ‘face destitution’
Independent: From Mugabe’s thugs to a life of poverty in Britain
Independent: Labour retreats on deportation threat to Zimbabweans
Independent Catholic News: Thousands in call for Zimbabweans in UK to be allowed to work
BBC News: Songs of joy amid the hardship
Report says refused asylum-seekers are abused by private security companies
A report by the law firm Birnberg Peirce, Medical Justice and the National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns claimed that hundreds of refused asylum seekers are being abused by private security guards during their forced removal from the UK. The report’s findings, based on almost 300 cases, follows a four year investigation into concerns about the use of private security firms in the deportation process. A spokesperson for the UK Borders Agency said the report would be “reviewed.”
How it was covered by the media:
Independent: Failed asylum-seekers are abused by private security companies, says report
BBC News: Assault claims by asylum seekers
Government investigation into claims of assault by UK security guards
The government launched an investigation into claims that a Cameroonian asylum-seeker was so badly assaulted during her forced removal by British security guards that she now has to use a wheelchair. Her injuries were so serious that Belgian immigration officials refused to allow the escort team to fly her on the next leg of her journey to Cameroon. She is now bringing a legal action against the Home Office.
How it was covered by the media:
Independent: Woman ‘assaulted’ by UK security guards during forced removal
Independent Asylum Commission publishes second and third reports
The Independent Asylum Commission’s second report focused on the treatment of refused asylum seekers, saying that the current system was inadequate. It said that dawn raids by immigration officers should be phased out and that voluntary return should be the “standard procedure” for refused asylum seekers,” with force used only as a last resort. It also said that refused asylum seekers who are unable to return through no fault of their own should be given temporary permission to work rather than being forced into destitution. The third report called for a comprehensive review into the detention of an estimated 2,000 children each year. "There should be an end to the detention of children and agedisputed young people," it said in its recommendations.
Safe Return: The Independent Asylum Commission’s second report of conclusions and recommendations: how to improve what happens when we refuse people sanctuary
Deserving Dignity: The Independent Asylum Commission’s second report of conclusions and recommendations: how to improve what happens when we refuse people sanctuary
How it was covered by the media:
The Telegraph: Asylum refugees’ treatment ‘inhuman’
The Herald: Commission calls for end to dawn raids
Communitycare.co.uk: Independent Asylum Commission demands ‘new deal’ on returns
Ekklesia: ‘Culture of disbelief’ found amongst officials dealing with refugee claims
Christian Today: Archbishop supports calls for end to detention of young asylum seekers
Deportations to Darfur resumed
Concerns were expressed over the lifting of the ban on deporting asylum seekers to Darfur despite reports of the widespread murder and torture of dissidents in the region. Donna Covey, Refugee Council’s Chief Executive said “We are horrified that these deportations have resumed. It is inexplicable that the Prime Minister can take a lead in trying to solve the tragedy of Darfur, but one of his government departments is removing those who have fled the genocide.” The President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, is being charged with war crimes at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Independent: Asylum seekers are sent back to Darfur
Times: Darfur doctor: ‘I was raped and taunted as a black dog'
Tamil ruling
The BBC reported that the European Court of Human Rights has ruled in favour of an ethnic Tamil who has been fighting efforts to return him to Sri Lanka from the UK.
According to the BBC, the court considered in its judgement what it refered to as the systematic use of torture by the military in its efforts to combat the (Tamil) Tigers.
BBC: Court backs Tamil asylum seeker
Home Secretary says safe for gay people to return to Iran if “discreet”
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith caused controversy with a letter to Liberal Democrat Peer Lord Roberts of Llandudno in which she said that gay men and lesbians could be safely deported to Iran because there was no "real risk" of gay men and lesbians being discovered by the Iranian authorities or "adverse action" being taken against those who were "discreet" about their behaviour.
How it was covered by the media:
Independent: Iran is safe for discreet gays says Jacqui Smith
Pink News: Gay asylum group attacks “shameful” Iran comments
Pink News: Harman was booed because of asylum stance claims Tatchell
Support for gay asylum seekers from politicians and actors
Prominent politicians, actors and activists showed their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender bi-national couples at an event organised by the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group. Actor Sir Ian McKellen highlighted the plight of LGBT asylum seekers in the UK and the need to change attitudes globally.
How it was covered by the media:
Pink News: Politics and showbiz unite to show support for gay asylum seekers
Judge warns of danger to asylum seekers from government rule
A Court of Appeal judge accused the government of threatening the independence of the judiciary through a rule obliging judges to dismiss an asylum seeker’s case if he or she has left their country using a false passport. Lord Justice Sedley pointed out that many asylum seekers are forced to use false papers but that this does not mean that their cases should not be heard fairly and impartially.
How it was covered by the media:
Independent: Asylum seekers put at risk by law, warns top judge
Swansea bid to become City of Sanctuary
The BBC reported on Swansea’s goal of developing a culture of hospitality for refugees and asylum-seekers and becoming a ‘City of Sanctuary’.
City of Sanctuary movement
BBC News: City aiming for sanctuary status
Refugee walks 120 miles barefoot to protest about atrocities
A Cameroonian refugee walked 120 miles barefoot to raise awareness of human rights violations in Africa. Emmanuel Neba Fuh made the journey from Derby to London to deliver a petition to 10 Downing Street. He has now pledged to walk across Africa barefoot in 2009, collecting a million signatures for a treaty aiming to prevent leaders staying in power for more than 10 years.
How it was covered by the media:
This is Derbyshire.co.uk: First London, now Emmanuel has plans to conquer Africa barefoot
Detention centre theatre in London
The Southwark Playhouse in London was transformed into an immigration removal centre and the audience treated as asylum seekers at a play about the experience of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. The performance included clips filmed at the Refugee Council.
How it was covered by the media:
Metro.co.uk: Unstated: Stories of Refuge
londonSE1: Unstated at Southwark Playhouse
Emma Thompson with Rwandan ‘son’ at Nelson Mandela fundraising dinner
Hello Magazine featured actress Emma Thompson with her unofficially adopted son Tindyebwa Agaba at a Nelson Mandela fundraising dinner. A refugee from Rwanda, Tindyebwa is now studying politics at Cambridge University. The two met at a Refugee Council party in 2002.
Hello Magazine feature: Emma shares special night with Rwandan refugee ‘son’
