Asylum in the news
Asylum in the news
A round-up of asylum in the news for the week of 1st March 2010.
Inquiry into whistleblower’s claims
Louise Perrett has given evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee following her revelations concerning staff in a Cardiff Branch of UKBA. In previous weeks she had exposed a culture of prejudice that had given rise to significant mistreatment of asylum applicants. When asked by MP Bob Russell about the extent of the malpractice, she attributed it to a bad few who prevented more conscientious people voicing their concerns. The Border Agency has now launched an investigation into her claims.
More concerns about Yarl’s Wood incident
A group of detainees at Yarl’s Wood have told The Observer that riot shields were employed in the suppression of the hunger strike that occurred several weeks ago. According to their testimony, Serco, the firm in charge of the day to day running of the centre, used an array of heavy handed techniques to restore order in the centre. Serco strenuously denies any wrong doing.
Judge prevents afghan boy’s deportation
An orphaned Afghan teenager, Mashal Jabari, was on the verge of deportation until a judge recently ruled he should undergo a proper age assessment with Cardiff Council. Results are expected to confirm the opinions of his GP, who thinks he is under 18. His application for asylum was rejected in November last year following his arrival in the UK in October. According to a Welsh Refugee Council’s Advocacy Officer, he has been in a highly traumatised state since his arrival.
Wales Online: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/cardiffonline/cardiff-news/2010/03/05/judge-halts-move-to-deport-afghan-teenager-91466-25966262/
UNICEF expresses concern over migrant children in the UK
Concerns have been raised by UNICEF about the vulnerability of unaccompanied children asylum seekers in the UK. In 2008, 4,285 unaccompanied or separated migrant children arrived and claimed asylum. It is feared that many could be falling into the hands of traffickers, even while under the care of local authorities. The UNICEF report also details instances of children being regarded with skepticism by border officials, who fail to appreciate their distress.
Photo taken from The Guardian website.