Naomi's video testimony

Naomi was born in Nigeria. Her father had a leading role in an anti-government human rights organisation and, because of his activities, was imprisoned four times, threatened with death and placed under house arrest. Naomi fled to the UK in 1998.

In 2004, Naomi gave birth to a baby girl who was born with a kidney condition. Despite this Naomi was detained, for eight months in Yarl’s Wood detention centre and separated from her daughter.

In early September 2007, Naomi was taken to Heathrow for a forced removal. She resisted removal and insisted on being reunited with her daughter. She was verbally abused, punched and handcuffed by her escorts. The pilot decided that she should be taken off the plane.

Naomi was then transferred to Colnbrook, a male detention centre. After being held there for one day, she was transferred back to Yarl’s Wood detention centre.

On 30 September 2007 she was served with further removal directions back to Nigeria. However, on the 28 September 2007, emergency protection – known as Rule 39 - had been granted by the European Court of Human Rights which prevented the government from deporting her. Nevertheless, Naomi remained in detention, still separated from her young daughter.

In late October 2007, while Naomi was still in detention, her daughter was caught up in completely separate deportation proceedings of her own. Born in the US, three-year-old Angela (not her real name) has spent most of her young life in the UK. Despite this, the Home Office attempted to deport her to the US on the grounds that she was a US citizen. They issued a letter to her containing removal directions for 23rd October 2007.

The case was immediately rushed through to the European Court of Human Rights. The European Court ordered that the UK government stop any further attempts to deport Angela to the US.

Finally, on 18 March 2008, Naomi was released from detention and reunited with her daughter – after four long years.

She is still waiting for a decision from the Home Office on her asylum application.

The battle to halt the government's deportation of 3 year old Angela story has appeared in several publications including The Independent and United Press International.

Everyone has the right to seek asylum. The Testimony Project believes that those seeking refuge in our country should have the right to dignified, humane and fair treatment that respects their human rights, protects their physical and mental wellbeing, and that follows a fair and efficient process. Deliberate destitution, violent deportation, the splitting of families, and dehumanising detention run counter to the original spirit of asylum and should cease immediately. Please, hear our voice.

Detention of children must stop

Anonymous (not verified) — Mon, 10/26/2009 - 19:07

I was so moved by your short film. How the government can continue to sanction the abuse of children through their effective imprisonment in detention centres is beyond me. I think it's only because not enough women speak out about it. Voices like yours need to be heard. Thank you for your courage.

Naomi's video testimony

Detention of children must stop

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