I am one of the ladies on hunger strike at Yarl’s wood centre. On Monday 8th February 2010 around 11 45am GMT time, some group of women stood at the centre of a hall in the center. We were protesting about the condition at the centre and the length of time we spend in here. An officer approached the group and informed us that an immigration official would like to see us all to discuss the issues that we have raised.
The officer told us to follow him down the corridor to the immigration office. We proceed down to the end of the corridor. When we got to the very end, the officer asked that we should go inside the office 4 ladies at a time. They allowed 4 women to enter and told us that they will let 4 more in when those 4 inside gets out. One of the manager of the centre ( a lady manager called Viv Moore) came from the long corridor and asked us if we wanted to go back to our rooms. We told her that we were waiting to see the immigration. She said we are just wasting our time and that nothing is going to be achieved from our protest. She then asked the officers in the room to come with her and as soon as they got to the door, the last officer locked the door on us. They all stayed outside watching us through the door window.
We were singing and chanting for about one and a half hour since we have been looked up, some ladies went to the door and asked to go to the toilet. The officers including the manager Viv Moore told us that we are not allowed to leave where we are. Some of the ladies started getting sick and collapsing on the floor. There was one asthma lady, one sickle cell lady and two others who were choking on the floor. We were all hyper-ventilating and sweating. There was no door or windows open and we were all complaining of lack of air. Around 2.00pm, Some Chinese girls asked the officers to go to the toilet and they were told no one is allowed to get out. The Chinese bend down at the corner and pee on the floor. Few minutes later others copied them and wee on the ground. the officers were all watching and still refused to open the door. Some people decided to call the emergency service for the ladies having breathing difficulty. The police and ambulance were asked for and they called us back to tell us they are outside of the center but are not allowed entry.
About an hour after the police called us back, some ladies realised that the window was only closed not locked. They opened the window and got out into the compound. Other ladies went through the window and joined them. More were trying to get out through the window but the officers had seen what was happening and had gone round the compound to meet them. They were carrying police guard shield and wearing heavy jacket. They crushed the ladies who were trying to get out with the guard shied and pushed them to the ground. Some women were crushed to the ground and beaten up. Two ladies were physically injured and were bleeding. The windows were protected with the guard shield and the officers holding on to the guard shield. We were all hysterical and upset and were begging the officers not to hurt the women outside. The officers laughed at us as more officers joined them and formed a line to force the women outside in one small corner.
Some women needed to change their sanitary towel cause they were on their period but they had to throw bloodied towel next to where we were standing. We were all exhausted and demoralized by 5.00pm and we had no choice but to sit on the soiled floor. There was no chair or anything to lean on. There was an helicopter hovering above outside by this time but the women outside were not allowed to move from where they are being crushed. Some officers came outside to offer the officers chips and hot drinks. They were replaced by new officers every hour. No officer stayed guard for more than one hour. Every next hour, new sets of officers comes to replace them from their position. The women locked up and the 19 women outside were not offered any food or drink.There was no heat in the small place where we were locked and we all suffered from hypothermia. The ladies outside had to stand in the cold snow without sock and jacket and the officers will not allow them to have jacket. We tried to get them jackets and jumpers through the windows and the officers smashed the window on one of the ladies fingers.Her middle finger was damaged and her fingernail came off. There was blood everywhere and the officers still refused her medical treatment. We were not moved from where we have been detained until 7.30pm.
We were told to come out in pairs and were searched with around a dozen officers watching us. We were offered food and medication after the search and then led to our wings. We were about 70 which consist many Nigerians, Chinese, Jamaicans, Zimbabweans and some nationals that I do not remember. I have been traumatised and victimised because of this experience. I can never believe this can happen in the UK and I am still in shock.
Please publish and pass this story to who ever is interested.
You can use the personal information that I supply below
Mojirola Daniels
Nigerian
Aged 45
Came to UK- December 1987.
3 British children
mojidan@hotmail.de
Friday, 12 February 2010
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Phone Blockade In Support Of Yarl's Wood Hunger Strikers
London Detainee Solidarity Network are calling for people to ring Serco Offender Management and the centre manager of Yarl's Wood tomorrow, Friday 12th February, from 10am-midday to express support for the hunger strikes and disgust at their treatment by Serco's guards.
Serco Home Affairs Office - 01344 386300
Yarl's Wood Duty Manager - 01234 821517
There will be a demonstration outside Serco's offices in central London (22 Hand Court, Holborn, WC1V 6JF) at 2.30pm tomorrow. Please bring banners and instruments.
Serco Home Affairs Office - 01344 386300
Yarl's Wood Duty Manager - 01234 821517
There will be a demonstration outside Serco's offices in central London (22 Hand Court, Holborn, WC1V 6JF) at 2.30pm tomorrow. Please bring banners and instruments.
Yarl's Wood Hunger Strike Update & Protests
Whilst the picture coming out of Yarl's Wood is confused, with the UK Borders Agency claiming the hunger strike has ended, some of the women are still in contact with the outside world via mobile phones and they claim that they are still refusing food. Even the local paper claims that the protests are still happening (though it's hardly "the full story").
What is for definite is that in reprisal for the protests four women were removed from the detention centre on Monday night and spent the night in the cells at Bedford police station. They were not arrested and have been charged with no offence. However, they were taken to Colnbrook STHC the following day and feared they were going to be summarily deported.
Yesterday morning at 01:15 they were woken up and told they were being transferred to prison. When they asked why, they were told it was because the detention estate had no free spaces, a blatant lie. They are believed to have been split up, with 2 taken to HMP Holloway and 2 2 to HMP Bronzefield. The latest news on the hunger strike is that it is still ongoing, with more women joining it (68 on hunger strike at the last count).
The hunger strike is garnering widespread media coverage and has reinvigorated the Campaign to Shut Down Yarl's Wood itself and the general campaign against the detention of children in immigration prisons. Yesterday, the SOAS Detainee Support group, who are in regular contact with the Yarl's Wood women, held a demonstration outside the Serco offices in Holborn.* A handful of MPs were even stirred out of their normal lethargic state and held a debate on the issue.
* Their posts on Indymedia and London Indymedia have updates of the information they have received from the hunger strikers.
What is for definite is that in reprisal for the protests four women were removed from the detention centre on Monday night and spent the night in the cells at Bedford police station. They were not arrested and have been charged with no offence. However, they were taken to Colnbrook STHC the following day and feared they were going to be summarily deported.
Yesterday morning at 01:15 they were woken up and told they were being transferred to prison. When they asked why, they were told it was because the detention estate had no free spaces, a blatant lie. They are believed to have been split up, with 2 taken to HMP Holloway and 2 2 to HMP Bronzefield. The latest news on the hunger strike is that it is still ongoing, with more women joining it (68 on hunger strike at the last count).
The hunger strike is garnering widespread media coverage and has reinvigorated the Campaign to Shut Down Yarl's Wood itself and the general campaign against the detention of children in immigration prisons. Yesterday, the SOAS Detainee Support group, who are in regular contact with the Yarl's Wood women, held a demonstration outside the Serco offices in Holborn.* A handful of MPs were even stirred out of their normal lethargic state and held a debate on the issue.
* Their posts on Indymedia and London Indymedia have updates of the information they have received from the hunger strikers.
Protest In Support Of The Yarl's Wood Hunger Strikers
London Detainee Solidarity Network have called for a demo this Friday at 2.30pm in support of the Yarl's Wood hunger strikers.
The demo will take place at Serco's offices (Serco manage Yarl's Wood on behalf of UKBA) at 18-22 Hand Court (off High Holborn), London, WC1V 6JF. [Map]
Please bring banners and instruments.
The demo will take place at Serco's offices (Serco manage Yarl's Wood on behalf of UKBA) at 18-22 Hand Court (off High Holborn), London, WC1V 6JF. [Map]
Please bring banners and instruments.
Kronstadt Hanger Reopens In Calais
Yesterday, despite the effort of the local authorities and the lies spread about the aims and activities of No Borders and SoS Soutien aux Sans Papiers by Besson and Bouchart [1], local Calais activists [2] reopened the Krondstadt Hanger and held a press conference there outlining our response to the authorities' actions. These potentially include suing both Besson and Bouchart for defamation and taking legal action against the closure of the legally acquired space, something that was so blatantly a political act dressed up as a health and safety issue..
Unfortunately, No Borders still do not know the full reasons cited in the administrative order closing the hanger as the Calais Council have not seen fit to issue SoS Soutien aux Sans Papiers (who officially rent the building) with the order. However, the deputy mayor in charge of the safety committee, Philippe Mignonette, said in a TV interview that gas heaters were being used in the building and that "were cylinders badly closed". The problem is that the only gas cylinders were already there and that only small electric heaters and hot plates to heat soup were being operated. There was no gas heaters or any other gas appliances on the premises.
So, as of 3pm yesterday, the Kronstadt Hanger is open and fulfilling the role it was originally meant for, not the one that Besson fantasised it to be.
[1] Besson labelled No Borders activists as members of the "violent extreme left"and Mafia, saying "will not allow the reconstruction of a place which serves as a base camp to Mafia networks of clandestine immigration near the port of Calais."
[2] Bouchart claimed No Borders were outsiders walking over the feet and bellies of Calaisiens ("sur les pieds et le ventre des Calaisiens")!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
DECLARATION OF C'SUR
*OUR SUPPORT FOR NO BORDER VOLUNTEERS*
The C'SUR collective offers its support to the No border volunteers that are in Calais and is indignant about the remarks made by the government and the mayor against them. They are neither violent nor terrorists but activists that fight for the respect of fundamental human rights.
In this sense the no border volunteers in Calais fight like the other associations for the respect and the dignity of the migrants. When Sangatte closed, we also invaded public places and parish rooms to accommodate the migrants whilst those who had applauded the closure of Sangatte were not interested in their fate.
When the laws do not respect man we go beyond them to live the law of universal fraternity.
For several months the volunteers of no border have supported the actions of the humanitarian associations on the ground. We thank them for this.
The hangar project is interesting: it was not destined to become a place for accommodation but was to be a place of welcome for diverse activities for the migrants and also a friendly place for exchange and meeting of volunteers, inhabitants [of Calais] and migrants (exhibitions, conferences, debates and concerts were planned)
We regret certain words of the authorities that are dangerous because they stir up hatred between Calaisiens and migrants. The population denounce the omnipresence of police in Calais. Many Calaisiens show solidarity with the migrants and volunteers who help them (at the last count 483 Calaisiens had signed a petition of support).
The dignity afforded by the better sleeping conditions of the BCMO: boxes on a cold and damp floor, is that enough ??? Proper toilets!
We invite all the associations to show solidarity and the leaders to mobilise more strongly on another project than the repression of Mr Besson.
CALAIS
10 FEBRUARY 2010
C'SUR
For all contacts: JP Boutoille spokesperson of the collective 0624758082
Unfortunately, No Borders still do not know the full reasons cited in the administrative order closing the hanger as the Calais Council have not seen fit to issue SoS Soutien aux Sans Papiers (who officially rent the building) with the order. However, the deputy mayor in charge of the safety committee, Philippe Mignonette, said in a TV interview that gas heaters were being used in the building and that "were cylinders badly closed". The problem is that the only gas cylinders were already there and that only small electric heaters and hot plates to heat soup were being operated. There was no gas heaters or any other gas appliances on the premises.
So, as of 3pm yesterday, the Kronstadt Hanger is open and fulfilling the role it was originally meant for, not the one that Besson fantasised it to be.
[1] Besson labelled No Borders activists as members of the "violent extreme left"and Mafia, saying "will not allow the reconstruction of a place which serves as a base camp to Mafia networks of clandestine immigration near the port of Calais."
[2] Bouchart claimed No Borders were outsiders walking over the feet and bellies of Calaisiens ("sur les pieds et le ventre des Calaisiens")!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
DECLARATION OF C'SUR
*OUR SUPPORT FOR NO BORDER VOLUNTEERS*
The C'SUR collective offers its support to the No border volunteers that are in Calais and is indignant about the remarks made by the government and the mayor against them. They are neither violent nor terrorists but activists that fight for the respect of fundamental human rights.
In this sense the no border volunteers in Calais fight like the other associations for the respect and the dignity of the migrants. When Sangatte closed, we also invaded public places and parish rooms to accommodate the migrants whilst those who had applauded the closure of Sangatte were not interested in their fate.
When the laws do not respect man we go beyond them to live the law of universal fraternity.
For several months the volunteers of no border have supported the actions of the humanitarian associations on the ground. We thank them for this.
The hangar project is interesting: it was not destined to become a place for accommodation but was to be a place of welcome for diverse activities for the migrants and also a friendly place for exchange and meeting of volunteers, inhabitants [of Calais] and migrants (exhibitions, conferences, debates and concerts were planned)
We regret certain words of the authorities that are dangerous because they stir up hatred between Calaisiens and migrants. The population denounce the omnipresence of police in Calais. Many Calaisiens show solidarity with the migrants and volunteers who help them (at the last count 483 Calaisiens had signed a petition of support).
The dignity afforded by the better sleeping conditions of the BCMO: boxes on a cold and damp floor, is that enough ??? Proper toilets!
We invite all the associations to show solidarity and the leaders to mobilise more strongly on another project than the repression of Mr Besson.
CALAIS
10 FEBRUARY 2010
C'SUR
For all contacts: JP Boutoille spokesperson of the collective 0624758082
Monday, 8 February 2010
What Really Happened Chez Les Flics Aux Hanger Kronstadt
Since the news of the impending opening of the Kronstadt Hanger, a self-organised resource centre for activists and migrants alike, the police had closely monitored the building and effective mounted a blockade of it since last Friday. On Saturday, people managed to circumvent the 3 police lines blocking access to the front door (they did not force their way in as Besson has claimed). Their numbers were swollen with migrants who were once again shelter-less following the closure after 2 days of the cold weather shelter at the BCMO. What had been organised, as the Nord Littoral accurately put it was "an afternoon and evening discussions to inform and debate with neighbours on the use of Kronstadt Street Hangar."
The police then reinforced their lines and told the occupants that they would be allowed to leave but that no one would be allowed to enter the hanger, thus turning it into a siege. Migrants were allowed to leave to go for their lunch on Sunday but when they tried to return, together with a number of activists who had been trapped outside the building all day, they were brutally assulted by CRS officers in riot gear. All this time journalists were kept away from the building despite requests to enter.
The police then parked 2 large trucks in front of the building, effectively screening the entrance from the surrounding streets. The waiting press, including TV cameramen, were violently pushed back by the CRS (a senior officer was heard to cry out "Pas de violences médiatiques!"*) as they formed a cordon around the front of the building and arrested activists outside the hanger. The migrants inside, fearing for their safety, then left in small groups with the No Borders activists barricaded inside.
70 police then proceeded to smash their way into the building through the glass doors when only a dozen or so No Borders activists, well below the fire safety limit which is one of the excuses the authorities have been putting forward as a reason for closing the hanger down, were left inside. One volunteer had her nose broken and activists were bullied before being arrested and taken away for identity checks. The police then set about smashing much of the donated materials inside, including a long wooden counter. Many items were removed (stolen) and the large metal shutter on the front of the building has since been securely fastened to prevent further entry.
Our response is to take the authorities to the courts to secure our legal right to use the building. Besson and Bouchart have framed their reasons for closing the hanger down almsot exclusively in political terms:
"[The state] will not allow the reconstruction of a place which serves as a base camp to mafia networks of clandestine immigration near the port of Calais". - Besson
"(There will be) neither a new Sangatte, nor a new jungle" - the Secretary of State for the Family Nadine Morano. "We will not let anyone stay in the woods or in hangars ... the doctrine of the government is clear: we want a humane immigration, respectful whilst, at the same time, fighting against the networks of clandestine immigration."
Bouchart (the mayor of Calais) claimed that they had been tricked and spoke of "provocation" by the network No Border (sic). "The plan grand froid was activated for a day and a half and, as agreed with the associations, the room [BCMO] was closed. It had been agreed by all" (i.e. all that accept the mayor's paltry 'aid' and who refuse to criticise her in any fashion) that the room could not longer be "occupied at night."
"(We will not) allow zealots to manipulate us and risk triggering an extreme response." - Bouchart. So No Borders manipulated you into ordering the extreme (violent) response by the CRS?
Whilst rationalising it as a 'heath and safety issue':
"The police forces and the state have guaranteed me that they have set up an operation to prevent the migrants from entering the private place." - Bouchart
The occupation of this hangar which is "unsuitable to accommodate people" is "unacceptable", concluded the minister, who has "started to consider actions which will bring an end" to this situation. - Besson
Why is it that the French media can paint an at least somewhat accurate picture of the goings on but the UK media needless to say consistently get most of the details wrong?** "French riot police forcibly evicted 100 Britain-bound migrants last night from a building dubbed ‘Sangatte II’." - Metro. "Riot police clashed with UK bound migrants yesterday during a mass eviction of a charity welcome centre in Calais." - Daily Mail.
* "Don't injure the media" - the No Borders activists anfd the migrants are 'fair game', but not the press.
** Of course this is a rhetorical question.
The police then reinforced their lines and told the occupants that they would be allowed to leave but that no one would be allowed to enter the hanger, thus turning it into a siege. Migrants were allowed to leave to go for their lunch on Sunday but when they tried to return, together with a number of activists who had been trapped outside the building all day, they were brutally assulted by CRS officers in riot gear. All this time journalists were kept away from the building despite requests to enter.
The police then parked 2 large trucks in front of the building, effectively screening the entrance from the surrounding streets. The waiting press, including TV cameramen, were violently pushed back by the CRS (a senior officer was heard to cry out "Pas de violences médiatiques!"*) as they formed a cordon around the front of the building and arrested activists outside the hanger. The migrants inside, fearing for their safety, then left in small groups with the No Borders activists barricaded inside.
70 police then proceeded to smash their way into the building through the glass doors when only a dozen or so No Borders activists, well below the fire safety limit which is one of the excuses the authorities have been putting forward as a reason for closing the hanger down, were left inside. One volunteer had her nose broken and activists were bullied before being arrested and taken away for identity checks. The police then set about smashing much of the donated materials inside, including a long wooden counter. Many items were removed (stolen) and the large metal shutter on the front of the building has since been securely fastened to prevent further entry.
Our response is to take the authorities to the courts to secure our legal right to use the building. Besson and Bouchart have framed their reasons for closing the hanger down almsot exclusively in political terms:
"[The state] will not allow the reconstruction of a place which serves as a base camp to mafia networks of clandestine immigration near the port of Calais". - Besson
"(There will be) neither a new Sangatte, nor a new jungle" - the Secretary of State for the Family Nadine Morano. "We will not let anyone stay in the woods or in hangars ... the doctrine of the government is clear: we want a humane immigration, respectful whilst, at the same time, fighting against the networks of clandestine immigration."
Bouchart (the mayor of Calais) claimed that they had been tricked and spoke of "provocation" by the network No Border (sic). "The plan grand froid was activated for a day and a half and, as agreed with the associations, the room [BCMO] was closed. It had been agreed by all" (i.e. all that accept the mayor's paltry 'aid' and who refuse to criticise her in any fashion) that the room could not longer be "occupied at night."
"(We will not) allow zealots to manipulate us and risk triggering an extreme response." - Bouchart. So No Borders manipulated you into ordering the extreme (violent) response by the CRS?
Whilst rationalising it as a 'heath and safety issue':
"The police forces and the state have guaranteed me that they have set up an operation to prevent the migrants from entering the private place." - Bouchart
The occupation of this hangar which is "unsuitable to accommodate people" is "unacceptable", concluded the minister, who has "started to consider actions which will bring an end" to this situation. - Besson
Why is it that the French media can paint an at least somewhat accurate picture of the goings on but the UK media needless to say consistently get most of the details wrong?** "French riot police forcibly evicted 100 Britain-bound migrants last night from a building dubbed ‘Sangatte II’." - Metro. "Riot police clashed with UK bound migrants yesterday during a mass eviction of a charity welcome centre in Calais." - Daily Mail.
* "Don't injure the media" - the No Borders activists anfd the migrants are 'fair game', but not the press.
** Of course this is a rhetorical question.
84+ Women On Hunger Strike Behind The Wire @ Yarl's Wood IRC
Detention results from political decisions that represent a "hardening attitude towards irregular migrants and asylum seekers" (*PACE)
End the Detention of Foreign Nationals Now!
Since the 5th of February 2010, we the residents at Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre are on hunger strike which involves over 84+ women, who are protesting against the period of time spent in detention and the treatment that they receive while being detained.
The strike was sparked to protest and demand that the frustration and humiliation of all foreign nationals ends now.
We are demanding the following actions
*End the frustrations, physical and mental torture at the centre
*Allow enough time and make resources available to residents who need to fully present their cases.
*To end all false allegations and misrepresentations by the UKBA regarding detainees in order to refuse bail or temporary admissions.
*Access to appropriate medical treatment and care as in the community, access to edible and well cooked food, phones with good mobile connections, with camera and recording facilities to back up cases.
*To stop the forceful removal and degrading system of deportation of detainees
*To put law into practise, European rules governing standard of conditions of detention for migrants and asylum seekers and the length of time in detention.
*The abolition of detention for asylum seeker and torture victims
*Detention should be by a standard procedure prescribed by law, authorised by judicial authority and be subjected to periodic judicial reviews.
*To end the detention of children and their mothers, rape survivors and other torture victims, to end the detention of physically, mentally sick people and pregnant women for long period of time.
*To end the separation of children from their mothers being detained whether in detention or destitution.
*To end the detention of women detention after serving time in prison.
* To abolish the fast track system, in order to give asylum seekers a fair chance with their application, while understanding the particular needs of victims of torture, and access to reliable legal representation which the fast track system denies.
*To end the repeat detention of women granted temporary admission while reporting or signing after a short period out of detention.
*To a set period of time allowed to detain women, which should be no longer than 1 month, while waiting decision either from UKBA or court proceedings.
*Finally instead of detention of foreign nationals, there are alternatives to detention stated by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). 'The detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants in Europe ', Adopted on the 28th January 2010, extracts below.
9.1.1. detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants shall be exceptional and only used after first reviewing all other alternatives and finding that there is no effective alternative;
9.3.4.1. placement in special establishments (open or semi-open);
9.3.4.2. registration and reporting;
9.3.4.3. release on bail/surety;
9.3.4.4. controlled release to individuals, family members, NGOs, religious organisations, or others;
9.3.4.5. handover of travel and other documents, release combined with appointment of a special worker;
Full Text:
Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1707 (2010)1
The detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants in Europe
http://tinyurl.com/Resolution-1707
Please support our concerns, lobby your MPs, Councillors, MEPs, demanding our immediate release and an end to arbitrary detention.
With Thanks,
Women behind the Wire @ Yarl's Wood IRC
Messages of support/solidarity to: WomenBehindTheWire@ncadc.org.uk
End of Bulletin:
Source for this Message: Women behind the Wire @ Yarl's Wood IRC
UPDATE: 13:00
Serco management and the Borders Agency are currently trying to forcibly move four of the women involved in the hunger strike. The situation deteriorating, with about 70 women locked into one of the corridors, no open windows and there are sounds of distress coming over the phone for those in contact with the hunger strikers.
End the Detention of Foreign Nationals Now!
Since the 5th of February 2010, we the residents at Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre are on hunger strike which involves over 84+ women, who are protesting against the period of time spent in detention and the treatment that they receive while being detained.
The strike was sparked to protest and demand that the frustration and humiliation of all foreign nationals ends now.
We are demanding the following actions
*End the frustrations, physical and mental torture at the centre
*Allow enough time and make resources available to residents who need to fully present their cases.
*To end all false allegations and misrepresentations by the UKBA regarding detainees in order to refuse bail or temporary admissions.
*Access to appropriate medical treatment and care as in the community, access to edible and well cooked food, phones with good mobile connections, with camera and recording facilities to back up cases.
*To stop the forceful removal and degrading system of deportation of detainees
*To put law into practise, European rules governing standard of conditions of detention for migrants and asylum seekers and the length of time in detention.
*The abolition of detention for asylum seeker and torture victims
*Detention should be by a standard procedure prescribed by law, authorised by judicial authority and be subjected to periodic judicial reviews.
*To end the detention of children and their mothers, rape survivors and other torture victims, to end the detention of physically, mentally sick people and pregnant women for long period of time.
*To end the separation of children from their mothers being detained whether in detention or destitution.
*To end the detention of women detention after serving time in prison.
* To abolish the fast track system, in order to give asylum seekers a fair chance with their application, while understanding the particular needs of victims of torture, and access to reliable legal representation which the fast track system denies.
*To end the repeat detention of women granted temporary admission while reporting or signing after a short period out of detention.
*To a set period of time allowed to detain women, which should be no longer than 1 month, while waiting decision either from UKBA or court proceedings.
*Finally instead of detention of foreign nationals, there are alternatives to detention stated by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). 'The detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants in Europe ', Adopted on the 28th January 2010, extracts below.
9.1.1. detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants shall be exceptional and only used after first reviewing all other alternatives and finding that there is no effective alternative;
9.3.4.1. placement in special establishments (open or semi-open);
9.3.4.2. registration and reporting;
9.3.4.3. release on bail/surety;
9.3.4.4. controlled release to individuals, family members, NGOs, religious organisations, or others;
9.3.4.5. handover of travel and other documents, release combined with appointment of a special worker;
Full Text:
Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1707 (2010)1
The detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants in Europe
http://tinyurl.com/Resolution-1707
Please support our concerns, lobby your MPs, Councillors, MEPs, demanding our immediate release and an end to arbitrary detention.
With Thanks,
Women behind the Wire @ Yarl's Wood IRC
Messages of support/solidarity to: WomenBehindTheWire@ncadc.org.uk
End of Bulletin:
Source for this Message: Women behind the Wire @ Yarl's Wood IRC
UPDATE: 13:00
Serco management and the Borders Agency are currently trying to forcibly move four of the women involved in the hunger strike. The situation deteriorating, with about 70 women locked into one of the corridors, no open windows and there are sounds of distress coming over the phone for those in contact with the hunger strikers.
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