IRR News
review
Refugee roulette
The risks asylum seekers face if returned to their country of origin must be made clearer to decision makers, says a new report.
4 February 2010 (220 words)
independent
Asylum seeker begs to be returned to Nigeria
Prince Ademola Babatunde Bakare has claimed that his treatment as an asylum seeker in the UK is worse than his experiences in Nigeria, where he and his family were tortured.
4 February 2010 (external article)
law gazette
Ministry of Justice restricts civil legal aid for non-UK residents
Concerns have been raised following cuts to the legal aid budget which would have an adverse impact on particularly vulnerable groups, including asylum-seekers.
4 February 2010 (external article)
comment
ID and the final exclusion
By Frances Webber
Biometrics and surveillance are set to make life virtually impossible for those without legal status here.
4 February 2010 (1875 words)
guardian
Whistleblower claims border staff humiliate and trick asylum seekers
The Home Affairs Select Committee is to investigate claims made by a former UK Border Agency case owner that asylum seekers are routinely mistreated, tricked and humiliated by staff working for the Border Agency in Cardiff.
3 February 2010 (external article)
barnet & potters bar times
Iranian asylum seeker on hunger strike
Bita Ghaedi, whose application for asylum has been refused and who now faces imminent forced return to Iran, has gone on hunger strike in North London, fearing that her life is threatened by both her family and the Iranian state.
3 February 2010 (external article)
guardian
Compensation for detention at Oakington
A Bolivian family of five, who were detained unlawfully at Oakington detention centre in Cambridge, have been awarded £100,000 compensation for false imprisonment in 2004.
1 February 2010 (external article)
bbc news
HIV-positive woman challenges removal to detention centre
A HIV-positive woman, who has been living in Belfast for years and who was then moved to a detention centre in England, has begun a legal challenge as the move which failed to take in to account her healthcare situation.
1 February 2010 (external article)
north east evening gazette
Arson trial for attack on Stockton-on-Tees asylum seekers
Two women are on trial after a racist arson attack was launched on a house for asylum seekers. The police took over three hours to arrive at the burning house, which had been set on fire with the taunt 'Hope your home burns down, curry muncher'.
27 January 2010 (external article)
lincolnshire echo
Prison 'to become asylum centre'
Speculation is growing that HMP Morton Hall near Lincoln could be turned into an immigration detention centre for asylum seekers and foreign nationals.
27 January 2010 (external article)
morning star
Detained Cameroon family wins damages
A family from Cameroon who were facing deportation have won the right to damages against the government for unlawful imprisonment and compensation for violation of their human rights.
25 January 2010 (external article)
bbc news
Asylum children going missing from care
A BBC investigation has discovered that at least four children a week who are seeking asylum go missing from the care of local authorities.
25 January 2010 (external article)
Plans for third detention centre near Gatwick meet opposition
Controversial plans for a removal centre in Crawley have come under fire from local campaigners.
21 January 2010 (233 words)
Compensation for some, deportation for others?
The High Court's acknowledgement that control orders based on secret evidence are unlawful, and the possibility of compensation for those affected, doesn't help those facing deportation on the basis of secret evidence.
21 January 2010 (790 words)
London demos against border control and surveillance
London No Borders is holding a day of demonstrations in London to protest against border controls and increasing domestic surveillance.
21 January 2010 (270 words)
Sponsored walk to raise money for Morecambe Bay families
In a few weeks time, the Morecambe Victims Fund will hold a sponsored walk for the families of the victims of the Morecambe Bay tragedy.
14 January 2010 (572 words)
leicester mercury
Death fears for man deported to Congo
Campaigners have expressed concerns over the safety of Constant Moussavou, who was deported back the country in September and has made no contact with his supporters since then.
11 January 2010 (external article)
review
Government failing mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers
A new report has found that restrictive and contradictory government policies have severe implications for the mental health and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers.
7 January 2010 (994 words)
comment
Spirited away
By Frances Webber
UK Border Agency (UKBA) proposals to remove more people from the country without giving them a realistic chance to challenge their removal are causing anger and concern.
7 January 2010 (641 words)
bbc news
Inquiry into teen suicide shortly after contact with Met police
The Independent Police Complaints Commission has launched an inquiry after an Afghan teenager committed suicide in London shortly after his release from police custody. He had been temporarily held on suspicion of immigration offences.
5 January 2010 (external article)
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