Christmas Picket: Harmondsworth Detention Centre

"Build high, build wide your prison walls
Let there be room enough for all
Who hold you in contempt, build wide
Let all the land be locked inside.
"When you have seized the moon and sun
And trapped the four winds one by one
And jailed each trouble-making breeze
Then you can throw away your keys."

Protesters braved the appalling weather conditions on Saturday 11th December to call for the closure of Harmondsworth detention centre and to show solidarity with the asylum seekers held inside. Banners and placards were taken around the perimeter fence and protesters chanted for the release of the detainees. The Raised Voices choir sang protest songs and encouraged the other protesters to join in. The twenty feet high fences topped with barbed wire could stop people reaching their freedom but could not prevent the sounds of our voices being heard by those inside. Harmondsworth is situated in west London, just past Heathrow Airport on the A4, and next to luxurious hotels built to welcome visitors to Britain with more resources and less horrific experiences than those held in detention centres. Harmondsworth, which holds up to 100 asylum seekers at any one time, will be closed in a couple of years - to be replaced by a newer and much larger detention centre at Feltham. If you want to help asylum seekers held at Harmondsworth contact the

Close Down Harmondsworth Campaign on 0208571 5019.

Where are the Detention/Prison camps for all the British and American "illegal" immigrants?
Amnesty International has warned that new immigration legislation introduced by the Australian Government will cut significant aspects of Australia's obligations to refugees.

The largest group of illegal immigrants in Australia is from Britain. The second largest group is from the United States. Together they form 20.1% of "illegals". There are no detention centres or "get tough" policies for them.
Australian Government ministers speak of Australia's "pull factor" for refugees. They ignore the "push factor" explaining people's presence in Australia, like the fact that refugees have often fled the most serious human rights abuses imaginable, much like the Kosovars and East Timorese whom Australia has welcomed.

Australia had only 8,257 asylum seekers in 1998/99, compared to 98,644 in Germany, 427,000 in North America and 417,000 in Europe. Only those who meet strict criteria are granted rights in Australia; the rest are sent home. The new legislation will prevent some potential refugees from even applying for asylum.

The legislation will also affect applications for refugee status already in the pipeline, including the applications of 1,650 East Timorese asylum-seekers, some of whom have been in Australia struggling for refugee status for 10 years. The sweeping new "non-compellable" and "non-reviewable" ministerial discretion purports to remove important refugee decisions from rule of law, setting a dangerous precedent for attacks on other vulnerable groups in the community.

With laws like these, Australia will be hypocritical if it criticises other countries for human rights abuses. Having laws that offend minimum international standards, suspend the rule of law for some, and set a dangerous precedent for attacks on other groups, compromises the quality of citizenship held by all.
Source: Amnesty International Sydney Herald, 24/11/99

There are estimated to be over 200,000 white American, Australian, Canadians etc living “illegally” in the 18 EAA communities.

Free Families From Fear
On Saturday 20th November a prayer service was held in Southwark Cathedral, South London, for families facing deportation. Free Families from Fear was organised by the Churches Commission for Racial Justice and was a multi-confessional reflection in support and solidarity with families broken up or threatened with deportation.

A number of NCADC supported campaigns attended the service and the Ozbay family, the Onibiyo family and Mary Njuguna spoke about their experiences of immigration injustice. They lit candles for all those facing the same struggle.

Speakers addressed the congregation, among them the Bishop of Southwark and Reverend Arlington Trotman and Reverend James Ozigi from CCRJ. It was also a good opportunity for campaigns to mobilise new supporters after the service.

Mohammed Safeer fears for his family’s safety
Mohammed Safeer, from Manchester, is battling in the High Court to escape deportation to his violence-ridden home city in Pakistan.
Mohammed came to Britain as a visitor in 1995. He has overstayed his visa. But Mohammed says his British-born wife, Shanaz, could be persecuted by Islamic fundamentalists if he is forced to return to Karachi.

His solicitor, Amanda Weston, has criticised Home Secretary Jack Straw’s irrational view that it would be reasonable for Mr Safeer’s wife and two year old daughter, Aisha, to accompany him on his enforced return to his homeland.
After a half-hour hearing, Mr Justice Kay adjourned the case for fresh evidence to be submitted and for the Home Office to formulate a reply to the complaints.

For updates on Mohammed Safeer contact:
North West NCADC
c/o 400 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester M8 9LE.