Stop the Deportation of Maria Del Carmen Avalos Pilajo and Family

   Maria, her husband Gilber and their 3 children Byron, Cristina and Gabriela live in North Tyneside. When they were in Ecuador, Maria and Gilber were involved with the Confederation Nacional de Indigenas del Ecuador (CONAIE) and were persecuted because of their membership.

    In April 2001 they were kidnapped by the authorities in Ecuador and held in detention where Maria was subjected to  'degrading treatment'.

    They fled Ecuador and made their way to the UK and claimed asylum.

      The adjudicator who determined their appeal did not find their story credible and refused them asylum.

      Human Rights experts confirm that there have been forced disappearances as a result of internal conflicts in Ecuador. Maria's niece, who has been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK had suffered similar experiences in Ecuador.

     The family believe if they are returned they will not be safe.

     On 6th July the family were arrested by Immigration Officials who came to their home in the early hours of the morning and they are now detained at Oakington pending removal on 15th July.

     Their local community are outraged at their detention and even more distressed by the manner in which the family were taken and the traumatic effect this may have on the children.

    Their campaign is strongly supported by their local Parish Priest and the Head teacher at Cristina's school, who believes their removal has impacted on the whole school community.

   Their friend and supporters say the family belong in Newcastle and should not be removed.

    Their local MP Jim Cousins has been contacted and asked to intervene.

    Please help them by writing a letter of support  (model letter, copy, amend write your own) as a matter of urgency and fax it to:

Beverley Hughes MP
Immigration Minister
Home Office
50 Queen Anne's Gate
London. SW1H 9AT
Fax: 020 7273 2043         From outside the UK + 44 20 7273 2043

If you have time post a copy to Maria's MP:

Jim Cousins MP
House of Commons,
London. SW1A 0AA

Any letters sent please copy to the Campaign:
Fax: 0191 280 1970             From outside the UK + 44  191 280 1970

Enquiries/further information
0191 290 6015 for more details.

Pilajo  Family Campaign
c/o NCADC
66 Dovecote Street
Stockton on Tees TS18  1LL
Phone: 01642 679 298
ncadc-north-east@ncadc.org.uk