|
A
Refugee Week
PRESS CONFERENCE to
launch: FRIDAY
24 JUNE 2005,
11am
All welcome @
CROSSROADS WOMEN’S CENTRE, 230a Kentish Town Road (entrance on
Caversham Rd), London NW5 2AH
Fully
wheelchair accessible Contact: (020 7482 2496 minicom/voice; email: law@crossroadswomen.net What
can be done about the increasing numbers of women, children and men who
are unjustly detained and deported despite compelling evidence of rape
and other torture, persecution and trauma?
This
lifesaving and labour saving Guide is based on intensive work over many
years with women (and some men) asylum seekers by Legal Action for
Women, Black Women‘s Rape Action Project and Women Against Rape, all
based at the Crossroads Women’s Centre.
Ian
Macdonald QC
says “Legal Action for Women, a free legal service whose determination
to win justice puts many lawyers to shame, has put together their
experience of day-to-day legal case work and campaigning in this
exciting Guide. Not only is it invaluable for those fighting in their
own defence or that of their family and neighbours; it is also essential
reading for lawyers, advocates and other professionals who will benefit
greatly from its practical information and advice. At
a time when principles of international protection for those fleeing
persecution are being undermined in Europe and elsewhere, and asylum
seekers battle even to get their case heard in court, this Guide is
needed more than ever.”
Ms
X, All African Women’s Group
says: “My brother phoned Black Women’s Rape Action Project two
days before I was due to be deported because no-one else would help me,
not even the organisation where I was getting counselling.
They sent many urgent letters and made many phone calls and found
me a new solicitor who submitted a fresh claim.
I was alone in Yarl’s Wood, and felt very isolated and
depressed but they called me regularly.
When my deportation was stopped, they also worked with my
solicitor and after twenty-six days of misery I finally got out.”
Niki
Adams, spokeswoman for LAW
says: “As
a result of our actions and advice, women and children have been
released from detention, deportations prevented and cases reopened.
Many women whose cases had not been thoroughly examined and who
would have faced grave danger and even death had they been returned to
their countries of origin, have gone on to win the right to stay.” This
accessible step-by-step guide puts
together information that is not usually available so that anyone
determined to get protection and justice can find out how to do it. For more information on any of these events contact 020-7482 2496 |
To buy: A Self-Help Guide for Asylum Seekers facing Detention and Removal