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Detainees |
Background Voices from Detention Facts and Figure
Background
Immigration detainees are among the most
disadvantaged groups in this country. Many are young, vulnerable,
away from family, homeland, familiar culture, religion and language,
and imprisoned in a system they do not understand. Unlike convicted
criminals, they do not know how long they will be held and can see no
end to their incarceration. In their isolated state, they meet a
system that does not believe what they say and makes it clear that
they are not wanted here.
Many have suffered in their homeland: poverty, persecution, imprisonment, violence and sometimes torture. Having come this far, some are still optimistic when they arrive in detention and take part in the activities provided. As time goes by, they may become more anxious, depressed, or even suicidal, and start to wonder if they will ever get out. Others have been living in England for some time, perhaps having overstayed a work or student visa. Although people may criticise them for not keeping to the rules, it is tragic for them when they are uprooted from their lives here.
Some detainees have no legal adviser. Others are represented by scurrilous immigration consultants who take their money and do nothing to further their case. Some have good solicitors, but cannot understand the legal language they use. Detainees’ experiences before arriving at Tinsley House, their anxieties about those left behind, detention itself, the slowness and incomprehensibility of the system, and their isolation from everything that is familiar can lead to depression and sometimes mental breakdown. They are powerless and they feel powerless. As visitors, we often feel the same.
Voices
from Detention
A few of the recent letters we have
received from detainees:
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"At a time when I thought I was
completely alone – you called and showed me that there were
people in England who cared." |
"I am very grateful for your visit last week. That was an inspiration for me as it is not easy to be locked up. It feels different and weird which, I cannot describe it, but he who had ever experienced it knows how it does feel." - Abdul from Bangladesh
"I’m not very well in here, what can I do with poignant situation. It’s alright one day I will win my life! My family is not very near with me, I lost all my life. I have now only my heart." – Sittampalam from Sri Lanka
"Having met my visitor for the first time I felt a sense of belonging. It caused me to have a different outlook on myself and built my inward spiritual being. This was truly a welcoming stranger. I was overwhelmed with tears and joy when it was announced over the PA system, 'You have a visitor'" - John from Jamaica
"Injustices happen all over the world, and they do indeed take different shapes and forms. But they all have one thing in common, the innocent, helpless, defenceless fall victim. I think I need to talk to you guys." – Amidou from Sierra Leone
"You came into my life when I needed you more than words can express." – Gabrielle from Rwanda
"Please you people show me hope because I have no hope in my life. If I go back to my country I have no hope and I have nobody. And I thank you for helping me." – Precious from Nigeria
In 2007 we assisted 563 detainees at
Tinsley House.
72% were asylum seekers.
88% were male and 12% female.
Most detainees were between 18 and 30
years of age. We were in touch with 16 children whose age was
disputed by immigration, and who were being detained as adults. 21
children with their families were also in touch with us.
Detainees came from 67 different
countries, but some of the largest groups that we came into contact
with were from: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Azerbaidjan,
Cameroon, China, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo,
Gambia, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya,
Kosovo, Liberia, Nigeria, Romania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Click here for 2006 annual report statistics
Click here for 2005 annual report statistics