LGBT & straight detainees at risk of harassment by abusive staff
Time: 4:30-6:30pm
Venue: Richmond Terrace, Whitehall, SW1A 2NJ, opposite 10 Downing Street. Nearest tube station: Westminster
“Human rights should be universal, no matter what the immigration status of the individual. The UK is a signatory to the Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights, both of which protect asylum seekers,” added Mr Sesange.
“The sexually inappropriate acts inflicted to those seeking refuge in the United Kingdom are a violation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits ‘inhuman or degrading treatment.’
“The government can blame the abuses on the private contractors running the detention centres, such as Serco, however the ultimate duty of care lies with the government. It cannot escape its responsibility for what has happened.
“The sexual harassment allegedly suffered by vulnerable women in Yarl’s Wood detention centre are criminal offences. The perpetrators should be prosecuted.
“The unlawful killing of James Mubenga at the hands of Home Office-contracted security staff from the private company G4S is an example of the criminal violations that many asylum seekers face in the hands of those who are supposed to care for them,” said Mr Sesange.
This article is from a post on the Peter Tatchell Foundation website