We wanted to update you with what’s been happening since the new Government pledged to end the immigration detention of children. As we reported last time, this does not mean that detention of children has ended – we’re not there yet! Instead, the Immigration Minister, Damian Green, has now started a “comprehensive review” into ending the immigration detention of children, which is due to be completed on 9 July – after which, they are due to announce how they will fulfil their pledge to stop detaining children.
As part of the review, OutCry! has been invited, along with a number of other voluntary and statutory organisations, to sit on a working group co-chaired by The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund and The UK Border Agency. This working group will input its views to the Government’s review. OutCry! will be making clear that, as a priority, we want to see the immediate release of all families who are currently in immigration detention. We then want to ensure that the Government puts the welfare of children at the heart of any new policy.
As part of their review, the UKBA have now announced a public consultation, which will run until 1 July – please take this opportunity to have your say! Read on…
Have your say before 1 July! The UKBA have now announced a public consultation as part of their review into ending the immigration detention of children. Views can be submitted by anyone up to Thursday 1 July.
Please take this opportunity to have your say and tell the UKBA that it’s vital that they put children’s welfare at the heart of the new system. We’ve set up an online action to make it easy for you to email the UKBA Review Team, or you can email them directly at ChildDetentionReview@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
Don’t forget, the deadline is 1 July!
Email the UKBA Review Team now!
Celebrate Refugee Week!This week is Refugee Week! (14-20 June) Refugee Week is a unique opportunity to discover and celebrate the contributions refugees bring to the UK. During Refugee Week loads of events take place all across the UK, all of which explore refugee experiences. Whatever you’re into – whether its arts, music, food or just meeting people in your local area – Refugee Week will have an event for you. Why not join the World Refugee Day Umbrella Parade in London on Sunday 20 June? This year, we’re asking everyone to do a Simple Act. By doing one small, everyday action that can change perceptions of refugees we can help create a society we all want to live in. We want to reach 20,000 Simple Acts completed by world Refugee Day, 20th June.
Thank you for your support. Dan Jones OutCry! Campaign Manager
P.S. Don’t forget you can keep updated on the OutCry! website, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.