It has been reported in various media outlets that there have been a number of deaths in immigration detention centres in the UK
in the last two months. Emma Ginn from IDC member organisation, Medical Justice has been reported as saying that there are:
‘growing worries about “the perilous and frightening conditions of detention” at immigration removal centers [and] that coupled with “disturbingly inadequate” healthcare offered to detainees amount to “a lethal cocktail” and “a disaster waiting to happen”.’ (PressTV, August 6, 2011)
Concerns are that individuals are not receiving adequate health care and that conditions in detention are leading to greater numbers of people suffering from mental heath problems as a direct result of their detention. This was also highlighted in a recent High Court decision in the UK in which it was found that the Uk Border Agency had subjected a man to inhuman or degrading treatment while in detention (see link below for further information and another decision relating to unlawful detention).
News reports:
- Failed asylum seeker found dead at Campsfield detention centre (The Guardian)
- Police probe detention facility deaths (PressTV)
Further information:
- British High Court rules UK Border Agency subjected man to inhuman or degrading treatment in detention (Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, UK)
- High Court rules that a detention just short of 5 years under Immigration Act 1971 was unlawful throughout (Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, UK)
- Medical Justice Network UK
- Global Detention Project UK Detention Profile