Asylum seekers assaulted by private security teams, says report
Britain's treatment of asylum seekers has never been worse, according to Labour MP Diane Abbott.
Abott's comments came after the publication of a report detailing nearly 300 claims of assault on asylum seekers by security staff hired by the Home Office to forcibly deport them.
"I have just read one of the most shocking reports about our immigration system that I have seen in 20 years as a member of parliament," she said.
The Outsourcing Abuse report by Medical Justice, which provides medical and legal advice to deportees, found evidence of long-term injuries to asylum seekers.
The incidents include accusations of excessive force, beatings and racial abuse, resulting in injuries ranging from handcuff-bruised wrists to swollen faces, and fractured ribs, wrists and ankles.
Abbott said the report detailed "frightening state-sponsored violence" and accused the Home Office of a "complete failure" to investigate the allegations.
She added that it was a damning verdict on ministers' ability to "inject even a shred of humanity into a failing immigration system".
"It is a test of our society how we treat the weakest and most vulnerable," she said. "There is no reason in 2008 why a wealthy, civilised country should treat people like this."
Harriet Wistrich, a London lawyer who co-authored the report, said that the UK's international reputation as a place of justice has become "more and more tarnished".
The current asylum system was re-traumatising those who fled from violence in their home countries, she added.
"These allegations amount to torture," she said.
Apollo Okello, a failed asylum seeker from Uganda currently facing re-detention and removal, claimed that he underwent "psychological and mental torture" during his time in detention.
"They are doing it to make life more difficult for you so that you accept going back," he said. "All they care about is that you have left the country and they have met their target for removals."
Abott's comments came after the publication of a report detailing nearly 300 claims of assault on asylum seekers by security staff hired by the Home Office to forcibly deport them.
"I have just read one of the most shocking reports about our immigration system that I have seen in 20 years as a member of parliament," she said.
The Outsourcing Abuse report by Medical Justice, which provides medical and legal advice to deportees, found evidence of long-term injuries to asylum seekers.
The incidents include accusations of excessive force, beatings and racial abuse, resulting in injuries ranging from handcuff-bruised wrists to swollen faces, and fractured ribs, wrists and ankles.
Abbott said the report detailed "frightening state-sponsored violence" and accused the Home Office of a "complete failure" to investigate the allegations.
She added that it was a damning verdict on ministers' ability to "inject even a shred of humanity into a failing immigration system".
"It is a test of our society how we treat the weakest and most vulnerable," she said. "There is no reason in 2008 why a wealthy, civilised country should treat people like this."
Harriet Wistrich, a London lawyer who co-authored the report, said that the UK's international reputation as a place of justice has become "more and more tarnished".
The current asylum system was re-traumatising those who fled from violence in their home countries, she added.
"These allegations amount to torture," she said.
Apollo Okello, a failed asylum seeker from Uganda currently facing re-detention and removal, claimed that he underwent "psychological and mental torture" during his time in detention.
"They are doing it to make life more difficult for you so that you accept going back," he said. "All they care about is that you have left the country and they have met their target for removals."
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