Holes in hearts

Holes in hearts

A mother spoke about her daughter.

A hole in her heart she cries out.

But that was not why we came,

we came so she would not be abused.

Her mother saved her

becoming

a gendered violence statistic.

And became

another governments' statistic

alive

just

Her mother saved a brother

her kidney passed border control

now labelled a british citizen

leaving her behind

here destitute

High risk

of kidney infection

High risk

from immigration bill

High risk

of being left to die

by those with emotionless holes

in their hearts.

We are going to survive

He speaks bravely

he speaks boldly,

voice clear loud,

fingers trembling reveal

our shared vulnerability

when we speak our truth.

Here is how I heard him:

I want

you to imagine

I am your brother, your uncle, your son.

Would you want

me to be

denied

healthcare

if I need it in the future?

My fear

is what will happen

to me.

It

won't

be

easy.

I don't want

to use this word

but I

think it is a torture

method.

How am I

going to pay

when I am not allowed to work or to receive any money?

How does government think

we are going to survive.

Asylum Seekers denied healthcare - Health Care For All

Post by Bristol Dignity For Asylum Seekers.

Bristol asylum seeker Esam takes the message to immigration minister Mark Harper on Sunday Politics West - BBC1 West today at 11:15am

Esam marching with many others for Dignity not Destitution in June.

I went with Dr Naomi Millner, chair of Bristol Hospitality Network to BBC Bristol to meet the immigration minister Mark Harper for the TV programme Sunday Politics West. (Watch here)

I told him that I am not an illegal person, I am a human being like you. I am an asylum seeker, my life is at risk, that is why I am here.

I hope he understood that I claimed asylum for my safety. I know my story is true, but his system didn't believe me and it has made me destitute. I can’t return to my country because it is too risky for me.

I asked him if he can imagine having £5 a day for food and everything, as this is the support he gives asylum seekers and I don’t even get that at the moment. I am lucky that I have friends helping me. Others are not so lucky, they are living outside or in bus shelters.

While me and Naomi didn't get a long time to speak, I hope we passed the message about asylum seekers being destitute and living a suffering life to Mark Harper and people like him. I hope he understands that asylum seekers are seeking a safe place in UK. Please watch the BBC programme on Sunday and tell your friends and leave your comments here.

You can watch the show at 11:15am on BBC One in the West only or watch online afterwards here. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b019cfjw

BRR community

Last week BRR was closed and I realised how significantly important is to having community like BRR,and this morning when I went there I saw a note by Doctor Nathan who is the member and I like to attached to show his felling which is gorgeous and I am sure it's same to everyone else,
BRR is our home and one of  the most important place for us to see our friends and spend nice time there like a family,
Thanks Nathan

LGBT asylum seekers speak out.

On Saturday, the annual LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender) Pride March was held in Bristol. A block of about 40 people joined the march to tell everyone how LGBT asylum seekers are treated by the UKBA and to challenge the Racist Immigration Border controls, demanding the Right to Asylum for All. 

I interviewed two gay asylum seekers who were so excited to know people in Bristol were speaking up to support LGBT asylum seekers that they came from London to join us!

Interview with Noah:

I came to Bristol today to be part of Pride march. Pride is part of me, being a gay man I want to support the gay community. I am proud of who I am.” said Noah, a gay Ugandan man who is a refugee seeing asylum and part of Movement for Justice.

“I am part of Movement for Justice (MFJ) We help asylum seekers. Not just LGBT asylum seekers but all who need help, who run because of persecution. Since I got involved I have made lots of friends and it has really relieved my depressions. We have meetings every Sunday.

There are many LGBT asylum seekers out there. They don't want to be public but I think people must come out. If you don't tell people you ran because of your sexuality then you won't get the help you need and the Home Office are less likely to believe you. To help LGBT asylum seekers we need to tell people we are out here, willing to help them.

Interview with Joseph:

I am glad I am here in Bristol at Pride, meeting people who feel the same and who give support to asylum seekers. I am really grateful. I love the spirit of togetherness.

I would be happy if this spirit spread all across UK. When I talk about togetherness, I talk about a sense of community all across the UK; LGBT people, asylum seekers, straight people, whoever you are. We need to understand what people from different sexual orientations are going through, what people from different countries are going through.

I am Ugandan, a proud gay Ugandan. My country is a beautiful place. There is one big problem – the torture and persecution of people who are lesbians, gay, not straight. Lesbian and gay Ugandans – we cannot survive.

As a teenager it was tough for me. I was an intelligent kid. I knew I was gay and I knew I had a dark future ahead of me. Discreteness was the order of the day to survive. But being discrete damaged me, I lost focus, it was hard to talk to anyone. Very few people want to hear. My dad threatened me as he suspected.

I came to the UK on a visitor's visa. I was here. I came out as felt safer. I had to come out, if not I'd be caught in a cocoon – I felt like I was dying inside. Then my family found out, they disowned me and I could not go back. I knew if I went back, I would not be safe. That was eight years ago.

I stayed and I felt safe. It took me a long time to get use to life here, learning how to catch a bus, get a round. It took much longer before I knew I could claim asylum and how to do it. Now the UKBA use this against me.

Relationships didn't go well as I was dependent, not allowed to work. I am still homeless, I get by with support from friends who are not homophobic. I have experienced a lot of discrimination and homophobia. As an asylum seeker I have many problems, I think all asylum seekers have these problems.

I've been involved in MFJ for 4 months. I love its work. It supports minority groups to be recognised as humans in this country. Everyone on this land has value, the authority treats peoples is not fair at all, it treats us like animals. We need a good life.

This is more than about me trying to get status. It is much more than that. My aim is to name and shame how the asylum system operates. My message to other asylum seekers if stay strong, keep fighting and if you are lesbian or gay, come out and join this movement. Wherever I go I tell people this.

Report from Leeds DIGNITY FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS - UK Indymedia

Report from Leeds DIGNITY FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS - UK Indymedia: Report from Leeds DIGNITY FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS
Leeds Dignity for Asylum Seekers | 02.07.2013 21:42 | Anti-racism | Migration | Repression



The first Leeds Dignity for Asylum Seekers protest was fantastic! It was part of a national day of action, which saw protests in Bristol, Sheffield, Bradford, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. There was a great atmosphere with special thanks to our friends from Bassa Bassa for all those fantastic tunes. It was great to see so many faces and let's continue to build on this.

Report from Bristol march

A giant 10-foot 'scapegoat' paraded through the streets of Bristol on Saturday for the first asylum seeker-led national day of action against destitution called for by Bristol Dignity for Asylum Seekers, with events also taking place in Bradford, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Glasgow and Birmingham.    

Marching along old market in Bristol

"The scapegoat sends a message to everyone that we are not to blame, that punishing us does not help society. We want to contribute and be safe”

Thulani Ndlovu, 39, BRR member who spoke on the Bristol march.

The asylum seekers who started self-organising last year have had to overcome language barriers and traumatic personal experiences to arrange the march, which aims to highlight the government policy of forced destitution.

Destitute asylum seekers are not permitted to work or claim any support so they are prevented from providing for themselves. This means that they are dependent upon charities and friends for housing, money and food and are unable to access education and some healthcare. Asylum seekers can be in this situation for years.

Manesh, 29, former student in electrical engineering, from Iran says 

“I came here to be safe, I had to leave Iran because I was part of a humanitarian political group. I have had no support for over 4 years. I would like to share my skills and contribute to society.”

City councillor Ron Stone spoke on the march saying that he wants Bristol and George Ferguson to lead the way in changing the national policy on destitution and to hold a national conference of asylum seekers in Bristol.

Councils in Glasgow, Bristol and Sheffield have all passed motions against destitution in the past year. Bristol Mayor George Ferguson said in January,

"We should not tolerate destitution in our city for any reason" 

However, the national policy remains unchanged, charity Bristol Hospitality Network estimate that over 100 people are currently destitute in Bristol alone.

Marching just one week after refugee week, a celebration of all refugees have contributed to the UK. The asylum seekers and their supporters plan to continue working together to build a strong national campaign in order to change the policy that forces them into destitution. 

Asylum seekers stand up against destitution around the Country

A Storify Roundup of all the actions that took place on Saturday 29th June in Bradford, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Glasgow and Birmingham http://sfy.co/aMIx #dignity2013 #dignitynotdestitution called for by Bristol Dignity for Asylum Seekers http://asylumseekersinbristol.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Report from Bradford Day of Action

About 70 people attended 

a Destitution Day of Action in Bradford

, hearing speeches from 

Nigerian asylum seeker 

Harry 

Femi

, who  has first hand experience of the appalling impact of destitution,  local immigration lawyer Barry Clark, who outlined the injustice of a legal process which forces refused asylum seekers into destitution, and 

Bradford City of Sanctuary chair 

Will Sutcliffe who spoke of some of the practical ways that people can get involved locally to support destitute asylum seekers.

Barry Clark told the T&A "The government should not be using destitution as a means to enforce its harsh immigration and asylum policies, leaving people without food, shelter or the right to work"

In his speech, Will Sutcliffe made reference to the academic report published last year,  'No Return, No Asylum. Destitution as a way of life?' which counted 66 people, including 10 children in Bradford, made destitute after their asylum claims were refused.

The event was part of a national day of action on asylum destitution, with events taking place in cities across the UK.

Support and solidarity from Ireland against destitution.

As well as demonstrations happening all over the UK, the Rossport Solidarity Camp in Ireland  sent us a message of solidarity on Saturday, supporting us in calling for the end of destitution.

The message from Rossport in Ireland:

SOLIDARITY STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF BRISTOL DIGNITY FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS

London No Borders, Klevis Kola, the London Anti-Raids Network, Stop Deportations,  No One IS Illegal campaign and Calais Migrant Solidarity send this message of solidarity in support of Bristol Dignity for Asylum Seekers in their fight against destitution.
Destitution means no housing, no financial support, no right to work, no access to education, limited access to healthcare, and no recognition, only harassment from the state.Governments’ policies on migration are designed to force and trap people into destitution. No one should be destitute.

We support and we are inspired by all those who demand an end to destitution in the face of, and irrespective of attempts to exclude them from society and silence their voices.  We will continue to challenge and resist unjust, degrading and oppressive policies and policy makers. End destitution now!

Bristol Dignity for Asylum Seekers campaign and all others marching today … We stand with you !

Storify - This story of the Bristol march by Social Media

Last year Asylum Seekers in Bristol held a march, since then their campaign has grown in influence and support. This year the march focused on the horrors of forced destitution, and linked up with other groups around the UK, asking people to join them in marching for dignity. (Hover over slides to view the text) - View full storify  Thanks to Tom Fowler for this.

1. 

   On defend asylum seeker march Bristol great turnoutpic.twitter.com/FB3DXhVzbX

   DEASY BAMFORD@DEASYDYNAMITE

   ·

   A DAY AGO
   

Can you imagine living on £5 a week?

People often wonder where we live and how we survive if we are 'really destitute'.

We rely on charity and donations, Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN) supports many of us, trying to give £10 a week, but sometimes there isn't enough to give even that.

 Rachael from BHN spoke about not having enough money to give out during refugee week. 

There are lots of ways to help us through BHN, so do contact them http://bristolhospitalitynetwork.wordpress.com/community/

Our hopes for our future

We would like to share with you some of  our hopes and dreams for our futures.

Right now our lives are on hold, due to the policy of destitution and the long wait for decisions about our cases.

Destitution is about more than money, we are denied the chance to move forward in our lives, contribute our skills and be successful. Asylum seekers want to sparkle and shine.

Bristol march off to a great start

The Bristol march has gotten off to a great start, parading with a scapegoat through St Paul's and into Easton, stopping outside Junction 3 for speeches about education and destitution and on to Stapleton road when we gave a shout out for all the other cities holding events today!

Excited to start our first shared day of action!

Cloud of destitution

This wordcloud shows how destitution makes us feel.

Come and join us at 11am from the Malcolm X centre in Bristol or at a march in your local city if you believe it is wrong we are forced to have nothing and want to help us change it. 

Donate and support asylum seekers right now

We want to end destitution, and be able to contribute and support ourselves, but of course right now many of us are reliant on support from charities and they need donations in order to support us. 

Please read this leaflet to learn how you can help us with practical donations like food and toiletries.

Why destroy me more?

I've been destitute for a long time, it has made me unwell both physically and mentally, hopeless and like I can't manage my life due to the threat of the unfair asylum system and the persecutors I fled from. I came here to rebuild my life, because I had no chance of survival in my country, please don't destroy me more.

A Kurdish asylum seeker from Iraq.

Why should you march? Video

Please share this video and encourage your friends to come to the march on Saturday!

PRESS RELEASE - Dignity, not Destitution: Asylum seekers across the country standing up in a national day of action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Asylum seekers across the country are making a stand for ‘Dignity not Destitution’ this Saturday 29^th June, in Bristol, Bradford, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Glasgow and Birmingham[1], for the first asylum seeker-led national day of action aiming to highlight the government policy of forced destitution[2].

Since 2002[3] destitute asylum seekers[4] have not been permitted to work or claim any support. This means that they are unable to provide for themselves and are forced to be dependent upon charities and friends for housing, money and food. They are also unable to access education and some healthcare. Asylum seekers can be in this situation for years.

Marching just one week after refugee week[5], a celebration of all refugees have contributed to the UK, destitute asylum seekers are asking for the right to contribute.

Manesh, 29, former student in electrical engineering, from Iran says “I came here to be safe, I had to leave Iran because I was part of a humanitarian political group. I have had no support for over 4 years. I would like to share my skills and contribute to society, to pay taxes.”

Councils in Glasgow, Bristol and Sheffield[6] have all passed motions against the policy of forced destitution over the past year. "We should not tolerate destitution in our city for any reason" said Bristol Mayor George Ferguson,[7] in January. However the national policy means the situation remains unchanged, with charity Bristol Hospitality Network estimating that over 100 people are destitute in Bristol alone.

The asylum seekers, who started self-organising last year,[8] have had to overcome language barriers and traumatic personal experiences to arrange the day of action and they plan to continue working together to build a strong national campaign in order to change the policy that forces them into destitution.

Contact:

asylumisnotacrime@mail.com
Twitter hashtag #Dignity2013

For images and more information http://asylumseekersinbristol.blogspot.co.uk/p/press.html

###

---

[1] Times and locations for all events http://asylumseekersinbristol.blogspot.co.uk/p/marches-in-other-cit.html

[2] “.. The Government has indeed been practising a deliberate policy of destitution” The Joint Committee on Human Rights ‘The Treatment of Asylum Seekers, Tenth Report of Session 2006-7

[3] Until 2002 asylum seekers were allowed to work to support themselves and their families.   

[4] Asylum seekers who are seeking safety due to war or persecution, who are applying to be legally recognised as refugees by the home office. 

[5] http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/

[6] Glasgow June 2012, Bristol January 2013, Sheffield April 2013 http://www.symaag.org.uk/2013/05/08/sheffield-council-takes-stand-against-asylum-destitution/

[7] January 2013, City Hall http://www.cityofsanctuary.org/news/1937/bristol-council-stands-destitute-asylum-seekers

[8] 250 people marched through the streets of Bristol in June 2012 and camped out to highlight destitution in January 2013. http://asylumseekersinbristol.blogspot.co.uk

Birmingham is joining us!

Bristol March Speakers and Route Outline

Route Map.pdf
Bristol Dignity for Asylum Seekers March – 29^th of June 2013

11am Introduction to the March Malcolm X

Speaker 1: Erkhes (BRR Member)

In his speech, Erkhes will welcome and thank all for their attendance and participation in the day’s events He will introduce the march, including its origins and will contextualise within the growing, nationwide movement which began here in Bristol.  

Speaker 3: Amirah Cole (Manager of the Malcolm X Community Centre)

The march begins at the Malcolm X Community Centre, which is also the home of local charity Bristol Refugee Rights (BRR). Meetings and campaigning for Human Rights for Asylum Seekers and Refugees at BRR led to the formation of a splinter group and the beginning of the movement. The Malcolm X centre remains our base and the Dignity for Asylum Seekers campaign remains intrinsically linked to Bristol Refugee Rights. Amirah will put the current campaigning work into the context of the Malcom X centres inspiring history and its role in the community.

Destitution, Health and Education

12.15pm – 1.15pm Junction 3 Library,

Speaker 4: Thulani (BRR Member)

Thulani will discuss the reality of having limited or no access to health and education systems, making reference to his personal experiences.

Speaker 5: Rachael Bee (Bristol Hospitality Network)

Will discuss the barriers to education faced by asylum seekers and the implications that this has for their wellbeing.

Destitution and the Law. 

12.30 -1.30pm Trinity Police Station

Speaker 7: Indriani Currie (Bristol and Avon Law Centre)

Indriana will discuss the link between asylum law and destitution.

Speaker 8: 

An end to destitution for Asylum Seekers? Tactics for change.

12.45 – 1.45 Castle Park

On our final stop, we start to look towards the future. Amy reminds us of the painful reality of destitution and her experience. We ask what tactics can we take to make real change? Ellinor Harris and Alice Cutler will discuss what we can do moving forward at the grassroots level, whilst local councillors Fi Hance and Ron Stone discuss how to progress within local and national government.  

Speaker 9: Amy (BRR Member)

Speaker 10: Ellinor Harris (Still Human, Still Here/ Refugee Action)

Speaker 11: Clr Fi Hance (Liberal Democrat)

Speaker 12: Clr Ron Stone (Labour)

Speaker 13: 

Ending in Castle Park

Bradford action in City Park

At Bristol Lord Mayor's Tea Party

Over 100 people came to the Lord Mayor's House in Bristol on 19th June, including City of Sanctuary, Still Human, Still Here, the Lord Mayor Faruk Choudhury, Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson, asylum seekers and refugees, there was a really nice atmosphere. 

Patrick sang his song about Bristol, city of sanctuary and spoke wonderful words about refused asylum seekers whose basic human rights are violated and some people wore boiler suits with slogans about asylum seekers on them.

Mahsa, an asylum seeker who has been turned down, gave speech about the experiences of herself, her mother and her brother. She told us how she felt when the refusal letter came and her family had to leave the house without any support. She asked how she could prove herself, she was just here in UK for one year, she talked about her unclear future, not even knowing what will happen tomorrow. The government may detain them, her mother needs to be looked after and her brother has to move from place to place.

In the garden

Manesh spoke briefly about destitute asylum seekers issues, those who have not got any support such as a somewhere to stay, food to eat and how they must to go to the police station to report to the home office and give an address. He spoke how these trials can bring up a lot of mental problems and also talked about family life, because people are here for years and years and they can't see their family. He invited all the people to come to Dignity for Asylum Seekers March to raise awareness and end the destitution. 

Trailer film for our march on Saturday - please share!

#Dignity2013  Facebook Event Page

'We want to contribute'

  

 End Destitution of Asylum Seekers

March with us:  Saturday 29th June, 11am

Meet: Malcolm X Centre, City Road, St Pauls, BS2 8TX

Shared National Day of Asylum Seekers Taking Action

شاید ما را شامل نمی شود نوشتن بیش از حد

We Want To Contribute – End Destitution of Asylum Seekers

STAND UP FOR THE RIGHT TO ASYLUM! 

JUSTICE, FREEDOM AND DIGNITY FOR ALL

Day of Action in Manchester - Saturday 29th June

Dignity not Destitution is the message a procession of asylum seekers, refugees and supporters will be sharing on 29 June in Manchester.

A day of action is planned in many cities across the UK on 29 June. The Manchester event will take place in the city centre (exact location to be confirmed – watch this space) from 11am to 2.30pm.  The procession starts at 12 noon. If you can help steward the event please email nwinfo@regionalasylumactivism.org

Come along and show solidarity with those who have experienced destitution. For further details visit the Dignity not Destitution website here.

The event is led by asylum seekers, with the support of local organisations including the Boaz Trust.

Glasgow are Standing up for Dignity

STAND UP FOR DIGNITY

Stop Destitution!

Give us the Right to Work!

Housing is a Human Right!

Stand Up for the right to Asylum

JUSTICE, FREEDOM & DIGNITY for ALL!

Rally & Music

12.30 St Enoch’s Square

Glasgow

Supported by the Glasgow Destitution Network

Asylum seekers come to Glasgow for safety but 90 per cent of them will have their asylum claims initially refused by the UK Border Agency.

The UKBA’s asylum process is seriously flawed. Asylum seekers can be reluctant to reveal personal details to officials about how they’ve been attacked, raped or tortured. Many are scared to give information about their sexuality in case it is discovered by other people. Worried that translators belong to rival groups or will leak information, many hold back crucial information. Often they’ve not had time to collect evidence to show they’re telling the truth.

So most asylum seekers are not believed by immigration officials who operate in a cynical, canteen-culture of disbelief and racism against people they’re supposed to be helping.

Many asylum seekers in Glasgow make two or three asylum applications before getting a positive decision. While they wait for new evidence or for lawyers to prepare judicial reviews, asylum seekers often face destitution.

Instead of safety, many asylum seekers in Glasgow face sleeping rough and becoming dependent on the help of friends and charities to survive.

Refused asylum seekers are not allowed any ‘recourse to public funds’, all financial support is stopped and they lose their accommodation after 21 days. Once homeless - ‘No recourse to public funds’ means destitute asylum seekers are blocked from government funded night shelters or hostels.

Refused asylum seekers are left to live without any money, unable to access anything but emergency medical treatment, sleeping rough or couch-surfing until they can get a fresh asylum claim lodged. They become vulnerable to exploitation and face working illegally and crime to survive.

Destitution is a deliberate policy used by the UK Border Agency to force asylum seekers to give up their asylum claims and return ‘voluntarily’ to their countries of origin. It is a brutal, immoral policy that goes against basic human rights.

 Join us on Saturday 29th June

Stand up for your rights!

Stand up for Dignity!

12.30 St Enoch’s Square

GLASGOW

Great BRR open afternoon last Thursday

Wooh it's great to see so many people at my house (Bristol Refugee Rights welcome centre), both friends and new faces, I do appreciate those who came  here to support us and talk to us.

We told the story about the process of Dignity for Asylum Seekers and talked about it and showed the
film about asylum seekers who sign at police station weekly or month in Bristol and a film about other issues as well. We had discussions, gave a short speech about March on 29th, and of course there was music, food, cake and a lot of other things.

Oh it's a fantastic feeling of real home.

Thanks to everyone and BRR

Leeds to join our national day of action

Message from Leeds: 

"dear friends,
firstly THANK YOU so much for calling for this protest.
There's a lot of excitement here in leeds :)
the mural is amazing....

Please support their blog and let  friends in Leeds know:

http://leedsdignityforasylumseekers.wordpress.com/

We are human beings and have rights....Speech from Celebrating Sanctuary

This is a clip from the speech Manesh gave at Celebrating Sanctuary Day on Sunday about asylum seekers rights and being so-called 'illegal'.

Celebrating Sanctuary Day and Refugee Week

You may have spoken to one of us from Dignity for Asylum seekers at Celebrating Sanctuary Day on Sunday, we handed out loads of leaflets, spoke on the stage and in the talks tent and with lots of people at the day. We have a good presence at refugee week, we are talking at the Tea with Lord Mayor and City of Sanctuary tomorrow afternoon and at the Bristol Refugee Rights open afternoon at Malcolm X centre on Thursday from 2:30 - 6pm, so do come and speak to us if you are at these event!

For more information on all the events during refugee week in Bristol visit www.facebook.com/BristolRefugeeWeek