Citizens UK stand against injustice

Dozens of groups from across the country mostly representing recent arrivals to the UK have come together to make a clear statement of the recognition of achievements, and the co-operation between groups to achieve the same aims and fight against continued injustices.

Citizens UK brought together these groups for the 2nd annual Diaspora People’s Caucus at Church House, Westminster on 28th November. The groups representing communities from across the world, celebrated the achievements of new arrival communities as well as Citizens UK’s role in influencing public policy, particularly ending the detention of children seeking asylum. In showing where campaigning has been successful, the Caucus also reminded everyone of the difficulties those seeking a new life from persecution, poverty and warfare still face while trying to stay in the UK, in particular the problems caused by highly complex immigration law that makes people vulnerable to unscrupulous lawyers.

The Caucus heard anecdotes from groups and individuals who have tried to agitate for change as well encountering difficulty from the authorities, including a moving speech by Eulises Maldonado, a Professor in Philosophy and Economics who after escaping violence and persecution in his native Colombia, has only been able to find work at his local supermarket.

Unsurprisingly, the main issues which dominated the Caucus concerned the conduct of state organisations in the field of immigration and asylum such as the UK Border Agency. A large section of the Caucus was devoted to reporting upon the findings of an independent commission into the process of forced removals, triggered by the case of Jimmy Mubenga, who died after being forcibly restrained on a flight to Angola in 2010.

The National Independent Commission on Enforced Removals (NICER) made a number of recommendations, including working to develop pain-free restraint techniques, hiring escorts from more therapeutic backgrounds and piloting a ‘mystery shopper’ scheme to inspect escort conduct on flights. These recommendations were agreed to in principle by Reliance Security, whose CEO, Geoff Vinall, committed to implementing these reforms, completing an event that proved the power of civil society to work for change.

The 2nd Diaspora People’s Caucus showcased the strength of minority communities and groups that represent their interest. Crucially, it showed what can happen when like minded individuals came together and work hard for change. It will be interesting to see how many more advances have been made by the time the Caucus meets again this time next year.

Robert Austin