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09/02/2004
SF to meet Maghaberry governor over asylum concerns
A Sinn Féin delegation is to meet the Governor of Maghaberry Prison tomorrow to discuss concerns about the conditions faced by asylum seekers held in detention.
Since November 2000 the number of asylum seekers detained at Maghaberry jail, which also houses paramilitary prisoners, has increased by 20%.
Alex Maskey, the party's racism spokesperson, and South Down assembly member Caitriona Ruane said that the detention of people without charge, trial or conviction was in breach of international human rights standards.
“Sinn Féin are concerned at the specific conditions faced within Maghaberry
by asylum seekers and that steps should be taken with regard to their treatment and welfare," Ms Ruane said.
“Asylum seekers are often fleeing serious human rights abuses within their own country and it is vital that their rights are protected and vindicated here.”
A report last August by the Law Centre, entitled 'Sanctuary in a Cell', called on the government to end its practice of detaining asylum seekers at Maghaberry while their applications are being dealt with.
The report described the present situation as "nothing short of a disgrace" and showed that asylum seekers from as far away as China have been detained for up to a year while their application is looked at.
(MB)
Since November 2000 the number of asylum seekers detained at Maghaberry jail, which also houses paramilitary prisoners, has increased by 20%.
Alex Maskey, the party's racism spokesperson, and South Down assembly member Caitriona Ruane said that the detention of people without charge, trial or conviction was in breach of international human rights standards.
“Sinn Féin are concerned at the specific conditions faced within Maghaberry
by asylum seekers and that steps should be taken with regard to their treatment and welfare," Ms Ruane said.
“Asylum seekers are often fleeing serious human rights abuses within their own country and it is vital that their rights are protected and vindicated here.”
A report last August by the Law Centre, entitled 'Sanctuary in a Cell', called on the government to end its practice of detaining asylum seekers at Maghaberry while their applications are being dealt with.
The report described the present situation as "nothing short of a disgrace" and showed that asylum seekers from as far away as China have been detained for up to a year while their application is looked at.
(MB)
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