Investigation into detention of Asylum seekers welcomed
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Human Rights and Equality has welcomed the launch
of
an investigation into the detention of Asylum seekers by the Human Rights
Commission
and suggested that today's series of visits should be followed up
by a
cross party delegation.
Ms Ruane said:
"Sinn Féin have
long-standing concerns about the detention of Asylum Seekers
in prisons
here and the conditions in which they are housed. It is clear
that
Asylum Seekers should not be detained in prison. Their detention is
nothing
less than internment. Republicans know only too well the impact that
this
has on individuals and families. It only serves to increase the
uncertainty
and hardship that Asylum Seekers face.
"Central to the Peace
Process and the Good Friday Agreement is the
vindication and protection
of the Human Rights of all. This must include the
Human Rights of
Asylum Seekers. Over 5 years ago Sinn Féin brought this
issue to
the Assembly and called for the implementation of the
recommendations
of the Law Centre report 'Sanctuary in a Cell'.
"Yet despite a
political mandate for action - including the ending of the
unnecessary
detention of Asylum Seekers, the creation of non-custodial
alternatives,
the designation of the British Home Office under section 75
and full
access to free legal advice and welfare and community services - 5
years
on the NIO have done nothing to end this disgrace.
"Fifteen
months ago a Sinn Féin delegation met with Asylum Seekers being
held
in Crumlin Road Prison as part of a fact finding mission. Before
Christmas
Sinn Féin meet with Shaun Woodward to again voice our serious
concerns
about a number of issues surrounding our prisons, particularly in
relation
to the conditions faced by women in Hydebank and the imprisonment
of
Asylum Seekers.
"The recent ruling that slopping out violated the
rights of prisoners
highlights some of the difficulties and the need to
ensure a human rights
ethos, both for Asylum Seekers who should not
even be detained in prison and
for prisoners." ENDS