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11/08/2003
Report calls for end to jailing asylum seekers
A new report has called on the government to end its practice of detaining asylum seekers at a Co Antrim jail while their applications are being dealt with.
The report by the Law Centre, entitled 'Sanctuary in a Cell', revealed that since its previous report in November 2000 the number of people detained at Maghaberry jail, which also houses paramilitary prisoners, has increased by 20%.
The report called 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.
Northern Ireland's Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission, Joan Harbison, said it was important the recommendations of the report were acted upon while Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy called for an immediate end to the practice.
"The current British policy regarding those fleeing persecuting in their own country has been to lock them up as criminals inside Maghaberry prison. This practice can only be described as internment and has included young children and pregnant woman. This sort of treatment is unacceptable and must end," he said.
(MB)
The report by the Law Centre, entitled 'Sanctuary in a Cell', revealed that since its previous report in November 2000 the number of people detained at Maghaberry jail, which also houses paramilitary prisoners, has increased by 20%.
The report called 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.
Northern Ireland's Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission, Joan Harbison, said it was important the recommendations of the report were acted upon while Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy called for an immediate end to the practice.
"The current British policy regarding those fleeing persecuting in their own country has been to lock them up as criminals inside Maghaberry prison. This practice can only be described as internment and has included young children and pregnant woman. This sort of treatment is unacceptable and must end," he said.
(MB)
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20 June 2005
Amnesty report accuses government of detaining asylum seekers
Amnesty International has accused the government of "detaining" thousands of asylum seekers in Northern Ireland. In a new report, Amnesty International has challenged Ministers to reveal how many people who have sought asylum are being detained each year and for how long.
Amnesty report accuses government of detaining asylum seekers
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27 July 2021
Lessons Learnt During Pandemic Can Help End Homelessness
An Alliance MLA has called on Northern Ireland to learn lessons from the response to the pandemic to help end homelessness across the region. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong spoke highly of how agencies worked together to ensure anyone sleeping on the streets was provided with safe and secure accommodation during the first lockdown.
Lessons Learnt During Pandemic Can Help End Homelessness
An Alliance MLA has called on Northern Ireland to learn lessons from the response to the pandemic to help end homelessness across the region. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong spoke highly of how agencies worked together to ensure anyone sleeping on the streets was provided with safe and secure accommodation during the first lockdown.
22 November 2019
Paddy Barnes Retires From Boxing
Belfast fighter Paddy Barnes is to retire from professional boxing. The twice Olympic bronze medalist from north Belfast issued a statement on Twitter on Thursday night after "taking some time" to reflect. "I have loved every minute of boxing, it has been my life for the last 21 years," he said.
Paddy Barnes Retires From Boxing
Belfast fighter Paddy Barnes is to retire from professional boxing. The twice Olympic bronze medalist from north Belfast issued a statement on Twitter on Thursday night after "taking some time" to reflect. "I have loved every minute of boxing, it has been my life for the last 21 years," he said.
05 December 2003
Elderly man injured in robbery
An elderly man is being treated in hospital after he was attacked during a robbery at his home in Lisburn on Friday. The man's wife also suffered shock during the incident which occurred at the couple's home on the Causeway End Road early this morning.
Elderly man injured in robbery
An elderly man is being treated in hospital after he was attacked during a robbery at his home in Lisburn on Friday. The man's wife also suffered shock during the incident which occurred at the couple's home on the Causeway End Road early this morning.
13 August 2003
Central Station device declared a hoax
A suspect package found at Belfast's Central Station this morning has been declared a hoax. Army technical experts examined the device which was found on a train close to platform four at around 11.20am. While the station has not been evacuated, the line between the station and Great Victoria Street was initially closed.
Central Station device declared a hoax
A suspect package found at Belfast's Central Station this morning has been declared a hoax. Army technical experts examined the device which was found on a train close to platform four at around 11.20am. While the station has not been evacuated, the line between the station and Great Victoria Street was initially closed.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
