Dungavel: Questions from League to UK Border Agency

This news published by the Celtic League:

Dungavel: Questions from League to UK Border Agency

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The Celtic League is pressing the United Kingdom Border Agency for answers after a group of Scottish Trade Unionists and Religious Groups were denied access to the controversial Dungavel Immigration Detention Centre in Scotland.

The Centre has frequently been in the news most notoriously because of the practice of incarcerating very young children there.

The League is also pressing for answers about health monitoring and whether medical staff are trained to standards set by the United Nations Istanbul Protocol.

Sir Charles Montgomery
Director General
United Kingdom Border Force
Lunar House
11th floor Long Corridor
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 2BY

1st May 2015

Dear Sir Charles.

Re: Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre

I write to express our concern at reports that last month a delegation from concerned non governmental organisations (NGOs) was denied access to the above Centre to assess the welfare of those detained there.

Can you explain how your Agency believes that adopting a policy which denies access to NGOs comprising Trade Unionists and Religious representatives does anything to ameliorate the public concerns about the conditions of those detained?

Surely the Agency must realise that a culture of secrecy will reinforce public perceptions that the Centre is not administered correctly and is not a fit place for the detention of those awaiting removal from the United Kingdom.

On a related point can you outline to us the age range and gender mix of those detained at the Centre?

Could you also confirm if the disgraceful practice of detaining very young children at the Centre continues?

Could you also confirm if medical personnel either employed at the Centre or providing support to those detained there are aware of and given training on the United Nations ‘Istanbul Protocol’?

We look forward to a full and early response from your Office.

For information the Celtic League is an accredited Non Governmental Organisation of the United Nations (ECOSOC).

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information”

See related link.

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League

01/05/15

(Please note that replies to correspondence received by the League and posted on CL News are usually scanned hard copies. Obviously every effort is made to ensure the scanning process is accurate but sometimes errors do occur.)

ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE.

The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues

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