Tell Gordon to Get Fair
Please take a moment to email the Prime Minister. Tell him it's time for the Government take action to reduce poverty and inequality, to ensure adequate incomes, fair access to services, affordable homes and decent neighbourhoods for all. The Get Fair campaign, being launched in September, will press all the political parties to make poverty a priority. Please take a moment to join in this action, and start the ball rolling! Please email Gordon Brown NOW at http://tinyurl.com/5m5jfz, and forward this email to all your friends too. Help us tell Gordon to Get Fair! Find out more about Get Fair at www.getfair.org.uk or www.church-poverty.org.uk.
Poverty and inequality continue to be huge problems in this country. We won't make further progress in tackling these problems without higher levels of public and political support. CAP is working with dozens of other organisations on Get Fair - a major new campaign, aiming to mobilise public opinion and ensure that UK poverty is an important issue for politicians in the run-up to the next General Election. CAP need your help and support to make Get Fair a success, and to make UK poverty history. Sign up for Get Fair email updates here. Download more information and a registration form here to become part of the campaign here.
TELL PRIMARK NOT TO CUT AND RUN:
Many of you will have seen or heaard about the recent media focus on the Indian garment industry, including Blood Sweat and T-Shirts and the Channal 4 and BBC documentaries on Primark and India Labour Behind the Label is calling on Primark to reverse its decision to cut and run from three Indian suppliers (BBC Panorama investigation broadcast on 23rd June). They are also calling on Primark to take positive action to ensure that it fulfils its responsibility to these and other workers along its supply chain and to look at the impact of its own purchasing practices on working conditions. Take Action HERE:
Annual UNHCR figures show continuing climb in number of uprooted
" - UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres expressed concern Tuesday about the growing number of refugees worldwide after an annual survey said there were 11.4 million refugees and 26 million others displaced internally by conflict or persecution at the end of 2007. After a five-year decline in the number of refugees between 2001 and 2005, we have now seen two years of increases, and that's a concern,"
UNHCR,17th June 2008
Let them give something back
"The case is compelling: we should restore the right to work for asylum seekers, allowing them to contribute to society" Bill Morris
"For a trade unionist there can be no greater rights than those of freedom, liberty and democracy. And with them comes the right to work and to make a contribution to society; after all, work defines who and what we are. That is why I am convinced that the right to work should extend to all those legally living in our country, including those who have come here to claim asylum."
Bill Morris, guardian.co.uk, Wednesday June 18 2008
How migrants helped make the NHS
"The health service has always relied on an international workforce. The history of the NHS is also a history of economic migration. Practically from its conception, the health service suffered acute shortages of staff, and that shortfall was met then, as it is now, by "importing" nurses, doctors and auxiliary staff from overseas."
Patrick Butler, Society Guardian, Wednesday June 18 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/jun/18/nhs60.nhs2
Update on Trade
MEPs call on European Commission President to allow for more time for pro-development trade deals. 61 MEPs from across Europe and political parties have joined with the Trade Justice Movement to publish an advertisement in the Brussels based European Voice, calling on the European Commission President Barroso to allow for more time for pro-development trade deals. The focus on the Commission President came about because he has backtracked on commitments to renegotiate the most contentious parts of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).
It is therefore vital that MEPs closely scrutinise the deals during the summer and autumn months. It is also vital that we keep up the pressure, especially as the European Commission itself has begun to lobby MEPs in favour of supporting EPAs. If you would like to promote the issue being raised with MEPs, please go to the Trade Justice Movement website for a template letter and details of which UK MEPs to raise the issue with. Supporters can also email the EC President directly via an email action on Traidcraft's website.
Love Football Hate Poverty
Scotland aren't playing in Euro 2008 this June. Nor are England, Wales or Northern Ireland. So who are you going to cheer for? WDM has launched a fun new website that let's you compare the countries which ARE competing based on a whole load of fascinating criteria - from their carbon footprint to the amount they spend on international development. Find out who deserves to win the cup
Stop the Arms Trade Week 1-8 June 2008
The focus of this year's Stop the Arms Trade Week remains the Control BAE campaign. In the light of the recent High Court ruling that the Government broke the law when it curtailed a corruption inquiry into BAE-Saudi arms deals, it is vital that we maintain pressure on the Government not to interfere in the investigation again. Wherever you live, this is a great opportunity to take coordinated local action against the arms trade!
Please don't forget to let CAAT of any events you're planning and email the details to marisa@caat.org.uk
To find out what is happening in your area, click here
To order a free campaign pack contact CAAT
On 10 April the High Court ruled that the Government acted unlawfully when it curtailed a corruption investigation into BAE Systems' Al Yamamah arms deals with Saudi Arabia. The full text of the judgment, as well as the judges' summary and the Campaigns Against the Arms Trade press release is available on their website As a result of this judgment the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) will have to reconsider the decision to end the investigation. CAAT are calling on Gordon Brown to make a commitment that there will be no further Government interference. Sign their petition urging Gordon Brown to make a commitment that there will be no further government interference into the SFO's investigation into the Al Yamamah arms deals. CAAT will be sending the petition to the Prime Minister next week so please sign it as soon as you can.
Human rights in Tibet: send a message to Gordon Brown
China is on the fence--indicating an openness to talks with the Dalai Lama, while at the same time pressuring other governments to support its continuing crackdown. Each day, more leaders declare their stance. It's time to redouble our efforts--click below to send a personal message to your head of state, urging support for dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Politicians understand that there is power in numbers. We need to show them that they have more to gain by listening to their own people--and heeding the cry for help from Tibet--than by giving China a pass in the lead-up to the Olympic Games. Take action now
Inhumane and oppressive': the final verdict on Britain's asylum policy
The overuse of detention, the scale of destitution and the severity of removals are all areas which need attention before the system can be described as fit for purpose"
The most comprehensive examination of the UK's asylum system ever conducted has found it "marred by inhumanity" and "not yet fit for purpose". The report, published by the Independent Asylum Commission, is a damning indictment of the Home Office's failure to deal fairly with those applying for sanctuary in this country. The commission found that Britain's treatment of asylum-seekers "falls seriously below the standards to be expected of a humane and civilised society". Its interim report will be delivered to the Home Office today by a delegation of asylum-seekers.
Full story: By Emily Dugan, The Independent, Thursday, 27 March 2008
Lord Goldsmith backs "the right to work" for people seeking asylum
In last week's report from Lord Goldsmith, he said that paid employment is essential to allow people seeking asylum to help themselves, British society and the UK economy. Lord Goldsmith, who had been asked to do the review by Gordon Brown, stopped short of saying outright that people refused asylum cannot work. Rather he called for a further "review of the policy in practice". Church Action on Poverty (March 08)
40% of people using refugee agencies are destitute. Latest news from Church Action on Poverty (March 08)
DRC: 'Majority of rapists go unpunished'
- Sexual violence against women is rampant in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but the majority of perpetrators, especially in "no-law" zones, go unpunished, according to a UN independent human rights expert. In South Kivu Province, for example, 14,200 rape cases were registered between 2005 and 2007 but only 287 were taken to court, Titinga Frederic Pacere, the UN Human Rights Council's independent expert on the state of human rights in the DRC, told reporters on 14 March. Full story: (IRIN) Nairobi, 18 March 2008
The latest news about slavery worldwide from Anti Slavery International
Police rescue man trafficked into forced labour in UK; Fruit picked by enslaved farm workers in Florida; Two arrested in Mauritania on slavery related charges; UK pays compensation to victims of trafficking; 820 indigenous Brazilians freed by Government officials;
Bail system 'not set up to get a fair hearing' says Refugee Council. Call for the Home Office to suspend the roll-out of video-link hearings for detainees applying for bail from immigration removal centres. People who are detained under Immigration Act powers, are locked up without time limit and without an automatic independent review of their detention. The right to apply for bail is a vital safeguard against prolonged and unnecessary detention; it is therefore essential the process is fair and accurate. Evidence contained in a joint report by Bail for Immigration Detainees and the Refugee Council shows that this is not the case. A high number of people apply for bail without legal representation, there is failure to comply with rules about how quickly bail hearings must be listed, and frequent delays in the Home Office producing their case for why detention should be maintained. Full story: Refugee Council Online Monday 10th March 2008
Age x-rays breach health rules
Plans by the Home Office to use x-rays to establish the age of young asylum-seekers contravene the government's own guidance and could be classed as "assault", the Royal College of Radiologists has said.
Full article: By Sarah Cooper, Children & Young People Now, 12 March 2008
Squalid priorities
It is a curious paradox that, while our Government is often perfectly happy to pour scorn on repressive regimes abroad, when it comes to offering asylum to the persecuted inhabitants of such countries, all this righteous anger seems to evaporate.
Leader The Independent, Friday, 7 March 2008
Resumption of Removals to Zimbabwe!
Over the past few days many Zimbabwean's recently refused asylum, have received letters from the Boarder and Immigration Agency (BIA), saying that BIA, "is expecting shortly to be able to enforce returns to Zimbabwe". Most of the recipients of these letter are living in the North east/west of England. Also Zimbabweans with refugee status have received letters asking them if they would like to leave the UK voluntarily for a cash incentive. (6 March 08)
Heat or Eat?
Women's Experience of Poverty in Scotland 2008
New qualitative research by The Poverty Alliance
For a hard back copy please contact Rachel Jury: rachel.jury@povertyalliance.org
Anti deportation campaign praises Glasgow campaigners (Feb 08)
Poverty: a denial of human rights
A new report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation argues that we need tougher human rights laws to challenge the social attitudes that perpetuate poverty. (Jan 08)
Shetlanders force climbdown on Burmese woman's deportation
Shetlanders' warrior past paint a misleading picture of Britain's northernmost people. For this week they once again showed that they are among the most welcoming of communities - willing to do battle on behalf of those who choose to settle there. Their latest victory came when a Burmese woman, Hazel Minn, and her two sons were told that they would not, after all, be deported. Ms Minn fled Burma's military regime in 2002 but was told in 2004 that her application for political asylum had been turned down.
Full story: Mark Hughes, The Independent
Doctors rebel over plan to prevent treatment for failed asylum-seekers
Ministers face a doctors' rebellion over plans to deny failed asylum-seekers the right to free health care while they are in Britain. In an unprecedented move, 275 GPs have said they will defy any new law by carrying on freely treating refugees, many of whom are torture victims, children and pregnant women.
Full story: Robert Verkaik, The Independent 16 January 2008
Hundreds of seriously ill people deported every year
Hundreds of seriously ill foreigners are deported every year, Britain's immigration chief admitted as she defended the removal to Ghana of a woman with terminal cancer.
The Independent: 16 January 2008
Let's speak up to support access to heath care for all migrants !
The Lancet, 15th January 2008
No resumption of removals to Zimbabwe
The Britain Zimbabwe Society has opened a petition to the Prime Minister which you can sign on the Number 10 website. Please sign the petition and encourage others to do so
No room at the uk inn for refused asylum seekers
In December, the House of Commons spent just a few minutes debating a group of people for whom there is absolutely no room at the inn - failed asylum seekers. Read Diane Abbot’s speech in Parliament (Dec 07)
Anti-poverty strategy 'stalling' (Dec 07)
Call to end detention at Dungavel (Oct 07)
Judge orders return of deported asylum-seeker, 15
Jacqui Smith was ordered yesterday to ensure the return to Britain of a teenage asylum-seeker who was taken from his foster carer's home in a 4am raid and removed to Austria. The Times, Thursday 20th December 2007
Failed Zimbabwean Asylum Seekers Will Not Be Quickly Deported. The Home Office says the ruling against a Zimbabwean asylum seeker does not mean automatic removal of people who failed to gain asylum in the United Kingdom. Tendai Maphosa reports for VOA from London that a recent ruling has sparked concern among other failed asylum seekers that they will be deported.
Full article: By Tendai Maphosa, London 05 December 2007
http://voanews.com/english/2007-12-05-voa46.cfm
8000 people die every day from AIDS-related illnesses. This is a preventable tragedy and injustice. HIV/AIDS is one of the biggest obstacles preventing people from overcoming poverty. Those who are infected are often too ill to go to work or are refused the chance to earn a living, and children caring for sick parents cannot go to school. World leaders, including the UK Government, promised to end the global AIDS crisis, but this promise is being broken. Barely 1 in 4 people can access the drugs they need to stay alive, and just 1 in 5 can access basic prevention services. Send a message to the UK Government. Remind them that they must act now to help save millions of lives, or break promises and lose more. Email the UK Government now and tell them to honour their promises
MPs support Sterling Stamp Duty - Take Action!
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Debt, Aid and Trade yesterday published a report into innovative finance for development, in which it calls on the government to consider imposing a 0.005% levy on sterling currency transactions as a way of raising money to combat global poverty. To read more on this story please visit the Stamp out Poverty website To contact your MP on this issue click here
M85 cluster bomb petition
Thanks to all who have signed the petition against the continued use of the M85 cluster bomb. For those who have been too busy to sign, remember it only takes a minute! Downing Street petitions must reach at least 200 signatures to ensure an answer from Downing St. Right now we have only 85. M85 cluster munitions are hideous weapons and their continued use colours the UK as the cold war-monger that the
US has become. The UK signed on to the Oslo Conf Agreement against Cluster Munitions. That UK foreign policy should include the approval and use of M85 cluster munitions is unacceptable. Please take a minute to sign your support.
Cardinal O'Brien resigns from Amnesty International
The Defence Export Services Organisation, the Government's arms sales unit, to shut
Cluster bombs: get them Milibanned
Rule change 'cheats' skilled migrant workers
Richard Ford, Home Correspondent The Times Thursday 9th August 2007
Thousands of skilled immigrants face deportation after the Government unlawfully and unfairly changed the rules allowing them into the country, a parliamentary committee says.
It criticises the Home Office for applying new rules retrospectively against thousands of the "bright and the best" encouraged to come to Britain to boost the economy.
The Lords and Commons Joint Committee on Human Rights urges Liam Byrne, the Immigration Minister, to change the rules to ensure that they apply only to new migrants, rather than the 49,000 who have already arrived under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.
The committee says in its report today that the changes breached the European Convention on Human Rights.
Source: NCADC
Millennium Development Goals: Joint statement from Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien.
We commend the Prime Minister and the UN Secretary General for making this Declaration. It is vitally important for two reasons:
First, it reminds us that we are not on track to meet the commitments we agreed to back in 2000 and calls for an international summit in 2008 to focus much needed attention on the challenge. Today we have the means to achieve the MDGs - now we need the will. Second, the Declaration recognises that the MDGs will only be achieved by a partnership involving the key stakeholders in society - states, faiths, civil society and the private sector. This is a crucial point. We have long believed that faith groups in particular are crucial to deliver the MDGs because in much of the Developing world, it is faith groups that provide many of the educational and health services. We believe that such a partnership on the international level - involving all the relevant stakeholders in society - could make the difference between success and failure in 2015. Read Prime Minister's Statement to UN
The Fairtrade Foundation welcomes the report from the Commons International Development Select Committee that has found that the Government’s commitment to promoting fair trade has not kept pace with a marked increase in national support for fair trade. The report, entitled 'Fair Trade and Development', states that the Department For International Development’s (DFID) approach has not been sufficiently proactive and recommends DFID consider how best to generate more support and resources for fair trade. Read the Fairtrade Foundation's response here.
