#care4calais

[psychic-waffles]

With the announcement that the UK Government plan to start detaining people for the Rwanda flights today, here are some resources if you are at risk of detention.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN DETAINED OR YOU BELIEVE THEY WILL BE DETAINED SHORTLY:

If you are being made to report Right to Remain have an action plan toolkit for BEFORE you report

If you have received a letter from the Home Office dated after March 1st that mentions Rwanda or Notice of Intent, send a photo of the letter and your full name to Care4Calais via Whatsapp at +44 751 977 3268

If you are detained you can call any of the following for legal advice:

Detention Action 0800 587 2096

Care4Calais 0800 009 6268

Soas Detainee Support 0743 840 7570

BID (Bail for Immigration Detainees) 020 7456 9750 (mon-thurs 10-12)

JCWI (Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants) 0800 160 1004 (mon, tues, thurs 10-1)

If you do not have legal representation:

Duncan Lewis are taking on cases for anyone detained for the purposes of removal to Rwanda, contact ToufiqueH@Duncanlewis.com or call 0333 772 0409

Wilson are also taking on cases, contact rwandareferrals@wilsonllp.co.uk or call 0208 808 7535

IF YOU ARE DETAINED DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING WITHOUT LEGAL ADVICE, AND IF THEY OFFER YOU TO GO TO RWANDA 'VOLUNTARILY' OR FOR MONEY SAY NO.

[beardedmrbean]

Suella Braverman has said some charities are “politically motivated activists masquerading as humanitarians” after a damning report into “misconduct” at one of the main voluntary groups opposing Rwanda deportation flights.

In an outspoken attack, the Home Secretary targeted some charities and civil society groups for “actively undermining efforts to curb illegal migration” and being part of an “establishment”, including immigration lawyers, “committed to ever-increasing migration”.

Her comments came after a Charity Commission report found evidence of “inappropriate” payments, misconduct and mismanagement at Care4Calais, a charity that played a key part in legal action that has held up the Government’s Rwanda flights.

It described payments of £340,000 from the charity into the personal account of Care4Calais founder and former trustee Clare Moseley as “inappropriate”, saying it said put its funds at “undue risk”.

It was one of a series of historic failings at the charity, including a conflict of interest between two trustees that amounted to “misconduct” and “inadequate” management of complaints, including one against a trustee that was investigated by another trustee to whom they were related.

Mrs Braverman said: “The Charity Commission finding serious misconduct at Care4Calais is concerning but not particularly surprising. As with certain immigration lawyers, it’s clear that some charities and civil society groups are actively undermining efforts to curb illegal migration.

“They form part of an establishment committed to ever-increasing migration, with no regard for the will of the British people. These groups are comprised of politically motivated activists masquerading as humanitarians. It is a con. But the British public won’t be fooled.”

Orlando Fraser KC, the chairman of the Charity Commission, said: “Our inquiry found that, over a significant period of time and following a rapid expansion of its operations, Care4Calais was not managed well. Its funds were put at risk, and there was serious misconduct and/or mismanagement by the former trustees.”

However, he said there had been “significant” improvements since the commission intervened and the resignations of Ms Moseley and her sister, as well as efforts by the current new set of trustees.

Ms Moseley stepped down earlier this year following complaints that she used pepper spray against a refugee in self-defence and threatened to drag a female volunteer out of a room by her hair.

At the time, Ms Moseley apologised, saying that as a young person in a high-powered organisation she had been “placed in many positions where I had to make difficult and high-pressured decisions”, and that it was misleading to suggest that she had stepped down after allegations were made public.

The commission said it had uncovered payments of £340,092.47 from the charity to her personal account, which she said had been to reimburse her for bills she paid on behalf of the charity. She said the arrangement had saved Care4Calais around £3,000 per year in foreign exchange fees.

The regulator’s inquiry concluded that while no funds were misused or misappropriated for private benefit, the arrangement was “inappropriate and had put the charity’s funds at undue risk”.

Responding to the findings, Ms Moseley said she had “always followed the advice of our lawyers, accountants and auditors in the running of Care4Calais” and that independent accountants and auditors “have always given clean reports on our accounts”.

Alongside Ms Moseley, another of the charity’s former trustees was her sister and the commission said its inquiry “found little evidence to demonstrate that any past conflicts of interest or loyalty which may have existed had been appropriately managed”.

The regulator said the situation was worsened by poor minute-taking and that overall this had amounted to “misconduct and/or mismanagement”.

There was also a finding of misconduct and/or mismanagement in relation to the number of trustees the charity had – operating with just two between 2020 and 2021.

The commission said a dispute between board members left them unwilling or unable to resolve their conflict, and additional trustees were subsequently put in place during the inquiry.

Previous handling of complaints was also branded inadequate, with at least one example of a trustee having handled a complaint about another trustee who was a relative and “failing to identify or manage the conflict of interest and/or loyalty which arose”.

The commission also said the charity’s decision to get involved in judicial review proceedings challenging government plans to deport some migrants to Rwanda had been “properly made, adequately documented, and was within the range of reasonable decisions open to the trustees of this charity”.

Mr Fraser added that he was “very aware” the charity’s work had “generated attention and controversy” but insisted the regulator would “not be influenced by political debates, nor should we stop charities from furthering their purposes in line with the law set down by Parliament”.

Steve Smith, chief executive of Care4Calais, said the charity now works with an “entirely new board of trustees who all acknowledge that the growth in our humanitarian work since 2015 vastly outpaced the development of the charity’s governance structures”.

[head-post]

12 migrants died as boat capsized in English Channel

At least 12 migrants died off the northern French coast as they attempted to cross the English Channel to the UK, the French government reported.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin revealed that two migrants remained missing. Several people were injured after their boat carrying dozens of people crashed off the town of Wimereux, about five kilometres (three miles) from Boulogne-sur-Mer on the French coast.

All government services are mobilised to find the missing people and treat the injured.

A source close to the investigation said three minors were among the dead. The crew of the Minck, a French government ship, was the first to recognise and respond to the emergency, naval officer Etienne Baggio stated.

The French and British governments have tried for years to stem the flow of migrants, who pay smugglers thousands of euros to travel to England from France aboard small boats. British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called Tuesday’s death “horrifying and deeply tragic.”

Earlier this summer, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France’s President Emmanuel Macron pledged to step up “cooperation” to tackle the growing number of illegal migrants. However, on Monday alone, 351 migrants crossed the border on small boats, with 21,615 people making the journey this year, according to UK government statistics.

Both governments seek to break the business models of smugglers who transport people for thousands of euros each. However, Steve Smith, head of the Care4Calais charity, stated that investment in security measures “does not reduce crossings.”

It is simply pushing people to take ever increasing risks to do so. It’s time politicians were held accountable for their choice to dehumanise people seeking sanctuary from horrors back home. It’s time they ended these tragedies and introduced safe routes.

Read more HERE

[qudachuk]

Regulators highlight finance, leadership and complaints failures but said practices are improving.

[nedsecondline]

Over 24,000 UK asylum seekers could be sent to Rwanda despite court ruling | Immigration and asylum | The Guardian

Steve Smith MBE, the CEO of the refugee charity Care4Calais, said: “Over two-thirds of the refugees we work with who have received Rwanda notices have reported indicators of modern slavery and torture. It is shameful that, having already created a record backlog of asylum claims by not processing them efficiently, the government has paused tens of thousands more. This only serves to inflict more…

[writingworld2023]

THE FIGHT AGAINST RACISM

An anti-racism demonstration has been held across the UK in response to the Government's Illegal Migration Bill. Places joined this union had been London, Glasgow, and Cardiff had all held marches on Saturday afternoon organized by Stand Up To Racism and the STUC.

Protestors unite with Stand Up To Racism organization – co organized with trades union congress and Wales TUC Cymru. Thousands marched across Britain in solidarity of protesting against the government’s illegal migration bill.

The legislation, introduced by home secretary Suella Braverman last week, prevents refugees from applying for asylum if they arrive in the country in unauthorised way, such as by boat across the English Channel.

As part of her trip to Rwanda this weekend, Ms Braverman is reaffirming her commitment to the Government's policy of deporting migrants.

Thousands of participants took part in the march standing against Islamophobia, racism, fascism, far right and anti-semitism.  The March had begun from Portland Place, till downing street- signs had contain writings of:

 “Refuges Welcome: open the borders, no deportations”

“Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Everywhere ” 

“Students Against Racism Refugees Welcome”

“Silence is Compliance”

“No Human Is illegal” 

SPEAKERS

John McDonnell had attended the protest amongst other MP’s and had said: “Tell everybody you know to write to the religious bodies, to local community organisations, and to contact every MP as well and tell them – you cannot support this bill. You cannot support imprisoning children yet again… “How can we call ourselves a civilised country when we imprison children?” 

Jeremy Corbyn, also have a few words: 

“We saw people traumatised, impoverished, thirsty and hungry. Our newspapers describe them as a marauding army coming to our shores. None of us here in Whitehall today would willingly get on one of those dangerous, leaky boats..  “These people risk all. We are not here to defend people traffickers or anything like that. We are here to stand by people who in their desperation are searching for a place of safety. “It is not a solution to incarcerate them in this country or remove them to Rwanda. The only way is the human way – safe routes.” 

Weyman Bennett, co convenor Stand Up To Racism, said: “Today’s marches in London, Glasgow and Cardiff drew together not only thousands in numbers to march against the government’s racist offensive, but were a reflection of the united coalition to instill anti racism in Britain across many trade unions, charities and refugee human rights organisations, faith groups, campaigns and activists. “It is mobilising this kind of broad and united mass action that can effectively drive back the government’s truly despicable policies. They want to divide and rule. Today was also part of an internationally coordinated day of anti racist protest. “We are part of a mighty movement, and that’s what we need, here and internationally, to push back the threat of the far right, fascists and the wider racist assault that gives them the space to grow.”  

Wilf Sullivan, TUC Race Equality Officer and co organiser of the march and rally, said: “Today thousands of people demonstrated their solidarity with those fleeing war, persecution and climate change, and against this government’s racist policies.  “Thousands of people showed that they will not be fooled by the divide and rule tactics, that they will not be diverted from the real issues resulting from austerity the cost of living crisis the defunding of public services and the destruction of the NHS.” 

Clare Moseley, Care4Calais CEO, spoke at the Downing Street rally and read a message from an asylum seeker inside the hotel in Knowsley that was targetted by the far right, which was addressed to the anti racist counter protest outside: “Your presence on the night of the demonstration had a great impact on us and touched our hearts with warmth between all nationalities. This is the highest meaning of humanity. I said to the Syrian friends in here, ‘these are the English people who stood by us with their humanity. A few thugs who represent an almost insignificant minority do not measure up to representing these English people”. 

Clare also stated: “With the Government launching the most bitter and powerful attack on refugees ever seen in this country’s history, it is vital that we stand together to resist it. Today that happened, and we were all inspired to build on it.” 

The march had been supported by many organisations such as the national education union, National Association of Probation Officers (NAPO), Finsbury Park Mosque, Unite, Public & Commercial Services Union, The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and many others.

[news24fr]

Des troubles ont éclaté à Knowsley, près de Liverpool, après que plusieurs centaines de manifestants d'extrême droite ont protesté contre des demandeurs d'asile hébergés dans un hôtel local par le ministère de l'Intérieur.La police de Merseyside a déclaré que trois personnes avaient été arrêtées, soupçonnées de troubles violents.Des témoins oculaires à l'hôtel Suites ont déclaré que des missiles avaient été lancés et que des partisans d'extrême droite avaient incendié un fourgon de police et son équipement.Des manifestants antifascistes étaient également présents et l'un d'eux a déclaré que les manifestants d'extrême droite s'étaient divisés en trois groupes et avaient encerclé le plus petit nombre de manifestants antifascistes.Il a été rapporté que la manifestation avait été organisée par l'Alternative patriotique d'extrême droite, mais le groupe a nié cela dans des publications sur les réseaux sociaux.Clare Moseley, fondatrice de l'association caritative Care4Calais qui soutient les demandeurs d'asile et qui a assisté à la manifestation de soutien aux personnes présentes dans l'hôtel, a déclaré : « Je ne sais pas si les demandeurs d'asile seront en sécurité. Je suis profondément choqué et secoué par ce dont j'ai été témoin à Liverpool ce soir.Plusieurs centaines de personnes ont assisté à la manifestation devant un hôtel hébergeant des demandeurs d'asile. Photographie : Joel Goodman/LNP"J'ai de la sympathie pour quiconque dans notre comté qui s'inquiète pour nos services ou pour son propre avenir, mais terroriser les victimes de la guerre et de la torture est impardonnable. La rhétorique de haine et de division de nos politiciens détruit notre société et nos valeurs britanniques. Ma plus grande préoccupation est de savoir si la police peut assurer la sécurité des personnes dans cet hôtel ce soir et à l'avenir.Care4Calais a tweeté : "Nous sommes pris au piège dans le parking, entourés de centaines de manifestants d'extrême droite qui ont franchi les cordons de police."La police de Merseyside a déclaré qu'aucun blessé n'avait été signalé.Dans un communiqué, ils ont déclaré: «Des agents supplémentaires sont dans la région pour faire face à ces incidents. Nous avons également mis en place un certain nombre de fermetures de routes sur la route East Lancs et exhortons les automobilistes à éviter la zone et ceux qui s'y trouvent à se disperser.Le député travailliste de Knowsley, Sir George Howarth, a déclaré que la manifestation avait été déclenchée par un "incident présumé publié sur les réseaux sociaux" et a critiqué la désinformation selon laquelle les réfugiés seraient "lits en plumes" à l'hôtel.Dans un communiqué, il a déclaré: «J'ai renvoyé un incident présumé publié sur les réseaux sociaux, qui a déclenché une manifestation devant l'hôtel Suites, à la police de Merseyside et au conseil de Knowsley."Jusqu'à ce que la police ait enquêté sur l'affaire, il est trop tôt pour tirer des conclusions hâtives et les efforts de certains pour envenimer la situation sont tout à fait erronés.« Si une infraction a été commise, la police doit la traiter de manière appropriée dans le cadre d'une procédure régulière. De plus, la désinformation sur les réfugiés étant en lit de plumes est fausse et vise à brosser un tableau qui ne représente pas du tout les faits.La police de Merseyside a déclaré que des officiers supplémentaires se trouvaient dans la région et surveillaient de près la situation. Photographie : Joel Goodman/LNP« Les habitants de Knowsley ne sont pas fanatiques et accueillent les personnes qui fuient certains des endroits les plus dangereux au monde à la recherche d'un lieu sûr. Ceux qui manifestent contre les réfugiés lors de cette manifestation ce soir ne représentent pas cette communauté. Nous ne sommes pas comme ça et nous nous comportons massivement avec sympathie et gentillesse envers les autres, peu importe d'où ils viennent.Dans un tweet, Stand Up To Racism a imputé la violence au "bouc émissaire des réfugiés" par le gouvernement.

Événements à Liverpool ce soir - les fruits amers de #Braverman et #Sunakbouc émissaire des réfugiés - donner de l'espace aux racistes et à l'extrême droite #Solidarité avec des antiracistes et des antifacistes à Liverpool #Plus jamais pic.twitter.com/mL0imUUlil– Debout contre le racisme (@AntiRacismDay) 10 février 2023 Le constable en chef adjoint du Merseyside, Paul White, a déclaré: «Nous respecterons toujours le droit de manifester lorsque celles-ci sont pacifiques, mais les scènes de ce soir étaient totalement inacceptables, mettant en danger les personnes présentes, nos officiers et la communauté au sens large."Heureusement, aucune blessure grave n'a été signalée jusqu'à présent, mais il est honteux que des agents et des véhicules de police soient endommagés dans l'exercice de leurs fonctions de protection du public."Nous avons arrêté certains de ces suspects et continuerons sans hésiter à examiner toutes les preuves qui nous parviennent, via la vidéosurveillance, des images ou d'autres informations que vous pourriez avoir."Le chef du conseil de Knowsley, Graham Morgan, a tweeté : « Ce genre de violence et de destruction insensées ne sera pas toléré dans notre communauté. Il a déclaré que les personnes impliquées ne représentaient pas les habitants de la région et étaient "l'opposé polaire de la grande majorité de nos résidents, qui sont tolérants et compatissants".La police et commissaire au crime du Merseyside, Emily Spurrell, a tweeté: «Des scènes de violence profondément choquantes et préoccupantes à Knowsley ce soir. Comportement totalement inacceptable, mettant les officiers et le public en danger. Je surveille la situation de près. Il n'y a absolument aucune excuse à cela."

[pinkchunder]

This is terrifying. No1 i know seems to know abt it at all. I can barely find any articles about it. This is what the tory leadership is leading to. This is actually horrific jfc.

[lesbiansandgayssupporttheminers]

Bit of good news this morning for once.

Care4Calais and other groups launched a legal challenge against channel pushbacks of small boats, claiming lives would be lost because of this policy. The court date was set for May 3rd but the home office have now withdrawn this policy.

This will absolutely save lives.

They are also preparing to challenge the Rwanda policy.

Alongside this, Care4Calais offer a lot of practical aid (food, clothing, shelter, moral support) to refugees in France, Belgium and arriving illegally in the UK.

You can support their work here: https://care4calais.org/donate-now/

As well as volunteering with them in a variety of ways.

[totallyhussein-blog]

Rwanda seeks weapon of mass distraction to UK deportation plans

The Guardian reported on Friday, how the Rwandan Government were preparing to welcome asylum seekers on Tuesday until a dramatic 11th-hour ruling by the European court of human rights.

Government officials in Rwanda are now accusing refugee and human rights campaigners of prejudice, saying the country’s record of human rights breaches is a thing of the past.

The Rwandan government has also hired strategist Harry Burns, who ran the British Labour Party’s election campaign in 2017 and is now the managing director of the PR firm Chelgate Consulting, to facilitate Rwanda's attention from the international media.

As the Guardian highlighted, British reporters were recently granted access to the Gashora transit centre, which is used for processing asylum seekers evacuated from Libya.

The visit was controlled by Rwandan government officials who closely monitored journalists as they toured the sprawling facilities. Asylum seekers were hand-picked for interviews in advance and spoke glowingly of the conditions and questioned why anyone would not want to stay there.

Reporters were also invited to visit Kigali’s Hope hostel, where those deported from the UK would be taken and were again shadowed by Rwandan government officials. Sandrine Mushimiyimana, who was working in the site’s gift shop did not accept criticism levelled at the £120m partnership between Britain and Rwanda.

[whatevergreen]

"...It’s not that people have fallen for the government’s xenophobic hyperbole around asylum claimants, but there is often confusion around the key issues. We hear a lot from the government about small boat crossings in the English Channel and the Rwanda deportation scheme and very little about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum in the UK.

The threat posed by Rwanda for LGBTQ+ people is becoming increasingly apparent. The High Court ruled the plan lawful in December. Rwanda has serious issues surrounding protections for LGBTQ+ people. A survey released at the end of January by Care4Calais, includes that three LGBTQ+ refugees have received notices of intent for deportation to Rwanda. There are still a number of processes which need to take place before these deportations can actually take place, although we cannot be complacent.

A charity I’ve supported since 2015 is Rainbow Migration, who help LGBTQ+ people claiming asylum in the UK. They have a very clear campaign which LGBTQ+ people can rally around, calling for a 28-day time limit on all immigration detention and that no LGBTQ+ people should be held in detention. No other European country holds asylum claimants indefinitely. The UK really is an outlier here and that this has been allowed to continue demonstrates how polarised the discussion around asylum has been for a long time. ..."

https://www.rainbowmigration.org.uk/