Hidden lives, public voices part 2

1 comment from readers

Emma Shaw
11 November 2008 at 22:10

This story like so many others is shocking and enraging. I send my best wishes and support to this family, who like so many others deserve our hospitality and protection, rather than the barbaric treatment they have received in our name.

I am a primary school teacher. I teach an 8 year old Iranian boy who spent 52 days in Yarl's Wood this summer. The effects of this ordeal on his mental and physical well-being have been terrible. As Tessa's testimony reveals, the food, the environment, the methods of detention and transportation - everything about this policy is cruel, innappropriate and indefensible. It makes a mockery of the governments Every Child Matters agenda. Our pupil, 'Child M', is now back in school with his friends (who incidently along with their parents, were appalled by the treatment of this child and his family). Child M's legal team have lodged a Judicial Review at the High Court, challenging the legality of holding an 8 year old child in detention for 7 weeks. Child M and his family remain terrified that they will be removed from their home and placed in detention or deported to Iran. The Child M Must Stay Campaign is supporting the family through this tremendously difficult time. They, like so many others would value your support. Check the progress of their campaign at www.childm.org.uk. Sign their petition at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/child-m-must-stay/signat...