ZIMBABWEANS in the United Kingdom are preparing for a big demonstration in Leeds today against the British Home Office which has stepped up deportations to Zimbabwe. Report by Agencies
Organisers of the demo say Zimbabweans are angry and frustrated with the Home Office which is forcibly deporting many at a time when political temperatures in Zimbabwe are rising ahead of the elections.
They say they are not happy with the way the Border Agency (BA) was handling new asylum claims as the agency is rejecting old evidence.
“On making a fresh claim, reports are coming forth where asylum seekers are not allowed to submit old evidence that was submitted on their first claim, but the same evidence seems to surface on reasons of refusal of the fresh claim. The failed asylum seekers are threatened with inhuman treatment if they resist deportation, some being drugged or threatened with sedation when put on the plane home, also they refuse people the right to appeal and tell people to leave the house in three days with nowhere to go and with no relatives,” they said in a statement.
The agency is also taking too long to make decisions, leaving Zimbabweans in financial and emotional limbo.
“UKBA takes time to make decisions and at the same time they are not given financial support and one is not allowed to work . . . those who are helped are given vouchers, but they are not useful in terms of using public transport as they want cash.”
The organisers called on all Zimbabweans to come to Leeds and raise their voices against what they called British injustice.
“We are kindly inviting everyone to come. It is for all Zimbabweans regardless of your political affiliation and all other nations are also welcome. A selected team was sent to speak to the police senior representative about the peaceful demonstration in place and all the arrangements and changes will be communicated as such to everyone involved.”
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The organisers said it was wrong for failed asylum seekers to be sent back to a country where economic sanctions were still in place.
“Why does it (UK) not start with the lifting of sanctions to show that you now trust President Robert Mugabe? The fact that they still stand reveals your inconsistency in dealing with issues relating to Zimbabweans.,” read the statement.
A petition will be handed over to the Border Agency in Leeds. The demonstration starts at 11:30am to 13:30pm.
