Zimbabweans living in the UK are preparing for what they hope will be a big demonstration in Leeds on Monday against the UK Home Office, accusing its Border Agency of stepping up deportations to Zimbabwe of failed asylum seekers.
Organisers of the demo say Zimbabweans are angry and frustrated with the UK 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 was handling new asylum claims as the agency is rejecting old evidence.
“On making fresh claims, 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. They refuse people with right to appeal and tell people to leave the house in three days with nowhere to go and with no relatives,” the activists said.
The Border Agency was accused of taking too long to make decisions, leaving many asylum seekers in financial and emotional limbo as they are not allowed to work. Those who receive help are given vouchers which cannot be used to pay for public transport as operators demand cash.
The organisers called on all Zimbabweans to come to Leeds and raise their voices against what they called British injustice. The organisers said it was wrong for failed asylum seekers to be sent back to a country where targeted financial and travel sanctions are still in place.
“Why does it (UK) not start with the lifting of sanctions to show that you now trust 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. Demonstration starts at 11.30am to 13.30pm
For more information contact the following:
Kevin Ngwenya: 07717206366
Herbert Moyo: 07401056973
Gertrude Kugura: 07446841318
Siphiwe Ncube: 07809671648
Sunduza Phakathi: 07787322720
