Home Office encouraged to reconsider the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK

The Council of Europe has announced that Britain's new policies regarding asylum and immigration seekers could be a threat to human rights.   In order to avoid human rights issues the council recommended that the UK should put a maximum time on how long detainees can be held and to limit the number of "administrative detentions."

Thomas Hammarberg who is the commissioner for the Council of Europe said that "Improvements must be introduced to strengthen effective respect for the rights of asylum-seekers and immigrants in the UK.  The UK authorities should consider regulating the so-called 'Detained Fast Track' by introducing special legislation fully in compliance with the standards laid down by the European Convention on Human Rights. This type of detention should in particular be forbidden for vulnerable persons, such as unaccompanied minors, for whom alternative measures should be provided."

A report released by the council noted that "The commissioner (Hammarberg) is fully cognizant of the migration flow pressure exerted on the UK, similar to other Council of Europe member states.  This complex, international and social phenomenon must be dealt with in a manner which is not only efficient but also effectively respects human rights principles."

In response a spokesperson for the UK Home Office said that "The government has no wish to detain people any longer than is required and this is particularly true in the cases of families with children. However, there are occasions where detention is prolonged as a consequence of attempts to frustrate the removal process. The courts have upheld that continued detention in such circumstances remains lawful."

www.homeoffice.gov.uk