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 In
a city where one third of the population was born outside
the UK, it's no surprise that London Citizens should find
ourselves increasingly concerned with making sure that migrants'
rights are protected.
To that end, three SLC actions are underway:
Lunar House Enquiry
SLC has published A
Humane Service for Global Citizens, our report about
the Immigration Service based at Lunar House. It is the first
report that synthesises the perspectives of users, workers
and directors of the service and can be downloaded here.
SLC's enquiry into Lunar House found that more needed to
be done to help customers at Lunar House feel welcome, respected
and comfortable.
The Friends of Lunar House, SLC's voluntary welcoming service
to asylum seekers at Lunar House, is set to be up and running
starting on the 5th of December. So far, twelve volunteers
have signed up to be Friends. They will be serving hot and
cold beverages, but more importantly will be a friendly face,
a listening ear and a welcoming presence for people fleeing
oppression in their home countries. For the moment the Friends
will be there on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm. Anyone interested
in participating should contact London Citizens.
At last year's autumn assembly Lin Homer, Director General
of the immigration service, promised to work with us to improve
the services and facilities provided at Lunar House, their
main building in Croydon. Mrs. Homer was with us again on
the 2nd, and gave us a full report, and even a video on her
progress. In response to our enquiry, the immigration service
has placed heat lamps in the outdoor queuing areas, drinking
fountains in the indoor waiting areas, the public enquiries
area has been refurbished and much more. Last but not least,
SLC's Friends of Lunar House project will be underway shortly.
Independent Asylum Commission
The Lunar House enquiry was focussed only on the service
at Lunar House, not broader asylum policy. We did find, however,
that a similar enquiry into the asylum system is needed. The
Commission has been formed, and its approach will be informed
by the principle that the asylum system should be fair, just
and consistent with the UK's human rights obligations. It
will:
- explore concerns that people who need protection are not
able to access the UK asylum procedure
- investigate issues of concern about the way in which asylum
applications are determined
- consider the treatment of asylum applicants during and at
the end of the asylum process
- make recommendations for reform
The Commission will hold a number of themed hearings across
the UK where experts, practitioners, representatives of the
Immigration and Nationality Directorate and asylum seekers
and refugees will give evidence and testimony that will contribute
to the report.
The Commission's report will be sent to Government, the major
political parties and other interested agencies and institutions,
including relevant European institutions, with a view to informing
the policies of the political parties in advance of the next
general election.
Strangers
into Citizens
A campaign by the Citizens Organising Foundation for a pathway
into citizenship for thousands of undocumented workers who
have made new lives in the UK. Please click
here for details of the Strangers into Citizens campaign.
For a two page version of this paper, please click
here
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London
Citizens campaigns on issues that matter to people in their
communities. Local people decide what they want to change,
and together with London Citizens we make it happen.
Mike Fisher, Leader of Croydon Council, committed before the
last election to work with SlC on an 'ethical planning framework',
that would put community needs before those of big businesses.
It would require major businesses to invest in the community
by providing adequate toilets and parking.
Although
it is against official policy, many hospitals still place men
and women in the same wards. For many of us this can be awkward
and embarrassing, especially for those in our Muslim communities.