The Guardian, Tuesday 18 May 2010 Letters
"We will end the detention of children for immigration purposes," says the new coalition government (Asylum children will be kept out of 'distressing' detention centres, 14 May). But what about their mothers?
Paediatricians and psychologists have testified to the mental and physical harm caused to children by detention. But separating them from their mother or primary carer is even worse; it may cause "insecurity, depression and anxiety" which lasts throughout life.
The recent six-week hunger strike by women in Yarl's Wood removal centre brought to public attention that many women detained inside are mothers whose children were taken by social services or other family members. Some face deportation and permanent separation, often after years of raising a family in the UK.
One mother tries to shield her seven-year-old daughter from the painful truth by telling her that she's "working away from home". She and many others speak constantly of their anguish at being unable to care for their children, many of whom may already be traumatised by violence in their home country, and experience depression, bed-wetting and fear.
An estimated 1.5 million youngsters suffer abuse each year in the United Kingdom, many of them while in care. This horrifying reality must not be added to by separating yet more children from the mothers who love them and whom they love. Ending the detention of children has to mean ending the detention of families.
Maria Ziwa All African Women's Group
Cristel Amiss Black Women's Rape Action Project
Oliver James Clinical child psychologist
Niki Adams Legal Action for Women
Frances Swaine Leigh Day and Co
Professor Sheila Kitzinger
John McDonnell MP
Dr Jonathan Fluxman
Kristina Brandemo Women Against Rape
Clare Sambrook End Child Detention Now
Rev Paul Nicolson, Zacchaeus 2000 Trust
