The comments suggested the letter was worthless because of allegations that the Vigil was a money-making organization ripping off asylum seekers. The Border Agency’s Director of Appeals and Removals Phil Douglas replied to our complaint: ‘I apologise at the outset for the offence this has understandably given.’ Mr Douglas went on to say that the comments referred to were not based on information accepted by the Border Agency.
He added ‘We have already issued a desk note that includes information on researching and referencing COI (Country of Origin Information) and will ensure we further communicate existing guidance on the list of sources that should be referred to.’
While on the subject of asylum, our partner organisation the Zimbabwe Association has been asked by the Border Agency to help compile information on persecution / harassment / detention / voluntary returns to Zimbabwe. You can email Zimbabwe Association on zimcg@zimbabweassociation.org.uk to request a form to input this information.
The Vigil will also be circulating the form to its mailing list. The Zimbabwe Association say the most useful information is anything that is NOT in the public domain, ie things that are happening to friends and family and have not been reported to newspapers.
The Vigil has also been assured by the British government that it is to try to overturn a legal decision to grant a CIO torturer permission to remain in the UK, which was given on the grounds he might be tortured if returned to Zimbabwe! For details of this ludicrous decision.
The government’s attitude was explained in a letter in response to representations by management team member Sue Toft. The Foreign Secretary William Hague said the government’s policy was that the UK should not be a refuge for war criminals.
FOR THE RECORD: 73 signed the register.
EVENTS AND NOTICES:
• ROHR Woking Summer fundraising barbeque. Saturday 6th August from 2 pm till late. Venue: The Old Ford, Lynchford Road, Ash Vale, Aldershot GU12 5QA. Everyone is invited – come and enjoy a fun-filled day out. Braai, sadza, rice, chicken, salads, cakes, snacks, drinks. Games for children including karaoke. Boot sale, auction and raffle with amazing prizes. Contact: Stanford Munetsi 07584161806, Pauline Nyikadzino 07906726477, Sithokozile Hlokana 07886203113 and Jermaine Volkwyn 07908522993.
• ROHR Ipswich launch meeting. Saturday 6th August from 2 – 5.30 pm. Venue Citizens Advice Bureau, Tower Street, Ipswich IP1 3BE. ROHR National Executive and a well-known lawyer present. Contact: Dhumisani B Muchipisi 07432722907, Lovemore Muzadzi 07552560184, R Chifungo 07795070609, P Chibanguza 0798406069 or P Mapfumo 07915926323 / 07932216070.
• ROHR Manchester Meetings. Saturday 13th August (committee meeting from 11 am – 1 pm, general meeting from 2 – 5 pm). Venue: The Salvation Army Citadel, 71 Grosvenor Road, Manchester M13 9UB. Contact; Delina Tafadzwa Mutyambizi 07775313637, Chamunorwa Chihota 07799446404, Panyika Karimanzira 07551062161, Artwell Pfende 07886839353. Future meetings: 10th September, 8th October, 12th November, 10th December. Same times / venue.
• ‘Rituals’. Tuesday 23rd August at 7 pm. Venue: Amnesty International UK, The Human Rights Action Centre, 17 – 25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA. This is a musical and inspirational journey through community-driven healing processes following traumatic and violent experiences in Zimbabwe. It is produced by author Stephen Chifunyise and director Daves Guzha, whose cast spent four nights in jail. They were acquitted in March in what has been described by the press as a landmark case in terms of freedom of expression and artistic creativity. Tickets from Amnesty at £5 can be booked via: http://www.amnesty.org.uk/events_details.asp?ID=1907.
• ROHR Manchester Vigil. Saturday 27th August from 2 – 5 pm. Venue: Cathedral Gardens, Manchester City Centre (subject to change to Piccadilly Gardens). Contact; Delina Tafadzwa Mutyambizi 07775313637, Chamunorwa Chihota 07799446404, Panyika Karimanzira 07551062161, Artwell Pfende 07886839353. Future demonstrations: 4th September, 29th October 26th November, 31st December. Same time and venue.
Post published in: Africa News