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Detention |
Some asylum seekers in the UK are held in detention centres while their asylum claims are being processed. Research has found, however, that refugees with mental health problems, especially those who have experienced torture, may find their symptoms exacerbated by detention. It may also be possible, therefore, that detention under the Mental Health Act may have similar negative effects - although there has been no research into the area so far. [«] « prev | 1 | 2 | next » [»] Medical Foundation:Protection not Prison - Torture Survivors Detained in the UKSusi Dell and Mary Salinsky, 2001
PDF. This report questions the detention of torture survivors under the Immigration Act, stating that the detention of torture survivors can have serious psychological effects on refugees and can compound the effects of previous detentions.
Refugees:Detention of asylum seekers - assault on health, human rights, and social developmentD Silove, Z Steel and RF Mollica, 2001
This article examines the impact of prolonged detention on asylum applicants who are survivors of torture. It concludes that "the anxiety, fear, and frustration provoked by detention may prolong and exacerbate underlying traumatic stress reactions and thereby create long-term psychosocial disability".
British Medical Journal:Detaining Asylum SeekersMary Salinsky, 1997
This BMJ editorial explores the detrimental effects of detention on the health of asylum seekers in Britain. It says that detention on arrival in the country of asylum can have a serious emotional and mental impact on refugees who are already experiencing the pain of exile.
Psychiatric BulletinThe Mental State of Detained Asylum SeekersPatrick Bracken & Caroline Gorst-Unsworth, 1991
PDF. This article for the Psychiatric Bulletin is reproduced by the Medical Foundation. It details the detrimental affects of detention in Britain on the mental health of asylum seekers who were tortured in their home country. The authors believe that such detention leads to a large degree of unnecessary psychological suffering to people already scarred by experiences of torture and imprisonment.
Association of Visitors to Immigration Detainees
AVID runs a useful website with up-to-date information on Detention Centre Inspection Reports, and newsletters with contributions from asylum detainees and visitors to immigration detention centres.
Amnesty International statement on detention of asylum seekers in Australia5-May-06
AI express major concerns about how the detention system affects the mental and physical health of detainees. There is a growing body of evidence that prolonged detention of unspecified duration, particularly when people are already traumatised by past persecution and do not know what the future holds for them, can lead to serious, physical and psychological damage.
The Mental Health Implications of Detaining Asylum SeekersZachery Steel and Derrick M Silove, MJA, 175: 596-599, 2001
This article from Australia examines the possible mental health impact on asylum seekers of Australia's policy of mandatory detention. It concludes that "studies are urgently required to examine the mental health consequences of detention, and to determine the effect of detention on acculturation and adaptation for asylum seekers subsequently released into the community".
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons:Introduction and Summary of Findings - Inspection of five Immigration Service custodial establishments2003
Among the major recommendations for substantial improvements within existing detention establishments, the Chief Inspector of Prisons singled out the holding of children in such centres as unacceptable.
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons:Detention Centre: Report of an unannounced inspections
The Chief Inspector of prisons review practices and provisions within Campsfield. Among his conclusions, he reports that detainees should be entitled to detailed minimum standards of provision in relation to regime, facilities and conditions of detention, including food, clothing, bedding, furnishings, heating, lighting, sanitation, bathing facilities, decent living accommodation, adequate space and privacy, facilities for exercise, access to fresh air and a healthy and hygienic environment. Their rights in relation to contact with family and freedom of religious worship must be provided for.
Psychological disturbances in asylum seekers held in long term detention: A participant-observer accountA Sultan and K O'Sullivan, MJA 2001; 175: 593-596, 2001
This article is written by an Iraqi doctor detained in Australia, supplemented by observations from a clinical psychologist working in the detention centres in which he is held is an insightful exploration into the psychological impact of asylum detention on adults and children.
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