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National Anti-Deportation Demonstration – Bolton, October 1st 2005

"Last Saturday over 500 people from across the country took part in a demonstration against the deportation of the Bolton Sukula family in particular, and of asylum seekers in general.

The Sukulas and many other families have been put at risk by new government legislation – Section 9 of the Asylum and Immigration Act. Under Section 9, asylum seekers whose applications fail are quickly left without a home or income. This can then lead to their children being taken into care, a move strongly opposed by social workers and several local councils as well as members of the general public.

Many such people made their voices heard on Saturday, marching and chanting through the streets of Bolton then gathering for numerous speeches which informed us and local residents of the issues as well as offering families threatened with deportation vital support.
The Sukula family fled the Democratic Republic of Congo (where over 3 million people have died in ongoing conflict) due to violent physical abuse. They have made their home in Bolton, where the older children are training to be a midwife and plumber and the younger children contribute positively to the local school. They would be in grave danger if they returned to DR Congo, but despite all of this the Home Ofiice has refused to grant them asylum and the children may now be taken into care. This would clearly devastate the family as well as costing the tax payer.

Flores Sukula told the demonstration, "We are proud to be in Bolton. We want to live our lives here and contribute to the community……..."But we need your support to continue. With your help we can get the Home Secretary and the Home Office to allow us to stay here in our home. This campaign isn't just for us, it is for all asylum seekers."
Their campaign is supported by the Bolton Evening News as well as several Unions, all of which were represented on Saturday along with people of many ages and races.

This felt like one of the most useful demonstrations I have been on. We were told again and again how valuable our support was to those facing deportation and were able to inform the people of Bolton about the true issues around asylum rather than those pedalled in the tabloid media. There were also demonstrations in Glasgow and London, showing that people do care about asylum seekers and their often cruel treatment by the government. There will be a further demonstration in Manchester on Saturday November 19th (see link below)." by Catherine Tonge

For more info:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/manchester/2005/10/324802.html (pictures from Saturday)

http://www.ncadc.org.uk/archives/filed%20newszines/newszine60/kidsnovember.htm (Nov 19th demonstration)

http://www.sukula.org/

ncadc.org.uk (National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns)

www.refugeecouncil.org

http://www.network23.org/n23/noborders/