Investigation into UK deportation practices highlights inhumane approach

The investigation by The Independent considered the companies and airlines involved in deportations, the conditions on board, the techniques permitted, and the contracts of those paid to escort deportees. They found that:

 

·         British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and other leading airlines are among those paid to transport failed asylum-seekers;

·         A criminal record, even for assault, is not a barrier to someone becoming an escort of deportees

·         Escorts are authorised to use a variety of techniques to restrain deportees including a "Goose Neck" lock and a procedure called "Nose Control". Techniques which according to Amnesty International UK’s arms programme direction Oliver Sprague involve applying pressure to people's joints or strikes to their body to cause pain

·         Escorts have a financial incentive to ensure removals are successful because the majority of their income is an hourly wage.

 

Yves Yitgna Njitchoua, a 34-year-old man from Cameroon, made a formal complaint about the treatment he received during an attempted deportation. He claims he was assaulted by those escorting him: “They began pinching me and kicking. They dropped me to the floor and put their legs on my leg and tried to strangle me. I screamed and couldn't breathe so I said I give up and gave up my left hand so they could join them. I was bleeding on my nose and my mouth and my wrist was painful." 

 

The three escorts denied his story and, an investigation into the allegations found that Mr Njitchoua's account was "entirely fictitious". However, an examination four days after the incident by a doctor from the charity Medical Justice found bruising to the face and ribs and evidence that Mr Njitchoua had been held tightly around his neck. 

 

Dr Charmian Goldwyn concluded: "Overall the distribution of the injuries, the severity of the wrist and facial injuries are highly consistent with Mr Njitchoua's account of assault.”

Mr Nijitchoua’s allegations are not unique and the UN has recently launched an investigation into UK deportation practices after deportees claimed they were beaten by their British escorts and Iraqi officials during a removal flight from the UK to Iraq on 16 June 2010. 

 

Whatever the result of that investigation, more must be done to ensure that failed asylum seekers are treated with respect and care during the deportation process.