Churches pledge to take on ‘unjust’ asylum system

Churches in Reading have told the Government they will take direct action to prevent nine teenage asylum seekers from being deported back to Kosovo.

Revd David Skinner, a Baptism minister, is leading a campaign to safeguard the youngsters, who arrived in Britain on their own four years ago aged 15 and 16. All are suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder and are extremely vulnerable.
He says all of them have suffered appalling injustice at the hands of the asylum system, including being branded as liars. In almost all cases, the youngsters have no close surviving relatives after witnessing the murder of their families during the Kosovan conflict, but are still facing deportation back.

The Home Office maintains that the youngsters will be offered treatment for their health problems when they return to Kosovo.

But Mr Skinner said: ‘There is only one specialist unit in Kosovo for post-traumatic stress disorder and it is totally overwhelmed. If these young people go back, they will get no welfare support and will be left totally destitute.’

His church and others are helping to support the teeenagers while they are in Reading.

‘The Home Office is leaving us no choice but to take direct action.’ He said no decision had been made about what form of direct action could be taken, but said he would not be attempting any kind of ‘publicity stunt’ with the youngsters.

‘These young men are far too fragile emotionally for stunts,’ he said. He has written to the immigration minister to demand they look into the case, but has received only a ‘standard issue’ letter back.

Churches Together in Earley and East Reading has also pledged to safeguard the youngsters, after hearing about their case.

Simon Howard, Anglican priest in charge at Earley Trinity, said: ‘We are ready to support the youngsters in whatever way necessary. We are prepared to act against what is without a doubt an injustice. These young lads are trapped in an awful
situation.’