Immigration Detention for Women 2021-06-07
2021-06-07
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised about the use of immigration detention for women who are survivors of torture, rape or trafficking. The question arises in light of a planned new immigration removal centre for women on the former Medomsley detention centre site.
What steps is her Department taking to reduce the use of immigration detention for women who have survived torture, rape or trafficking?
The use of detention has significantly reduced over recent years. For survivors of torture, rape, or trafficking, detention is used extremely sparingly. An adults-at-risk policy ensures that vulnerability outweighs risk only in rare cases where public safety is at stake.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked about steps taken to reduce detention use but the answer focused on existing policies and their application rather than new initiatives or measures.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
An immigration removal centre for women is set to open at the former Medomsley detention centre site in the north-east, despite a Home Office commitment to reduce its use of detention. Concerns exist regarding mental health impacts on detainees.
The Minister says that these cases are extremely rare, but an immigration removal centre for women is set to open in the north-east on the former Medomsley detention centre site. Research shows many detainees are survivors of torture, rape or trafficking and detaining women this way severely impacts mental health. Should reopening be reviewed and can immigration cases be resolved more humanely at less cost in the community?
Detention use has significantly reduced; Hassockfield replaces Yarl's Wood for mainly male use, reducing female detention places. No review will take place as it represents a reduction in numbers and the adults-at-risk policy carefully weighs vulnerability against detention needs.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked about reviewing reopening but the answer stated no review would occur without addressing this specific point.
Response accuracy