Progress on asylum seekers' children campaign
The next step in UNISON Scotland's campaign for the welfare
of asylum seeker's children to be paramount, was reached when
the STUC General Council backed a statement agreed by three
unions.
UNISON's Kate Ramsden told delegates, "We have welcomed the
recent announcement by the Immigration Minister of a series
of measures which have been agreed with the Scottish Executive,
and which have taken on board UNISON's views.
"These should ensure that children of asylum seekers have
the same rights as other children under Scots law."
But the STUC statement was not without its hitches and only
came about after days of negotiation with the EIS and NUJ
unions. While the journalists backed UNISON, the teachers
could not accept the term 'amnesty' and UNISON's Dave Watson
had to find a new form of words.
But Kate made sure congress was aware of UNISON's position.
"We make no apologies for using the term "amnesty" as this
is the word used three years ago when a precedent was set
and the Home Secretary granted an amnesty to 15,000 asylum
seeker families", she said.
"That is why UNISON welcomes the General Council statement
and the commitment to campaign for a speedier process for
asylum applications and for rights of residence for asylum
seekers whose claims are not processed within a year."
Progress made
Following reports in the last two SiUs, significant
progress has been made after UNISON met with civil servants.
The Scottish Executive has confirmed what was agreed between
them and Tony McNulty (UK Immigration Minister) and at UNISON's
meeting with them on 23 March, which is:
1. Lead professional for each child and early involvement
for asylum seeker children in line with Getting It Right for
Every Child
2. Review of the removals process (going UK wide)
3. Enhanced disclosure checks for all immigration staff contacting
children
4. Independent inspection of services to children
5. Independent inspection of removals process for UK
6. Improved communications and an immigration director for
Scotland.
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