middlesbroughfaiths.org.uk

The news about what happened to Ermine and the children is shocking. She was beaten to get her on to the plane - before anyone else got on. They were held in prison in Cameroon until last Friday, when a bribe was paid for Ermine by the person she was fleeing.

She had to give her children to a woman she met visiting in the jail. As she said she could not leave her children in the jail and the woman said she would try to find a foster home. Ermine had no family, we had dropped her with no means to help herself and no way to get herself out of jail. She knew she would be in danger from the tribal chief. She is now in his compound, being watched, no phone and no way to speak to Guymial.

Guymial’s father was sent back, he is a disappeared person now,

Guymial has been in prison on 4 occasion since last March, including weeks in an African prison and has now lost his mother.

We must now try to help Anselme, who rejected all the status and wealth of being named heir to his father, a polygamous tribal chief, because his Christian beliefs would not allow him to take the father’s wives.

Immigration do not understand the strength of tribal tradition in countries like Cameroon and the danger people who reject them because of their faith face. Both Ermine and Anselme attended St Mary’s and in Middlesbrough Guymial attended Sacred Heart school.More information from Justice First, 9 Cromwell Avenue Stockton or to 6, Canberra Road Marton. ( FAX 01642 601109)

We believe Immigration have a target for end of April, so many arrested these last 2 weeks including Rufina and her children and victims of torture who can hardly climb the stairs to our office.

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Come and share in a discussion about the social implications of the proposed Middlesbrough casino at Middlesbrough Council of Faiths

Thursday May 22nd 2008 7.30 – 9 p.m.

at 49 Grange Road, Middlesbrough opposite the Main Taxi rank

(parking is available on the taxi rank after 7.p.m. with permit available at the door of the meeting)

Everyone is most welcome to join in the discussion after the address by Helena Chambers of Quaker Action on Addictions

For further information contact Michael Wright 01642 851919

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Demonstrations are being organised in London, by Congo Support Project (London and Manchester) and the Conseil des Resistants Congolais (CRC), against deportations to the Congo and in protest about the massacres in Bas Congo on 9 and 10 May.

On 9 May there will be a demonstration outside the Congolese embassy and on 10 May (a Saturday) there will be a demonstration in Parliament Square.

Further details will be posted here when information arrives.

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Individuals and members of community organisations are warmly invited to take part in:
A People’s Commission in Middlesbrough

At Cleveland Trade Union and Unemployed Workers Centre, 119 Marton Road

On Tuesday 29th April, 6.30-8.00 pm (please arrive at 6.15 for a prompt start.)

What is a People’s Commission?

A People’s Commission is a way for local people to have their say about a controversial policy issue that is consistently one of concern yet is normally only discussed and debated above their heads in Parliament or the national media. Like a citizens’ jury, a People’s Commission offers a way for citizens to have their voices heard and listened to at the highest level.

The result of the People’s Commissions will be fed into the Independent Asylum Commission’s report later this year which will provide politicians and policy-makers with recommendations for reform of the UK asylum system.

A People’s Commission is simply a one-off meeting local people who use a toolkit provided by the Independent Asylum Commission to have a discussion about the guiding principles that should govern how the UK treats those seeking asylum, sanctuary or safety from persecution. These guiding principles will be fed back to the Independent Asylum Commission’s distinguished team of Commissioners to reflect on before making their recommendations.

Please let us know if you intend to come and provide your name and contact details by emailing Kath Sainsbury at Justice First on: justice-first@btconnect.com.

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49 Grange Road, Middlesbrough opposite the Main Taxi rank
(parking available on the taxi rank – with permit available at the door of the meeting)

Everyone is most welcome to join in the discussion after the address by Mrs. Deanna Van Der Velde
of Newcastle upon Tyne Orthodox Synagogue

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