FRIDAY 24 JUNE ‏2005, 11am
All welcome@ CROSSROADS WOMEN’S CENTRE, 230a Kentish Town Road (entrance on Caversham Rd), London NW5
Fully wheelchair accessible
Contact: (020 7482 2496 minicom/voice; email:  law@crossroadswomen.net

What can be done about the increasing numbers of women, children and men who are unjustly detained and deported despite compelling evidence of rape and other torture, persecution and trauma? This lifesaving and labour saving Guide is based on intensive work over many years with women (and some men) asylum seekers by Legal Action for Women, Black Women‘s Rape Action Project and Women Against Rape, all based at the Crossroads Women’s Centre.

Ian Macdonald QC says “Legal Action for Women, a free legal service whose determination to win justice puts many lawyers to shame, has put together their experience of day-to-day legal case work and campaigning in this exciting Guide. Not only is it invaluable for those fighting in their own defence or that of their family and neighbours; it is also essential reading for lawyers, advocates and other professionals who will benefit greatly from its practical information and advice. At a time when principles of international protection for those fleeing persecution are being undermined in Europe and elsewhere, and asylum seekers battle even to get their case heard in court, this Guide is needed more than ever.”

Ms X, All African Women’s Group says: “My brother phoned Black Women’s Rape Action Project two days before I was due to be deported because no-one else would help me, not even the organisation where I was getting counselling. They sent many urgent letters and made many phone calls and found me a new solicitor who submitted a fresh claim. I was alone in Yarl’s Wood, and felt very isolated and depressed but they called me regularly. When my deportation was stopped, they also worked with my solicitor and after twenty-six days of misery I finally got out.”

Niki Adams, spokeswoman for LAW says: “As a result of our actions and advice, women and children have been released from detention, deportations prevented and cases reopened. Many women whose cases had not been thoroughly examined and who would have faced grave danger and even death had they been returned to their countries of origin, have gone on to win the right to stay.”

Other events for Refugee Week: Sat 18 June, 10am @ Crossroads, Theatre Workshop with Kay Adshead Welcome to Fortress Europe Mon 20 June – Fri 24 June No School Apartheid brings asylum seeking women and girls to schools in Camden and Brent to talk about their experiences. For more information on any of these events contact 020-7482 2496