MSP CONDEMNS UK BORDER AGENCY’S EXPULSION OF CHILD.

MSP CONDEMNS UK BORDER AGENCY’S EXPULSION OF CHILD.


CONTRAVENES UN CONVENTION ON RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

SNP MSP Christina McKelvie has condemned the UK Border Agency for the expulsion of a four year old child who had been held in Dungavel after a dawn raid in Sighthill, Glasgow.
Ms McKelvie said the move contravened Article 6 of the UN's Convention on the Rights of the Child and described it as underhand since the child was due to be examined by a paediatrician tomorrow. This is at odds with a commitment given by the then Under Secretary of State for the Home Office, Andy Burnham, that people seeking asylum would not have any action taken against them if they were to be seen by a medical caseworker.

Ms McKelvie has constantly campaigned for fair treatment for four year old Arouna Gaye, who was held in Dungavel with his mother Fatou Felicite Gaye earlier this month – a detention in direct contradiction to commitments given by Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy who said no more children would be detained there.

Commenting Ms McKelvie said:

“The actions of the UK Border Agency in this affair have been underhand and sleekit.

“To expel a four year child one day before a medical appointment that a Home Office Minister said should go ahead smacks of a department who are a law unto themselves.

“Their actions are also an embarrassment to Jim Murphy who gave a commitment that no child would be held at Dungavel.

“The fact that a four year old child who was traumatised by his previous experience has been recently held at Dungavel was already the cause of controversy but this latest action by the Border Agency is deplorable.”