Information on housing rights for refugees can be found on the following website.
Housing rights information
This information is also relevant for those who have leave to remain in the UK e.g. humanitarian protection,discretionary leave or exceptional leave to remain.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Sunday, 31 October 2010
MP supports NESTAC
Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has written to the Home Secretary (Theresa May) calling for a comprehensive independent inquiry into circumstances surrounding the death of Jimmy Mubenga following a meeting with NESTAC last week. A copy of the letter is below.
Friday, 22 October 2010
MPs to investigate death of deportee
The Independent has reported that MPs are to investigate the case of Jimmy Mubenga. The chief executive of the UK Border Agency will appear before the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee
The full story can be found here
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Deportation death
Scotland Yard's homicide unit is to investigate Jimmy Mubenga's collapse during deportation to Angola.
Jimmy Mubenga collapsed and died after private security guards (employed by G4S) attempted to escort him on a British Airways commercial flight to Angola on Tuesday night. Several MPs are now calling for a "wide-ranging and independent inquiry" into the UK's deportation system.
The full story can be read here
Following this incident the former chief inspector of prisons has stated that the role private security firms in the detention and removal of asylum seekers from the UK should be investigated by an outside inspectorate.
In addition to this latest incident there has been a spate of recent allegations of assault made on behalf of failed asylum seekers sent back to their home countries by the Home Office.
The full story can be read here
Enforced returns of failed asylum seekers to Zimbabwe to resume
Failed asylum seekers in the UK can now be returned to Zimbabwe, the government told parliament. According to a Home Office press release dated Tuesday 14th October 2010.
Enforced returns to the country were suspended in September 2006 because the unstable political situation in the country meant that the safety of individuals could not be guaranteed.
Since the formation of the Inclusive Government in 2009, the countryis now considered stable enough to receive returnees. This means that all Zimbabweans living in the UK illegally now face enforced removal.
The full article can be read here
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/enforced-returns
and additional information can be found here
http://www.freemovement.org.uk/
Friday, 8 October 2010
Housing and benefits rights for refugees
Housing and benefits rights for refugees, migrants and other new arrivals to EnglandThe Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has revamped a website for individuals and advisers designed to give clear guidance on the housing rights of new migrants.
The Housing Rights site, www.housing-rights.info receives an average 3,000 visits each month, and it has been completely rewritten and re-launched.
The website has detailed information for different categories of new arrival. (Please note: a 'new arrival' may fall into more than one category so you may need to check different pages)
NESTAC at Nigeria 50th independence celebration
NESTAC Cultural Drumming and Dance Troupe participated in the Nigeria 50th Independence celebration organized by the Pathfinder Church in Harpurhey in Manchester on Sunday the 3rd of October.
The colorful occasion was attended by a large crowd, mostly dressed in authentic African designed clothes.
We set up our stall displaying our banner and flyers at the entrance where many people came up to enquire about us. Neil and Francis gave answers to the visitors who were interested in NESTAC activities and distributed leaflets about the organization. We also shared information with other organizations and performers whom we agreed to work together in the future.
The program began with the church choir rendering the Nigerian National Anthem and soulful Gospel songs which got the gathering swinging along with claps and movements.
A young boy named Stephan came next. He performed a song and Gospel Rap in German. Everyone was so delighted with his act he received applause and cheers at the end.
The highlight of the event came when NESTAC was announced to be the next group to perform. Francis introduced us by giving a brief account of our organization. The group soon swung into action and the children danced to the rhythmic drumming by Master Drummer Jack Quarshie and Ali Mohammed. They danced so well that the crowd gave them a standing ovation after their performance. Jack and Ali also gave a brilliant instrumental performance which delighted the audience. The group was cheered by all when they finally bowed off the stage.
We stayed on to listen to the sermons delivered by the Pastors and asked for our leave as we had to return early due to the children’s school preparation the next day.
The staff and Volunteers that attended were Peggy Mulongo, Guy Bochar and Francis Burphy. Volunteers were made up of Rabia Ahad, Neil Rutter, Rita Kapesa and Adison Mulonga. The Troupe members were Jack Quarshie, Ali Mohammed, Arsene Essabe Vanessa Nwenga, Teegan Smithie, Jessica Smithies, Jodie Smithies and Gaetan .
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Karibu 2010
Karibu African festival
Heywood Civic centre
Saturday 31st July 2010
Five years ago when the African Festival, known as KARIBU, actually started, the pioneers of this annual event had no idea that it would grow into the spectacular we are witnessing year after year!
KARIBU has become one of the greatest cultural and ethnic expositions of African Diaspora, especially in and around the North West of England. The large crowd this year included dignitaries such the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Councillors Farook Ahmed, Sultan Ali and the Labour MP Simon Danczuk. As expected, the well known African Black Eagles Acrobats Group from Kent brought nostalgic memories of authentic African live music, dancing and energetic acrobatic stunts to open the festival. To the delight of the spectators who had thronged from far and wide they performed Fire Eating and Dancing manoeuvres which left people amazed as the seemingly dangerous act was done with ease and poise by the three versatile performers.
The programme was opened officially by the Master of Ceremonies, the beautiful and eloquent Miss Marie France. She then introduced MP Simon Danczuk and Mayor Zulfiqar onto the stage. The MP gave a short address by welcoming all participants and also praised and thanked NESTAC for initiating a great cultural event that fosters unity through cultural diversity. The aim, to improve understanding and social cohesion amongst the wider community. He also mentioned how pleased he was with the professionalism in the way the event was organized. The Mayor in turn did the honours by presenting the NESTAC special Awards to recipients. Award winners were as follows:
Volunteer of the Year; Sam Yinkore;
Employee of the Year; Mrs. Maggie Howlett
KARIBU Awards Mrs Rita Kapes and Councillor Farooq Ahmed
The rest went to outstanding students in Hair braiding and ESOL courses.
The Hebron Church Choir led by Zoe Davies rendered some inspiring Gospel music that set the tone for a great evening of sweet music and dance. Their efforts were appreciated by the applause given following the wonderful three songs they performed.
The next group to come on stage was the famous Indian Dance group known as JYTA JYOTI. The young beautiful Indian dancers performed by dancing intricately to some Indian songs which drew the crowd in clap- ping and asking for an encore.
Ya Freddy, a solo Artist from Manchester was the next act to come on stage. Freddy sang beautiful tunes in English and Lingala, an African language from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The audience thought he was great and cheered him on.
A group known as Survivors led by Arsene "POP" came next to deliver a special song for Rochdale. They sang their hearts out and danced enthusiastically encouraging the audience to participate.
The fashion show began whilst dinner was served to the guests. The up and coming talented designer Miss Passy presented classic designs modelled by a number of beautiful young girls. They were very professional and their catwalk appearance and the designs worn were amazing to watch.
This year saw an increase in stall holders representing various organizations as well as a Face Painter who decorated the children faces with beautiful art work. Our partners and organizations that managed the stalls were:
The Greater Manchester Police
NHS Health Trainers
Primary Care Trust (PCT)
Stepping Stone
Rochdale Library
International Organization for Immigration (IOM)
Voices4Well- being.
Heywood Civic centre
Saturday 31st July 2010
Five years ago when the African Festival, known as KARIBU, actually started, the pioneers of this annual event had no idea that it would grow into the spectacular we are witnessing year after year!
KARIBU has become one of the greatest cultural and ethnic expositions of African Diaspora, especially in and around the North West of England. The large crowd this year included dignitaries such the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Councillors Farook Ahmed, Sultan Ali and the Labour MP Simon Danczuk. As expected, the well known African Black Eagles Acrobats Group from Kent brought nostalgic memories of authentic African live music, dancing and energetic acrobatic stunts to open the festival. To the delight of the spectators who had thronged from far and wide they performed Fire Eating and Dancing manoeuvres which left people amazed as the seemingly dangerous act was done with ease and poise by the three versatile performers.
The programme was opened officially by the Master of Ceremonies, the beautiful and eloquent Miss Marie France. She then introduced MP Simon Danczuk and Mayor Zulfiqar onto the stage. The MP gave a short address by welcoming all participants and also praised and thanked NESTAC for initiating a great cultural event that fosters unity through cultural diversity. The aim, to improve understanding and social cohesion amongst the wider community. He also mentioned how pleased he was with the professionalism in the way the event was organized. The Mayor in turn did the honours by presenting the NESTAC special Awards to recipients. Award winners were as follows:
Volunteer of the Year; Sam Yinkore;
Employee of the Year; Mrs. Maggie Howlett
KARIBU Awards Mrs Rita Kapes and Councillor Farooq Ahmed
The rest went to outstanding students in Hair braiding and ESOL courses.
The Hebron Church Choir led by Zoe Davies rendered some inspiring Gospel music that set the tone for a great evening of sweet music and dance. Their efforts were appreciated by the applause given following the wonderful three songs they performed.
The next group to come on stage was the famous Indian Dance group known as JYTA JYOTI. The young beautiful Indian dancers performed by dancing intricately to some Indian songs which drew the crowd in clap- ping and asking for an encore.
Ya Freddy, a solo Artist from Manchester was the next act to come on stage. Freddy sang beautiful tunes in English and Lingala, an African language from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The audience thought he was great and cheered him on.
A group known as Survivors led by Arsene "POP" came next to deliver a special song for Rochdale. They sang their hearts out and danced enthusiastically encouraging the audience to participate.
The fashion show began whilst dinner was served to the guests. The up and coming talented designer Miss Passy presented classic designs modelled by a number of beautiful young girls. They were very professional and their catwalk appearance and the designs worn were amazing to watch.
This year saw an increase in stall holders representing various organizations as well as a Face Painter who decorated the children faces with beautiful art work. Our partners and organizations that managed the stalls were:
The Greater Manchester Police
NHS Health Trainers
Primary Care Trust (PCT)
Stepping Stone
Rochdale Library
International Organization for Immigration (IOM)
Voices4Well- being.
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