Our next meeting will be on February 4th

Meetings are open to all women

Children are also welcome

WSSAG Wales can’t offer immigration advice, but we may be able to help you access services, find community groups and help you start an Anti-deportation campaign.

If you would like to know more, please click here to contact us.

This Saturday WSSAG Wales members have been invited to:

On Thursday 17th November members of WSSAG Wales attended a conference in London titled:

“Whose honour are we talking about?”

The conference was organised by the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation: IKWRO and was in partnership with Refugee Women’s Association (RWA) and Turkisch-Deutscher Frauenverein e.V: Papatya from Germany.

IKWRO believes that all women have the right to live without fear and oppression. We provide confidential advice and other support to Middle Eastern women and girls who are facing domestic violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and ‘honour’ based violence.

Their campaign to “STOP HONOUR KILLINGS” explains:

Each year at least 5000 women and girls around the world are murdered by their families in the name of ‘honour’. Families often justify these murders by reference to religion, morality or tradition. In many societies victims of honour are simply forgotten about and the perpetrators go unpunished.

In the UK every single day girls and women are locked up, threatened, beaten and forced into marriage by their families. Some are mutilated, or even murdered. These crimes are supposedly committed in the name of family ‘honour’, but there is nothing honourable about them.

The government has no figures on how many people are affected by ‘honour’ based violence in this country, but in 2009 police recorded over 250 incidents in London alone. Across the country there may be thousands more.

Honour based violence is very real both in the UK and other countries. Some women who arrive in the UK are seeking sanctuary from the threat of this violence, which at its worst can result in death. Most instances involve family members, which is incredibly difficult for those affected to come to terms with and recover from, even when they are in a safe place. The trauma undergone can lead to psychological and behavioural difficulties for the individuals involved.

The conference raised the issue that HBV, Forced marriage and FGM are ‘closed issues’ with few willing to speak up about them in the public arena. IKWRO has been working hard to support women who have been affected by HBV in the UK or other countries as well as assisting those who are affected by the threat of Forced Marriage and FGM. They offer advice lines, counselling and advocacy for many women each year.

The difference between Forced Marriage (FM) and arranged marriage was discussed at length, because of the fine line between the two. To make the distinction, a lack of consent of one or both of the individuals who are to be married is considered a forced marriage. Forced marriage appears to be a sensitive issue among many families, making it difficult, and sometimes impossible for the person who does not want to be married to speak out. Going against the wishes of family members can sometimes result in ‘honour’ based violence.

The practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is illegal in the UK and many people are working to make it illegal internationally, as this practice has many health complications, which can result in death. The origins of FGM are unknown but it is evident that in many countries this barbaric practice is still occurring for many young women. In some places it is seen as a ‘coming of age’ ritual and in other places it is considered to keep a woman ‘pure’ for her husband.

Papatya in Germany are one group who have made links in Iraqi – Kurdistan to discourage FGM in many villages. Their work has shown that changing the mindset of women who previously believed this practice to be justified, can spare other women and young girls from having to endure the procedure and it’s associated health risks.

The culture of disbelief in the UKBA makes it very difficult for Asylum seeking women who have had the threat of, or undergone HBV, forced marriage or FGM. Some of those affected are not believed when recounting their ordeals, causing more distress and trauma.

This conference showed that violence against women in all it’s forms can and should be challenged and eradicated. Those groups out there working tirelessly for the benefit of all women’s human rights are trying to educate and inform groups and individuals so that these practices can be abolished. This conference and IKWRO’s guidelines booklet form an important part of this process.

IKWRO can offer help in Farsi, Kurdish, Dari, Arabic and Turkish. To find out more about their IKWRO’s services please click here

The film above which has been directed by Frederico Forcolini provides insight into the horrific realities faced by those who suffer honour based violence, perhaps for choosing to marry someone for love.

Please contact us if you or a member of your organisation would like to attend.

On Saturday 25th WSSAG will be speaking out about what it is like to be a woman seeking asylum in Wales is really like at The Cardiff Story in The Old Library, in The Hayes from 12-4pm.

There will be arts and craft activities for all ages, as well as poetry and live music from the Welsh Refugee Council.

The event is free and all are welcome.

Some of the other celebrations for Refugee Week in Cardiff can be found here.

On Saturday 4th June, WSSAG will be attending the Cupcakes and Cast-off’s event at Cathays Community Centre from 12-4pm. For a map of how to get there click here.

This free event will be a great opportunity to find some bargains and enjoy great food and live music!

Think bunting, balloons, music, face-painting, fun in the sun, kids activities, craftiness and of course ample quantities of the sweet, gooey, chocolatey – or other types of tasty – goodness that is CAKE! And of course clothes and other pre-loved goodies will be on sale for the cheapest prices around. Cupcakes & Cast-off’s is all about reducing, recycling, revamping & re-wearing!

Raising money for Asylum Justice, Environmental Justice Foundation and STAR (Student Action for Refugees).

Asylum Justice is a local charity that supports asylum seekers who don’t have a lawyer in Cardiff and Swansea by providing them with free legal aid. Many of these cases have been refused by lawyers and so the work of Asylum Justice – run by volunteers – is invaluable.

Environmental Justice Foundation (EJS) makes the link between the need for environmental security and the defence of basic human rights. One of EJS’ campaigns is on Climate Refugees. Deteriorating environmental conditions linked to climate change are already affecting the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. However, there is no legally binding agreement identifying and protecting climate refugees so EJS is working to establish one.

STAR Cardiff runs a weekly drop-in centre for asylum seekers and refugees, is involved in campaigns, improving awareness about refugee issues, and fund-raising for charities such as the Welsh Refugee Council. STAR Network is made up of hundreds of other STAR groups around the UK, all who are supported by a small head office through training and resources. Due to cuts in funding, raising money for the network is vital.

We are able to offer a discount if you order 10 or more copies.

To order your copy, please get in touch

Members of WSSAG are able to provide workshops covering the resources section at the back of the book – at your school, organisation or event – raising awareness of the issues and challenges facing women seeking sanctuary in the UK.

In partnership with the Cardiff Ethnic Minority Communities team, Women Seeking Sanctuary Advocacy Group, is proudly hosting the launch of “Seeking Sanctuary: Journeys of Despair and Hope” on the Glanfa Stage of the Wales Millennium Centre on Tuesday 19th April 2011 at 1pm. All are welcome to this free event.

It is a collection of real life stories of women who have braved all sort of persecutions and human rights abuse and who have come to the UK to seek sanctuary and try to rebuild their lives…

Please send us an e-mail if you would like details about how to order your copy…

Women Connect First in partnership with:
Communities First BME Local Partnership, Cardiff Council – Census 2011, UWIC & OFXAM Cymru

INVITES YOU TO A CELEBRATION OF:

On Monday 28th February, 2011
From 10.30am to 4.00pm
at City Hall, Cardiff

For more information and a flyer please click here:
IWD FLYER 2011

On Friday 25th February, Cardiff STAR (Student action for Refugees) is planning a ‘sleepout’ in support of the ‘Still Human Still Here’ campaign against destitution of refused asylum seekers.

The aim is to raise awareness and show solidarity with the thousands of asylum seekers all over the UK who are made destitute either when their claims for asylum are refused, even though they may be appealing this decision or cannot return to their home country as it is too unsafe, or due to administrative errors leading to delays in receiving financial support or/and accommodation. With no support or money they often become homeless. More information can be found at the blog ‘Still Human Still Here’, which is an ongoing campaign to end the destitution of refused asylum seekers.

Some of the people who are involved in the sleepout are raising sponsorship money for Home4U who are a group of concerned friends in Cardiff who have been involved in various refugee community groups and have become aware of the huge and immediate problem that destitution poses for many people. They have been lent a house in the Rhondda, rent-free, in which two asylum seekers can live at a time, and they are hoping to get a house in Cardiff to provide emergency support for newly destitute people. The money they raise will cover the cost of food and travel bills and keeping the house running.

Everybody is welcome to attend the sleepout, whether you chose to be sponsored or not – the more people who come the better, so please invite your friends! The night promises to be informative, fun and most of all necessary to raise the profile of destitute asylum seekers all over the UK.

As well as WSSAG, some of the groups supporting the sleepout include: Home4U, Welsh Refugee Council, STAR, Amnesty International, Displaced People In Action, Medsin, People and Planet and Cardiff Refugee & Asylum Seeker Welcome.

Asylum Monologues is an account of the UK asylum system told first-hand in the words of the people who have experienced it.
Scripted by award-winning playwright and Artistic Director of Ice and Fire theatre, Sonja Linden, it is an important and powerful work.

With personal testimony at its core combined with public opinion, political statements and statistical fact, this production disseminates what it really means to be displaced in the UK.

“This is the thing that the British people don’t understand. They think we came here just because we want to live here. We came here because there are problems – that why we came here.”

Some audience feedback:

“I came here tonight without knowing the difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee. I am choked for words. This was a powerful, hard-hitting script of horrific events. I fully intend to support this cause.”

(Audience member, Asylum Monologues, Middlesbrough, Jan 2007).

“It really brought home just how easy it is to demonise asylum seekers and just how ignorant a lot of people are about the issues, including myself.”

(Audience member, Asylum Monologues, Oxford, October 2006)

The Asylum Monologues are coming to Cardiff on February 12th 2011 @ 6.30pm (for 7pm start) @ Cathays Community Centre, 36-38 Cathays Terrace, Cardiff CF24 4HX. In conjunction with Cardiff STAR (Student Action for Refugees) and Fforwm: Cardiff Experimental Applied Theatre Society.

Free entry to all.

On Saturday 27th November 2010, WSSAG Wales was very proud and honoured to win The Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize group award, recognising the importance of WSSAG’s work with refugee and asylum seeking women who have escaped all forms of violence to seek sanctuary in the UK.

“Emma was a writer, campaigner and survivor of male violence who fought an historic struggle to overturn a murder conviction in 1995, supported by Justice for Women and other feminist campaigners.

Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize judges choose the recipient of a group award, established to recognise the unsung work done by many women’s groups and organisations. This award marks the outstanding contribution of women’s organisations who work in this embattled area and whose creativity and resourcefulness have resulted in developments that combat the prevalence of male violence.”

In the evening, there was the chance to join the Reclaim the Night march against rape and all forms of male violence against women. “We march today to demand our right to live without the fear or reality of rape and male violence, we demand an end to male violence against women, we take back this night to win the day.“

How you can help

A very special campaign for our friend and member Shrouk is launched this Wednesday the 24th of November at Gwdihw.
Shrouk will make a public statement to the crowd as well as an evening of music from Little Eris, Gav Music, Alun Battrick and others. She invites anyone interested in supporting her campaign to attend. It begins at 8pm and costs £2 entry fee, all proceeds going towards her campaign.

18 year old gay teenager Shrouk El-Attar is under threat of detention and deportation to Egypt, a country with a record of widespread abuse of gays including torture, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment.

Shrouk El-Attar arrived in the UK in 2007 fleeing 15 years of violence in Egypt. She currently lives and studies in Cardiff. At 16, Shrouk came out as a lesbian, expressing her sexuality openly on Facebook.

In 2010, Shrouk decided to claim asylum as a refugee under the 1951 Geneva Convention to which the UK is a signatory. Her claim for asylum was dismissed by a Tribunal Court on the 25th of October 2010.

On hearing about the dismissal of her claim for asylum Shrouk stated: “I’m terrified about the possibility of being forcibly deported to Egypt. As a gay person, life in Egypt would be impossible for me. I would never be able to express my true self and would have to live my life in hiding.”

Shrouk fears that if she were to return to Egypt she would be persecuted by both the Egyptian authorities and by her own extended family. She is afraid that she will be forced into marriage, suffer Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and risk an honour killing if she resists.

Egyptian law and culture, whilst not legally criminalising homosexuality, regularly persecutes and demonises gay and lesbian people. Criminal charges of sexual and moral depravity and police assault and intimidation are commonplace (1). The Egyptian authorities have stated that, “…homosexuality is socially detested and legally condemned and persecuted”. (2)

The US Department of State 2009 Country Report describes how police have: “targeted homosexual persons and arrested them on charges of debauchery” (3). Many human rights groups have condemned Egypts persecution of gays and lesbians, most notably Human Rights Watch (4).

The knowledge that Egypt is not safe for gays and lesbians is so widespread that precautions are clearly outlined in several prominent travel sites (5) and in the UK Government travel guidelines (6).

Lucie Jade from WSSAG said: “Shrouk is a very well known and valued member of WSSAG and she has been an asset to this group many times over, her enthusiasm is infectious and we support her fully in starting an anti-deportation campaign. We encourage others to help in any way they can to keep Shrouk safe in Cardiff.“

1. Join the Facebook group

2. Sign the online petition

3. Download, print and get as many people as possible to sign the paper petition

4. Write a letter to the Home Secretary and then encourage your friends, relatives and other contacts to do the same.

You can download a model letter here, adapt it, re-write it or just print and sign it.
Always remember to quote Shrouk’s Home Office reference number: S1391610/2

You can e-mail it to:

mayt@parliament.uk
UKBApublicenquiries@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk
CITTO@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Privateoffice.external@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Or post it to:

Rt. Hon Theresa May, MP
Secretary of State for the Home Office,
2 Marsham St
London
SW1 4DF

Or fax it to:

Fax: 020 7035 4745
(00 44 20 7035 4745 if you are faxing from outside UK)

Please let the campaign know of any action you are taking in support of Shrouk
E-mail her at: savetheshrouk@hotmail.co.uk

On 17th September 2010, Women Seeking Sanctuary Advocacy Group Wales hosted an Anti-deportation training workshop alongside NCADC, No Borders South Wales, and Displaced People in Action. The training covered how individuals can launch and sustain anti-deportation campaigns, use the media and most importantly act in unity against unjust deportations!

It was a highly successful event with all participants feeling encouraged to get involved in campaigning. It has become clear that through creating networks we can achieve great things!

Here are just a few of the comments received:
“The training was quite beneficial. I gained a lot of advocacy techniques that I may apply on assisting asylum seekers who are on the verge of deportation or their case has been closed, who have no idea on what action to take.”

“Very good and enlightening. I now have an idea of how I can go about starting a campaign if I need to. I have also learnt how I can get in touch with the media and contacting a journalist and what I should already have in hand to get my story going ahead and for people to listen to it.”

Watch this space for the next Train The Trainer Workshop – coming soon!

This Friday 17th September

Women Seeking Sanctuary Advocacy Group Wales and No Borders South Wales, in association with National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns and Displaced People In Action (DPIA), are organizing an anti-deportation training workshop for people seeking sanctuary and their supporters. It starts at 10am and finishes at 3pm with lunch provided and travel expenses refunded for to all asylum seekers or refugees with a valid ticket for public transport.

Who is it aimed at?

➢ Refugee Community Organisations
➢ Asylum Seeker Support Groups
➢ Asylum Seekers’ Rights Campaigners
➢ Community Activists

To book a place, please contact
DPIA 02920 388 389 or WSSAG 07902562111

The Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards, managed by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and supported this year by CCLA Investment Management Ltd, is an annual opportunity to reward people who have made an outstanding contribution to their community.

On 10th June, WSSAG was honoured to have one of our members Constance Nzeneu receive an award for Volunteer of the Year at a presentation ceremony which was held in Cardiff Castle.

Adult category – Constance Nzeneu, Cardiff

‘Most women seeking sanctuary in the UK face not only the trauma that forced them to flee their country of origin and the complexity and hostility of the UK immigration system,’ said Patricia Barrera, Research Consultant with Black Voluntary Sector Network Wales (BVSNW).

‘They are also faced with the complex situation of finding themselves and their children in a foreign country which – most of the time – is alien to their cultural and social background.’

A board member of BVSNW, Constance – who is from Cameroon – is also currently training to become a volunteer adviser with the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Constance has been one of the driving forces behind the emergence of WSSAG and its growing success,’ said Hywel Bishop, No Borders South Wales, who also nominated Constance for her award.
.
‘She acts as an inspiration to others by showing what can be achieved if women seeking sanctuary come and stand together to make their voices heard.’

Constance said her daily role involved providing a range of support, from interpreting to practical, social and moral. ‘There is no greater joy to know that you have helped someone.’

WSSAG is run by volunteers which not only empowers people but also builds vital life skills. We are very proud of the recognition for all the hard work that has been put in by our members, and celebrate such a great achievement for Constance. Well Done!

Every single woman, the new campaign under the Women’s Asylum Charter focuses on the disparity in the treatment of women who are seeking asylum compared with women settled in the UK.

We believe a change of culture designed to produce a genuinely gender sensitive asylum system is urgently needed to ensure that women seeking asylum receive a comparable standard of treatment to women in similar situations who are settled here already.

Read the campaign briefing or the extended briefing for more detailed analysis, watch the film, endorse the Charter, take part in online discussion and find out more, all  at the Asylum Aid Charter webpages

An article published in the Guardian this Tuesday by a former employee at the UK Border Agency offices in Cardiff, talks about the behaviour of staff towards people seeking sanctuary in South Wales. Read more here…

On Wednesday 3rd February at 5.30pm, there will be a specially chartered deportation flight to Nigeria.
On the same day at 4.30pm No Borders South Wales will be protesting against this at UK Border Agency, General Buildings, 31-33 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0AB map

For more details No Borders South Wales http://noborderswales.org.uk
Facebook event

Please forward to your contacts.

To take action to help stop this deportation please see:

Lydia Besong, a Cameroon national and resident of Manchester, is currently detained in Yarl’s Wood IRC and is due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ 101 Heathrow TN4 on Monday 21st December 2009 at 19:00

Lydia and her partner Bernard sought asylum in the UK on 18/12/06. Their asylum claim is based on their activities with the Southern Cameroon National Council, a peaceful political organisation that campaigns for the rights of the English-speaking minority of Southern Cameroon. Prior to their arrival in the UK, both Lydia and Bernard suffered beatings and imprisonment as a result of their involvement with the SCNC and Lydia was raped by a uniformed guard.

Lydia is a writer, whose debut play “How I Became an Asylum Seeker” was staged by Community Arts Northwest (CAN) on 3 December to a full house at the Zion Theatre in Hulme. She wrote the play partly to find a way of coping with her horrific experiences, and to raise awareness about asylum. She is also on the Management Committee of Woman Asylum Seekers Together (WAST).

Please urge Home Secretary Alan Johnson MP to cancel the planned removal and release Lydia back into the community of Greater Manchester in which she belongs. After the contributions this couple has made to our community and in mind of the grave danger they face if returned to their home country, it is time for the UKBA to realise that this couple are an asset to our country.

http://www.ncadc.org.uk/NCADC-Campaigns/LydiaBesong.html

WSSAG Wales members were among the people seeking sanctuary and local supporters in central Cardiff  on 11th December who to tested the new ‘Azure’ payment card provided by the UK  Border Agency.

The card replaces the the old style Tesco vouchers that were given to some people seeking sancturary as their only means to support themselves and their families.

The Azure card was introduced this month for people seeking sanctuary in Cardiff who qualify for ‘Section 4’ support. This is a support given to people who the Home Office recognise cannot currently return to their country of origin. The Azure cards are topped up with £35 per week, though users of the card cannot receive change, obtain cash or use the card at shops other than Tesco, Sainsbury Asda, Boots and Peacocks

On attempting to use the card in Cardiff, they were not initially recognised in Peacocks and users felt excluded and criminalised when they were unable to pay for essential goods using the card in other stores.

The action was organised by Citizens for Sanctuary and involved local organisations, faith groups, local media, Student Action for Refugees and supporters of people seeking sanctuary.

The presence and support of Julie Morgan MP was massively noticed as she promised to get the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, involved in a better treatment of this particular vulnerable group of people.

The event was reported by BBC Wales and The Western Mail

WSSAG Wales was invited as a guest speaker at a multi-faith service to mark “International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women” on 25th November 2009 at Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff.

WSSAG Wales member Constance Nzeneu gave a speech at this  5th annual event organised by Wales Womens’ National Coalition which also included contributions from Wales Strategic Migration Partnership.

http://www.wales-womens-national-coalition.org.uk/light-a-candle-summary/