Amnesty calls for compassion at Christmas for Nigerian family facing deportation

Amnesty International has called on the Home Office to reconsider its decision to deport a Nigerian family who have been living in east Belfast. Amnesty will be taking part in a protest on the steps of Parliament Buildings at Stormont calling for the Adefowoju family to be allowed to stay in Northern Ireland on Wednesday 19th December at 10.00am.

The family has been living on the Woodstock Road where they have been embraced and welcomed by the local community where they attending local schools and church. The mother and four Children's rights were detained by immigration officers on November 30th and transported to Yarls Wood Detention Centre near London, where they are currently being held awaiting deportation.

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International's Northern Ireland Programme Director said:

"This Christmas, this mother and Children's rights should be in the bosom of a community that cares for them, not stuck in a terrifying detention centre, afraid and awaiting deportation to a country from which they fled.

"Northern Ireland is not always the most tolerant place for people from overseas, but this case is a fantastic example of how welcoming we can be. It is heart warming to hear how quickly and how well this family has become part of the community in east Belfast. We call on the Home Office to respond positively to this good news story and give the family leave to remain on compassionate grounds so they can be back in Belfast for Christmas."

Amnesty International has previously reported how thousands of asylum seekers are held in detention in grim prison-like conditions.