On Saturday 6th of June, Bristol will be joining hundreds of people from around the country in travelling to Yarl’s Wood Immigration Detention Centre to call for its closure.
The notoriously secretive Yarl’s Wood has come under repeated criticism for its treatment of the majoritally female detainees, with allegations of sexual harrassment, withholding of medical assistance and other degrading treatment. There is also a high incidence of mental health problems amongst detainees, with more than half surveyed in a recent report found to be on suicide watch.
People around the UK have decided that enough is enough, and will amass together tomorrow to protest. They will be joined by speakers including women who have experienced detention, politicians and celebrities, all united in asking for the closure of this immigration detention centre.
Coaches to the event are now full, but if you did not manage to book a place on one, please visit the Shut Down Yarl’s Wood Facebook page for information on how to get there. If you cannot make the protest but want to support the demands, please sign this petition.
To learn more about Yarl’s Wood, watch this report on Channel 4 News (warning: the report contains subject matter that many will find upsetting and language that many will find offensive.)
Join the #SetHerFree campaign on Twitter
