???? FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER 11.30am
PORTLAND PORT
Castletown, DT5 1BD
Flowers and cards welcome. Messages to [email protected]
Following the tragic death of a man reported to have taken his own life on the Bibby Stockholm barge on Tuesday, Friday’s vigil has been called by Stand Up to Racism Dorset and Cate4Calais.
A minute’s silence will be held for the unnamed man to pay tribute to him and the struggles he faced in his life.
Cards and messages will give support and solidarity to the over 300 refugees on the barge facing the stress of this death on top of their ongoing fears and concerns living in what many describe as like a prison.
The vigil will convey the sadness and anger of campaigners who have argued that the Bibby Stockholm is an inhumane place to house those seeking asylum, especially those with mental health challenges.
“This is so sad and distressing. No one should die alone on a prison barge, isolated from their friends and with family far away.” said Lynne Hubbard, co-chair of Stand Up To Racism Dorset.
“We hope our vigil will show the others on board that many of us do care. We are seriously concerned about conditions on the barge, especially mental health support. That is why we are demanding an immediate end to any more refugees being placed on the barge.
“We also feel we have a responsibility to call on others to join the campaign to demand an end to this country’s deliberately cruel asylum system that allowed this man to die.”
Laney from Portland Global Friendship Group, who has provided welcome packs and support to many of the barge residents, said, “Mental health support on the barge seems nonexistent.”
“We have provided support to a number of residents who have suicidal thoughts. They don’t seem to get help from professionals. In fact, we have reports of people in distress just being ignored, or worse, by security staff on board. Conditions have gotten even worse now that there are over 300 men on board. “
The vigil’s demands:
Scrap the prison barge NOW!!
Immediate mental health support for those on board. Halt any new arrivals.
End segregation of people seeking safety.
End the inhumane asylum system.
#RefugeesWelcome
#ScrapthePrisonBarge
#IntegrationNotSegregation
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