Choir sings for trafficking survivor campaign launch

Article published: Friday, March 30th 2012

Supporters of human trafficking survivor Mary Adenugba will tonight launch a campaign against the decision of the UK Border Agency (UKBA) to refuse her asylum claim.

A contingent from the Manchester Community Choir will sing in support at the launch at the Cross Street Chapel in Manchester city centre, where a representative from the trade union Unite will also discuss their work against human trafficking.

Adenbunga, 41, says she was brought to the UK from Nigeria under false pretences in 2004, and for several years was forced to work as a prostitute and as a menial cleaner. After escaping she claimed asylum, but her case was rejected last January and her legal team are currently pursuing a judicial review to reconsider the case.

Other speakers at the event include Jane Barraclough, the minister of Adenugba’s Unitarian church at the Cross Street Chapel, as well as an African dance display which will explore traditional stories through music. Local MP Tony Lloyd, who supports the campaign, is also expected to attend by organisers.

Sandy Broadhurst, a member of local human rights charity RAPAR, said Adenbunga is the first trafficking survivor to publicise the issue without being granted leave to remain in the UK. “She’s being extremely brave in doing this”, said Broadhurst, who said Adenbunga would be “very vulnerable” if returned to Nigeria.

Broadhurst criticised UKBA arguments that Nigeria is considered a “safe country”, pointing to scarce provision for the safety and recovery of trafficking survivors and a recent rise in inter-religious sectarianism which may expose Adenbunga, a convert from to Islam to Christianity, to greater danger.

She also said the refusal contravenes Britian’s responsibilities under the EU’s Protocol against the trafficking of people. The protocol states that signatory states must support the “physical, psychological and social recovery” of trafficked people and “allow victims of trafficking to remain in their territory, temporarily or permanently, giving appropriate consideration to humanitarian and compassionate factors.”

In a statement Adenbunga, who said she was “overwhelmed by the friendship” shown to her in Manchester, added that she was “terrified that I will be sent back to Nigeria but I know that my friends will do as much as they can to help keep me safe.”

UPDATE: A UKBA spokesperson said the agency does “not routinely comment on individual cases”, but added that “the Government is committed to tackling human trafficking and preventing the harm it causes to vulnerable members of our society. We have a system in place for identifying and protecting victims of trafficking.

“Our human trafficking strategy sets out how we are working with partners both at home and across Europe to enhance our intelligence and law enforcement capabilities so that we can prevent vulnerable people from becoming victims in the first place”

Richard Goulding

The launch will take place at Cross Street Chapel, Manchester city centre from 7pm-9pm, Friday 30 March

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Comments

1. ‘Adenbunga, 41, says she was brought to the UK from Nigeria under false pretences in 2004, and for several years was forced to work as a prostitute and as a menial cleaner.’

   A menial cleaner?

   Is there any other type of cleaner?

   And what’s wrong with cleaning as a job?

   Plenty of people do it.

   I have every faith in the UKBA. They are public employees, and therefore virtual saints, working without the taint of the profit motive and with only the noblest of aims.

   If the UKBA feels it is safe for Ms Adenugba to return to Nigeria then it most probably is.

   Has it ever occured to any anti-deportation activists that many of those who claim it it will be dangerous for them to return to their native countries might not want to return to their homelands because the UK offers them a vastly better standard of living even if they never do a day’s work?

   Comment by pete on March 30, 2012 at 9:52 pm

2. There’s plenty wrong with cleaning as a job, or any job, when YOU DON’T GET PAID FOR IT! When you’re FORCED to do it! You clearly haven’t paid attention to Mary’s story and what she’s suffered! Are you seriously accusing a TRAFFICKING VICTIM of being ungrateful?! Don’t you see how brave this woman is?
   And if you have any kind of faith in the UKBA, you clearly know nothing about it and what asylum seekers have to go through.
   It IS dangerous for Mary to return to Nigeria, her story has been verified. You have no right to call her a liar, you’re oh so charming assumption that many asylum seekers are just scroungers is plain bigotry. I politely assume that you are unaware that asylum seekers employment is ridiculously restricted. Many would happily do a days work if they were allowed.

   Is ignorance really THAT blissful?

   Comment by sarah on April 20, 2012 at 9:05 pm

The comments are closed.