ZA

Zimbabwe Association

A support group for Zimbabwean asylum-seekers and refugees in the UK

Aims

To promote the fundamental freedoms, human rights and welfare of all Zimbabweans regardless of political opinion, race, tribe, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation, particularly those currently in the United Kingdom, and with priority attention to those seeking asylum in the UK.

In the beginning

Since October 2001 the ZA has been run on a voluntary basis by a group of Zimbabweans in the UK. We started by campaigning for an end to detention of Zimbabwean asylum seekers and their removal to Zimbabwe. On 15 January 2002 removals were stopped and Zimbabweans were no longer automatically detained.

On 16 November 2004 the Home Office ended the suspension of removals to Zimbabwe, and began removing 'failed' asylum seekers to Zimbabwe.

What we do now:

• We provide information about the asylum process and immigration lawyers so people are better able to help themselves
• We direct people towards organisations and services that can assist them
• We assist people in communicating with their legal representatives, and other official bodies
• We act as witnesses, experts, attend appeal hearings, and write supporting letters for our members
• We visit people in hostels, detention centres, and hospitals
• We link our members up with fellow Zimbabweans in the same area
• We have an office as a contact point
• We have formed a ZA choir
• We support vigils and human rights campaigns
• We maintain close links with other Zimbabwean focused groups

Current problems


Since November 2004 we have been faced with a huge increase in numbers of Zimbabwean detainees. Our focus has returned to seeking competent legal representation for those facing removal. Monitoring the situation and collecting evidence concerning returnees is now our priority.

Zimbabwean asylum applications in the UK:

• 2000 - 1010
• 2001 - 2115
• *2002 - 7695
• 2003 - 3280
• 2004 - 2045

* In November 2002, visa restrictions were imposed.