Putting migrants in Covid-ridden barracks a human rights breach
In the case of Feilazoo v Malta (application no. 6865/19), the European Court of Human Rights has held that detaining migrants in a Covid-ridden former military barracks constitutes inhuman and degrading treatment contrary to Article 3 of the human rights convention.
The specifics of the situation are different from the Covid-ridden former military barracks here in Blighty. The court noted that “the applicant was held alone in a container for nearly seventy-five days… without any access to natural light or air, and that during the first forty days… he had had no opportunity to exercise”. Still, it is probably just as well for the government from the perspective of losing human rights litigation that it is closing Penally asylum camp in a few days’ time.
There have been rumours of the sister camp at Napier closing too. But the Home Office said yesterday that it will “remain in operation in accordance with current needs”. The department has conceded that it is arguable (in a judicial review sense) that conditions there breach human rights standards and a hearing is scheduled on the issue next month.
There have been reports this week of planned new “reception centres” to house those crossing the Channel in small boats for up to six months, although they would at least be purpose built.
Posted on 17.03.2021.
We provide services
Other useful articles
- Upper Tribunal says that article 8 rights of overseas family members must be considered
- Government pledges new support to prepare for EU border checks
- Home Secretary announces new measures to boost Britain’s border security
- No discrimination found against Afghan man blocked from Ukraine visa schemes
- “Smart” borders to start operating from 2025: new rules for entry into the Schengen area for citizens of the UK and other countries
- UK economy continues recovery with 0.6% growth
Get specialist advice
Please contact with one of our immigration lawyers by phone +44 (0) 207 907 1460 (London), +971 509 265 140, +971 525 977 456 (Dubai) or complete our enquiry
Contact us