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PROTESTERS marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons tomorrow are calling for the closure of Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre (IRC).
The removal centre in County Durham holds women immigrants, many of whom, campaigners from Abolish Detention say, are victims of human trafficking.
An Abolish Detention spokesperson said: “Many of the women locked inside Derwentside are entangled in webs of trafficking and modern slavery.
“They are coerced by partners, family members and friends into theft and other criminal activities.
“A substantial proportion of the women in Derwentside have been moved from prisons, having served a custodial sentence for their coerced involvement in these crimes.
“Many have resided in the UK for a significant period of time, where UK authorities have often missed lots of opportunities to help them.”
The protest takes place outside Derwentside IRC tomorrow from 12pm-2pm.
The announcement of a Women’s Justice Board should be cautiously welcomed, writes SABINA PRICE, but we need to see a recognition that our prison system is in crisis and disproportionately punishes some of the most vulnerable people in society
