GDWG statement on death at Colnbrook IRC

We respond to the news of a tragic death in Colnbrook IRC this week with our sincere condolences to the family of the person who died and everyone who knew them. 

When we know the identity of the person who died we shall remember their name.  

During the recent Public Inquiry into the mistreatment of individuals who were detained at Brook House Immigration Removal Centre in 2017, the harms experienced by detained people were laid bare. These harms continue today. Public Inquiry witnesses described a lack of safeguarding processes. Any death in detention raises questions about the applications of safeguards such as the use of Rule 35 reporting. 

Every day the human cost of detention is witnessed by our GDWG volunteers who support people overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness. We call for an end to detention and the harms inherent in holding people indefinitely that destroy people’s agency and hope. 

GDWG Director, Anna Pincus, said: ‘our visitors, staff, trustees and community are united in sadness at the loss of life in Colnbrook and for anyone in detention hearing the news, please reach out to the visitor groups in your area for support. You are not alone.’