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Written question asked by Stephen Kinnock (Labour) on Monday, 19 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 February 2024 (named day). It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Friday, 23 February 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

British Indian Ocean Territory: Asylum

Question

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what steps the Government is taking to safeguard asylum seekers in the British Indian Ocean Territory at risk of (a) sexual assault, (b) harassment, (c) self-harm, (d) suicide and (e) other threats identified by inspectors from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Answer

The welfare and safety of migrants on British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is paramount. They receive dedicated 24-hour-a day medical care from a medical team formed of doctors, paramedics, registered nurses and mental health practitioners. The BIOT Administration introduced a robust multi-layered and multi-agency safeguarding policy in July 2023, which codified and clarified safeguarding arrangements that had developed over time since the camp was first set up.

All allegations of mistreatment or criminality are taken seriously and fully investigated. Criminal charges have been brought against certain individuals, including charges of sexual assault, and are being taken forward in line with BIOT law.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
14599
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Asylum British Indian Ocean Territory Protection
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk