Standing in solidarity with asylum seekers detained at Dungavel – because Justice & Peace Scotland will never turn its back on the stranger
Overview
Those inside detention centres such as Dungavel face an agonizing uncertainty due to the UK’s practice of unlimited detention. This practice violates human dignity and contradicts our values as a society and as Christians. Justice & Peace Scotland declares unequivocally: We will never turn its back on the stranger. This campaign is both a spiritual witness and a practical advocacy effort.
Understanding Immigration Detention
What Is Immigration Detention?
Immigration detention is the practice of holding people in prison-like facilities while their immigration status is determined. Unlike criminal detention:
- No time limit exists on how long someone can be held.
- No criminal conviction is required for detention.
- Vulnerable people are regularly detained despite supposed safeguards.
- Limited legal recourse makes it difficult to challenge detention.
Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre (IRC)
- Located in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
- A former prison converted to immigration detention.
- Remote and isolated, making visits and legal support difficult.
- A symbol of the UK’s harsh immigration system.
Why This Concerns Us:
This proposed legislation presents serious ethical, medical, and social concerns. Rather than investing in quality palliative care and support for the dying, this bill creates a pathway to end life prematurely. The most vulnerable in our society – the elderly, the disabled, those suffering from depression alongside terminal illness, and those who fear being a burden – may face subtle or overt pressure to choose death over care.
The UK's Unique Cruelty: Unlimited Detention
What Makes the UK Different?
The United Kingdom is the ONLY country in Europe with unlimited immigration detention.
Comparison to European Neighbours:
- United Kingdom: NO MAXIMUM – people can be detained indefinitely.
- Most European Countries: Maximum detention of 28 days to 6 months.
- France: 90 days maximum.
- Germany: 18 months maximum (rarely used).
The Human Impact of Indefinite Imprisonment:
- Psychological trauma from indefinite imprisonment.
- Mental health deterioration documented by medical professionals.
- Self-harm and suicide at shocking rates.
- Families are separated with no end date.
- Lives are in limbo – unable to plan, work, or hope.
Why This Matters to Catholics
Biblical Foundation: Welcoming the Stranger
- “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)
- “Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:34)
- “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers…” (Hebrews 13:2)
Catholic Social Teaching
The Church teaches that Every person possesses inherent dignity regardless of immigration status. Detention violates this dignity. We are called to welcome migrants and refugees, not imprison them.
Pope Francis on Migration:
“Each individual migrant is a human person who, as such, possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance.”
The Solidarity Gatherings
Regular public gatherings outside Dungavel IRC show solidarity with those detained inside, offer prayer for justice, and advocate for change. Your presence makes those inside know they are not forgotten.
Next Dignity Not Detention Gathering:
📅 Date: Sunday, 30th November 2025
📍 Location: Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre, South Lanarkshire
🕐 Time: 1:00pm to 1:45pm
How to Attend:
- Transport: Dungavel is remote – contact the coordinator to arrange carpooling.
- Preparation: Dress appropriately for the weather and come with an open heart.
- Registration: Contact the campaign coordinator below to confirm attendance and arrange transport.
How You Can Take Action
1. Attend Solidarity Gatherings
Your physical presence demonstrates public opposition to detention and fulfils our baptismal call to serve the marginalized. See the details above for the next event.
2. Advocate for Policy Change (Write to Representatives)
To Your MP (Westminster):
- Call for an **end to unlimited detention** – set a 28-day maximum.
- Support **alternatives to detention** (community housing, case management).
- Increase legal aid for immigration cases.
To Your MSP (Holyrood):
- Advocate for detention reform and use the moral voice on the national stage.
- Support services for asylum seekers.
3. Pray for Those in Detention
Suggested Prayer:
Compassionate God, we pray for all those held in immigration detention. You know their names, their stories, their fears, and their hopes. Comfort them in their uncertainty. Transform our immigration system from one of detention to one of welcome. Help us see the face of Christ in every stranger. Amen.
Daily Prayer Intentions:
- For all currently detained at Dungavel and other centres.
- For an end to unlimited detention.
- For families separated by detention.
4. Support Detainee Welfare Organizations
Consider supporting or volunteering with organizations that provide direct support to detainees:
- Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) UK – pastoral care in detention centres.
- Detention Action – advocacy and support.
- Scottish Refugee Council – support and advocacy.
Alternatives to Detention
Better, more cost-effective, and more humane approaches exist. Alternatives maintain human dignity while ensuring case compliance.
Success of Alternatives:
- Alternatives cost **significantly less** than detention.
- They have **high compliance rates** for court appearances.
- They result in **better mental health** outcomes.
- They allow people to live, work, and contribute while awaiting decisions.
Community-Based Alternatives:
Alternatives include community housing, regular case management, and community sponsorship – treating asylum seekers with dignity and respect rather than as security threats.
Key Resources
Organizations
🏢 Justice & Peace Scotland (justiceandpeacescotland.org.uk)
🏢 Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) UK (jrsuk.net)
🏢 Detention Action (detentionaction.org.uk)
Action Resources
✍️ Letter templates for MPs and MSPs.
📢 Presentation materials for parishes.
Get Involved Locally
Join the discussion at our Justice and Peace/Care of Creation Deanery group meetings. This campaign is central to our work.
Next Justice & Peace Meeting:
📅 Date: 25th November 2025
🕖 Time: 7.30pm
📍 Location: Saint Joseph’s Small Meeting Room, Clarkston
Meeting Agenda Items:
- Solidarity Gathering planning and transport coordination.
- Advocating for policy change.
- Prayer and reflection for detainees.
All are welcome – whether you’re deeply involved in justice and peace work or just beginning to learn about these issues.
Campaign Coordinator
For questions, to get involved, or to request resources:
📧 Email: jeseenan@btinternet.com
📞 Telephone: 01416442725
Response Time: We typically respond within 2-3 business days.
Share on Social Media
Suggested Posts:
Twitter/X
“The UK is the ONLY country in Europe with unlimited detention. This must end. I stand for #DignityNotDetention and a 28-day limit. Write to your MP. #WelcomeTheStranger”
Facebook Post
“As Catholics, we are called to welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:35). The indefinite detention of asylum seekers at Dungavel violates human dignity. Join our Justice & Peace campaign: attend the next gathering, pray, and write to your representatives.
Addressing Common Concerns
"But aren't some of them criminals?"
Immigration detention is not criminal punishment. The people detained have not been convicted of crimes; they are held solely due to their immigration status while cases are processed.
"Don't we need border control?"
Yes, but effective border control does not require indefinite imprisonment. Other European countries manage their borders successfully using alternatives to detention that uphold human dignity.
"Won't ending detention mean everyone can just stay?"
No. Ending detention does not end immigration processing. Cases can still be assessed, decisions made, and returns organized—all without imprisoning people indefinitely. Alternatives to detention have high compliance rates.
Other Causes & Campaigns
Last Updated: December 2025
Saint Joseph’s Parish Justice and Peace Campaign
Working in partnership with Justice & Peace Scotland
