The cramped living conditions faced by asylum seekers aboard the Bibby Stockholm barge could potentially violate human rights, warns the Home Affairs Select Committee. Chairwoman Dame Diana Johnson has expressed serious concerns in a letter to Illegal Migration Minister Michael Tomlinson, highlighting issues such as claustrophobic cabins and limited mental health support, as reported by The Standard.
According to the committee’s findings, asylum seekers on the Bibby Stockholm are enduring “claustrophobic” conditions, sharing small cabins originally designed for one person with up to six individuals, often strangers with different language backgrounds. Dame Diana emphasized that these crowded living conditions are contributing to a decline in mental health among residents, raising potential human rights violations.
In addition to cramped quarters, the committee noted discrepancies between official accounts and the experiences of asylum seekers. Inconsistent information regarding access to GP services for those on board the barge raised concerns about the overall well-being of the occupants.
Furthermore, the committee found “very limited” access to religious services for Muslim asylum seekers. Dame Diana expressed concern about the mental health of those on the barge, stating that many asylum seekers conveyed their mental health worries during the committee’s visit. One individual even disclosed thoughts of suicide due to the challenging living conditions, highlighting the apparent lack of mental health support.
Home Secretary James Cleverly, however, remains confident that the Bibby Stockholm meets all legal requirements. Despite being grilled by the committee, Cleverly asserted the government’s commitment to the physical and mental well-being of individuals in the asylum estate. He emphasized that both aspects are taken seriously, and relevant safeguarding teams would address specific cases.
Dame Diana emphasized the isolation faced by asylum claimants on the Bibby Stockholm, leaving them in a claustrophobic environment without external support, legal advice, or connections to community, faith, or family for potentially extended periods. She urged the government not to overlook the severe trauma that asylum seekers might have experienced, emphasizing the vulnerability of these individuals and the need for critical help.
The tragic death of an asylum seeker on board the Bibby Stockholm in December prompted MPs to call on the Home Office to take all suitable steps to ensure mental health support is available. The incident underscores the urgency of addressing the challenging conditions faced by asylum seekers on the barge, highlighting the need for immediate action to uphold human rights and provide essential support.
