23 September 2013
I am presently trying to track down a person who will be able to provide an expert report on the provision of mental health services in Guinea in relation to a female client I am representing in a challenge against refusal of asylum as well as the refusal to issue her with residence permit through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for the identification of victims of trafficking.
My client has been recognized as a victim of trafficking through the NRM but the Home Office is refusing to issue her with the permit because they consider her to be a person who is no longer at risk of trafficking and the police are not carrying out a criminal investigation regarding her experiences. In our opinion the Trafficking Convention allows the decision maker to issue a residence permit to an individual, notwithstanding there are no criminal enquiries taking place, if her/his "personal situation" necessitates it. My client has been diagnosed as suffering PTSD as a direct result of her experiences and the Home Office is stating that the provisions available in Guinea will be sufficient for her treatment. Her refusal of asylum letter also refers to this as a ground for refusal. We are challenging the trafficking matter via judicial review proceedings through the high court in Belfast and have lodged grounds of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal against refusal of asylum.
The Home Office refers to a number of different reports regarding health care treatment in Guinea and we want to obtain information on what the actual situation is in Guinea and what provisions if any might be available for victims of trafficking. I should therefore be very grateful if you could let me know whether you can provide me with contact details for a relevant expert, whom I would liaise directly with.
The high court matter is listed for hearing this Wednesday 25 September and, if leave is granted, will be set down for hearing in a few months' time. The asylum appeal could be listed for hearing quite quickly, although if I sourced an expert I would seek an adjournment to enable the report to be completed and made available.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter and I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
Fidelma
Fidelma O'Hagan
Casework Manager
& Immigration Solicitor
[log in to unmask]
Law Centre(NI)
124 Donegall Street
Belfast
BT1 2GY
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