Record number of asylum seekers have suffered torture

A British charity that helps torture victims says an unprecedented number of people sought its help last year, reflecting the record number of asylum seekers that arrived in Britain, a link that undermines government claims that most asylum applicants are really economic migrants.

Freedom from Torture last year saw 4,957 new clients, an increase of more than 1,500 over its previous record figure. Those countries most heavily represented included: Turkey (697 clients) Sri Lanka (683) Iran (477) Iraq (468) Kosovo (304) DR Congo (206) Afghanistan (198) Somalia (134) Algeria (125) Eritrea (99) and Ethiopia (91).

Today, the government is expected to reveal that despite restrictions imposed on asylum seekers by the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, a record number of more 75,000 new applications were made last year (100,000 plus if family members are taken into consideration).

Helen Bamber, director of the Medical Foundation, said: "The countries from which the vast majority of our clients originate are states where persecution and appalling human rights abuses are commonplace.

"The Government consistently maintains that most asylum seekers are abusing the system. Our figures show that thousands of asylum seekers reaching these shores have every reason to flee their country of origin and should be treated with dignity and respect."

Freedom from Torture, a registered charity, is the only organisation in the United Kingdom dealing solely with victims of torture and organised violence, providing them with medical treatment, psychological assistance and practical support.