The Russian Chechen Friendship Society needs our help more than ever!  Please support our web action to defend them.  Please pass it on to your friends.

Early Day Motion (EDM) 406: RAPE AND FEMALE ASYLUM SEEKERS tabled by John McDonnell MP, has gathered 90 signatures since it was issued on 5 December.   We are now anxious to make this over 100.  If your MP is not on the list (click this link), please urge them to sign.  The EDM lists essential demands, such as ensuring that women are able to speak about the violence they have suffered, have access to legal representation, appropriate medical care and other expert help.  These demands, if implemented, would greatly increase the chances of women getting justice and protection.  Getting MPs to sign this EDM raises these issues in Parliament and will be of great help to our campaign to get rape officially recognised as torture and persecution.  The easiest way to be in touch is via www.writetothem.com.

The EDM was issued to coincide with the launch of a Dossier: Misjudging Rape; Breaching Gender Guidelines & International Law in Asylum Appeals.  The Dossier's painstaking research exposes the brutal treatment by the courts and the authorities of rape survivors claiming asylum.  It documents how immigration judges flout their own Asylum Gender Guidelines and international law in their rulings.  For a report of the Launch and/or to order a copy call 020 7482 2496 or see www.womenagainstrape.net

An update to this is that the EDM has succeeded in attracting 100 signatures.