Campaigns

In September 2005, the Vucaj family was forcibly removed from the UK. The case attracted a lot of attention as representing the plight of the greater asylum seeker community. A documentary film made of the Vucaj family shortly after they returned to Albania was shown widely in Glasgow and to MSPs at the Scottish Parliament. Here, the film is shown at a public meeting.

Close friends of Saida Vucaj watch the documentary film following her deportation.

A group of seven girls from Drumchapel High School conducted a high profile campaign throughout much of 2005. Their actions led to substantial press coverage of asylum seeker issues, predominantly that of stopping ‘dawn raids’ and deportation of asylum seekers. The ‘Glasgow Girls’ won the Scottish Campaign of the Year Award in 2005. After they visited the Scottish Parliament twice, the first Minister, Jack McConnell promised a ‘protocol’ that social and education services would be consulted before the removal of a family. This ‘protocol’ is yet to be put into action and the Glasgow Girls remain active campaigners. Here, Toni, Jennifer, Ewelina, Amal and Agnessa clasp hands during a press conference.