My name is Desmond Nwose. I am 10 years old. My favourite subject is maths and I would love to be a successful solicitor so I can fight for people's right, but I am not too sure now because I have no future and I was told by the people who broke down our door to arrest me and my family that we do not have the right to stay in the UK.

Up until that Monday morning (20th April 2009), I used to think that it was a free world where human beings are treated equally. Unfortunately on that ill omen day it was not to be so, as I was already dressed up as usual for school when I heard the bangs on our door with people marching in like what I experienced in Africa. I tried so hard not to wee on my body with fright. They kept saying 'you are going back to Africa don't pack more than one bag, you do not need boots or coats where you are going mate'. I can still hear those voices in my head. They were so rude and hushed us like criminals out of our house with our uniform on to detention centre. I felt so ashamed in the neighbourhood been taken to the back of a van like in the movies.

I think detention is meant for bad people who have done wrong in the society and they end in jail. I have done nothing wrong now I have a criminal record and I am an ex convict because I have come to the UK to be safe with my dad.

My experience in Yarl's Wood prison was terrifying, like in a concentration camp in the war movies I watch on TV. We always stood in a queue for our meals and were always counted before we went to bed and every day they lock us in the rooms at night after counting and making sure we were complete. My sister is still in shock after all the experiences from this horrible place. sometimes I wish I sleep and don't wake up anymore because all this is too much for my family to bear.

Ice & Fire performed a section of Asylum Dialogues at the Bradford City of Sanctuary launch recently. I was spellbound by the testimonies of a refugee and her Glaswegian neighbour, who sheltered her from arrest and deportation when her door was knocked down by Immigration Officers early one morning.

There's a wonderful story and video on the Guardian website about the Glasgow group which is supporting people seeking sanctuary:

Philip Pullman, Monica Ali, Nick Hornby have joined the New Statesman's 'No Place for Children' campaign.

The campaign is calling for an end to the detention of 2,000 children a year in UK Immigration Removal Centres.

Children in detention centres do not have access to adequate healthcare and education, and they can be held for an unlimited period of time. The psychological and physical effects are often devastating.

There is an online petition here.

Gill Hicks lost both her legs in the 7/7London Underground bombs three years ago. She is now walking between Leeds and London [200 miles] with her new artificial legs.

City of Sanctuary has had some good media coverage lately, including an article in The Guardian, and a series of articles and an interview podcast on the well-known world politics website Open Democracy.

Sanctuary
Sancruary, to turn inside
Sanctuary, to seek pride*

Sanctuary, and a big heart
Sanctuary, to feel just right*
Sactuary is the background
On which you could paint a clown*
Sanctuaries are natural desires
Aspired by cultures, empires*
Sanctuary is an internal need
Requires letting go of greed*
Sanctuary can manifest in material
When the mind gets cool after all*
Sanctuary is to love hospitality

TO ASYLUM SEEKERS.

Whatever the Home Office's decision regarding your asylum claim would be in the future, try to make your present confortable: learn your host country's language, recpect the laws and rules of your host country, be an active member in your host community. In short, always keep this in mind:
" Your efforts of Social Integration in your host community make of your stay, as much as briefer as it is, a rich and positive step in your life"

TO REFUGEES.

It all boils down to one question - who am i? really who am i?

the moment i reflect on this one thought, i embark on a deep and profound

journey, it's not a journey outside of me, it's a journey inside,

it's about letting go of all the bondages that have made me heavy,

all the labels and stereotypes that have made me fragile - an asylum seeker, a

refugee, a british citizen...

it's about identifying with my core value that is eternal, stable and ever lasting.

Tumbuka is like tangerine
Because it soothe my taste
And sweeten my day
Bringing delight through dancing

Tumbuka is like shallow stream
It flows with free favours
Pruning potentials to prosperity
Without counting costs

Tumbuka is like Zimbabwean Ambassador
It travel over the world
Preaching salsa and boogie dancing
Demonstrating gifts of Zimbabweans

Tumbuka is like a wave of water
With swimmers resurfacing
Giving gazers great gratitude
Entertaining with enjoyment

Tumbuka is tonguetied
Its bloodstream is seriously blocked
Standing on the verge of vanity
Hunting for health revivers

Tumbuka is thanking you today
Appreciating your support
It will financially function
Opening the zeal of Zimbabweans
No longer tonguetied but transformed.