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Reinforcement of poverty as a direct result of security legislation emerged from the London (UK) workshop held by the Somali diaspora.
The main subject of debate was how counter-terrorism measures undermine attempts of the very poorest to send money to their families for subsistence needs.
There was also discussion about Muslim groups in the UK and elsewhere being singled out by the police.
Key points emerging from this workshop included:
• Counter-terrorism measures (CTMs) leave small organisations like diaspora associations that remit money especially vulnerable to being targeted by security forces.
• Young Somalis are especially visible, and experience regular police harassment. Under UK anti-terrorism laws, you can be arrested and held for 28 days without being charged, just because someone suspects you. This is now being debated by Parliament, with calls for an extension to 90 days.
• Civil liberty lawyers are opposed to all extensions. Very few of these issues are being openly debated and people fear being viewed as terrorists if they voice criticism.
The views expressed in this section are those of civil society organisations in different regions, and do not necessarily reflect those on INTRAC.