Detainee’s death shameful, avoidable
Re Police cleared in Somali detainee’s death, July 19 The SIU report into the death of Abdurahman Hassan is yet another example of ineffective policies and poor access to mental health resources resulting in a senseless death, and is a tragic reminder of the immediate need for systemic reform.
Under current legislation, non-citizens convicted of certain offences are deemed inadmissible to Canada on the grounds of criminality. This is concerning because people with mental illness come in contact with the justice system at disproportionately high rates. Studies estimate that about 30 per cent of people with mental illness enter the system through police. And newcomers to Canada experience increased barriers to care, making them especially vulnerable to deportation.
Individuals going through immigration or deportation proceedings have challenges accessing mental health care and supports. And, as in the case of Mr. Hassan, people deemed a safety or flight risk can be detained by the Canada Border Services Agency — as is currently the case for over 7,000 migrants in Canada.
Thus even people with severe mental-health needs can be detained indefinitely in a correctional facility that does not have the capacity to provide mental-health services. There, they are at risk of mental-health deterioration, and are regularly placed in solitary confinement to manage behaviours related to their mental health.
There are many questions about how Mr. Hassan came to be in his situation, including what barriers he experienced in accessing mental-health care in the community and while in prison, and why he was held in custody indefinitely without any current charges or convictions.
Canada should listen to the growing numbers of groups and individuals calling to end indefinite immigration detention. Governments can also prioritize access to effective mental-health care by increasing funding.
In a country that prides itself on universal health care and an open immigration system, deaths like Mr. Hassan’s are not only shameful, they are entirely avoidable. It is time for lawmakers to live up to the promises our country makes to its citizens, as well as to those who have come here for a better life. Michael Torres, communications manager, Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, Toronto