Would this mother be alive if she was not forced out of her job by this cruel system
and robbed of his mother and a woman of her life. This was preventable and is outrageous.”
The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre stated: “No woman or child should ever lose her life in this way.
“We are deeply saddened and alarmed by these news. Our thoughts are with Mercy Baguma’s loved ones.”
The charity Bemis said: “The asylum system needs ripped up. Humanity and empathy must be at the heart of it not suspicion and punishment. The pandemic has illuminated just how heartless and dangerous it is.”
And Glasgow SNP councillor Jen Layden commented: “The tragic death of a young mum, Mercy, is devastating and my heart goes out to her young son, family and friends.
“I repeat my previous calls, echoed by political colleagues and third sector, that Home Office must provide better support for all asylum seekers in the city.”
PAIH director Robina Qureshi said: “Mercy contacted our charity on August 11 and said she was not getting any financial support yet and had made an application to Migrant Help.
“Had she lived she would have been a high priority for a crisis payment from our Emergency Relief Fund like hundreds of others left functionally destitute by the asylum system.
“The question remains, why are mothers and babies being left to go hungry in this city, and why is it being left to charities and volunteers to pick up the pieces? Does society have anything to say other than call them a drain on society?
“Would this mother be alive if she was not forced out of her job by this cruel system that stops you from working and paying your way because a piece of paper says your leave to remain has expired?
“I’m sure Mercy’s son will want to ask this and other questions once he is old enough.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “This is a tragic situation and our condolences go to Ms Baguma’s family.
“The Home Office takes the wellbeing of all those in the asylum system extremely seriously, and we will be conducting a full investigation into Ms Baguma’s case.”