Annual Report 2023-4
Our annual report 2023-4 is a summary of key events and the context for immigration detention during this period, our priorities at AVID, our impact and what we learnt.
Read our annual report 2023-24 in full here.
This period saw the opportunity to meet in person again and the return of our annual conference. It was a period of consolidation and we continued to develop our capacity building support and trainings to members of the AVID network. And, we tried new things and built new connections including establishing new working groups in connection with our members charter and running a series of theatre workshops to forge healing communities with people who have lived experience of detention.
All of this was against the backdrop of alarming trends in immigration detention including the introduction of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 which threatened to expand detention to unprecedented levels and lessons unlearnt as the publication of the Brook House Inquiry report coincided with continued reports of failing safeguards and, later the tragic death of a young man in Brook House IRC.
"This past year has been tough. The UK’s immigration detention landscape has seen more challenges, with government policies shifting and the detention estate expanding. Yet, AVID's mission to support people in detention through advocacy, visiting, and solidarity hasn’t wavered. Despite political and operational hurdles, our members and staff kept showing up, offering vital support, amplifying the voices of people in detention, and pushing for change. The shift to a co-leadership model has brought fresh energy and ideas, helping us tackle challenges with renewed strength. This collaborative approach has been a real game-changer, making AVID even stronger and more adaptable. Having been part of AVID for over 14 years, I've seen us grow, adapt, and fight tirelessly for the rights and dignity of people in detention. The resilience of this community have been nothing short of inspiring." Caro Albuerne, Chair's Report
"For three decades, visitors have been a lifeline for people in detention—offering not just solidarity but a crucial link to the outside world. Yet, in recent years, it has become clear that presence alone is not enough; what is required is action. Visitors bear witness, amplify voices, and resist the dehumanising machinery of immigration detention. Visiting is no longer just an act of compassion—it is a political stance, a defiance rooted in local communities refusing to be complicit." Gee Manoharan, Co-Director's Report
"We know what is wrong with detention. We have known for years and do not need further reports to make this clear. What we need is space to reimagine how things can be different and to take steps ourselves towards that vision. Through our conference, the theatre workshops and other activities outlined below – including the move to a co-leadership structure - we are proud to have started on this journey." Miranda Reilly, Co-Director's Report