Record 51 asylum seekers died in UK Home Office care
What's the story
A record 51 asylum seekers died in the care of the United Kingdom's Home Office in 2024, The Guardian reported.
The number is an increase of 11 from the previous year and more than 12 times since 2019 when only four deaths were recorded.
Initially, the Home Office only reported 30 deaths for the year but later admitted to an additional 21 deaths.
Data discrepancy
Home Office acknowledges error in death count
The Home Office's Freedom of Information team confirmed that the original data claiming there were 30 deaths in 2024 was erroneous.
An official from the team apologized for the mistake, saying, "It has been brought to our attention that the information provided...contained incomplete data."
The updated number includes nine suspected suicides and several deaths of unknown causes.
Accountability questioned
Charity director criticizes Home Office's handling of data
Deborah Coles, director of the charity Inquest, criticized the Home Office for its handling of these deaths.
She expressed concern over what she called a "shocking lack of scrutiny and accountability," questioning whether the incorrect data was due to "deliberate concealment or incompetence."
Coles's charity advocates for families who have lost loved ones in state care.
Health impact
Concerns over treatment of asylum seekers in UK
Charities have raised alarm that the way asylum seekers are treated in the UK takes a toll on their health.
While some deaths were due to illness or old age, others are suspected suicides.
One such case was of an Iranian man whose body was found a month after his death in shared housing in Colchester, Essex.
The Home Office neither confirmed if there were delays in discovering these bodies nor disputed reports about the Iranian man's delayed discovery.
Urgent action
Calls for transparency and investigation into asylum seeker deaths
Human rights and refugee organizations have demanded more transparency from the Home Office. They urged the cross-party Home Affairs select committee to investigate government accommodation for asylum seekers.
Maddie Harris, of Humans for Rights Network said, "The Home Office must urgently clarify precisely how many people have died whilst in the asylum system and under its care."