Special Report: The nasty stench of racism pervades the tragedy of little Awaab Ishak
"I saw a bucket which I assumed was being used for bathing." It was the sentence, buried within a written statement from a Rochdale Boroughwide Housing worker, that summed it all up.
It was advice that coroner Joanne Kearsley would go on to describe as 'not clear or effective'. By summer 2020, the family had truly had enough of the conditions they were living in. No RBH employee attending the inquest apologised to Awaab's family during evidence. In the statements dished out to the press following the conclusion, chief executive Gareth Swarbrick hasn't either. It's easy to see why the family would think RBH never cared about them.
“I think we all have a responsibility across this House to call that out when it occurs and to ensure that people, whatever their background, are treated with the dignity they deserve as human beings.” One worker said he told the family to 'be more careful when bathing as this is what caused the damage'. Yet the inquest heard that Awaab's family were never even asked directly whether they carried out such 'ritual bathing'.
After lunchtime on day three, the housing association admitted its approach had been 'unacceptable' and it should have acted to sort the issue out. Yet even on the final day of the inquest, RBH would not let the 'bucket bathing' line of attack rest. When the M.E.N.visited the Freehold estate this summer, and in conversations after the investigation was published in August, we spoke to tenants from different races and backgrounds. Not all tenants had problems with damp and mould, but for the ones who did, the issue had a severe impact on their lives.
"I think the lack of representation within RBH and the idea that people come from parts of the world has not been catered for. There's a perception about them and the service is not at the level that it should be. Awaab's law - sign the petition Awaab Ishak died aged two after living in a damp and poorly ventilated flat led to him suffering heart and lung failure.
Sign our petition here "Twenty-four per cent of Bangladeshi, 18% of Pakistani and 16% of Black African people live in what the government defines as 'overcrowded' housing. Awaab's family have expressed their wish that action is taken to prevent any other family going through the pain they are suffering.
"They have made assumptions based on people's perceived ethnic background," she said. "I think that is probably what has delayed help for the family. If they are blaming people's lifestyles they are less likely to take responsibility and do something about it.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Breaking: Housing boss 'removed' from role after Awaab Ishak deathBreaking: Chief executive of Rochdale Boroughwide Homes 'removed' from role after Awaab Ishak death
Weiterlesen »
Boss of housing association that owned mould-infested home where Awaab Ishak, 2, died is firedThe boss of the housing association that owned the mould-infested home that contributed to the death of Awaab Ishak has been fired, the organisation said.
Weiterlesen »
Housing boss sacked following mould exposure death of Awaab IshakThe chief executive of a housing organisation has been removed “with immediate effect” after a two-year-old boy died from exposure to mould.
Weiterlesen »
Awaab Ishak: Housing boss sacked over death of boy killed by mould in RochdaleThe one-bedroom flat was managed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, which has now bowed to political pressure and sacked its chief executive, Gareth Swarbrick, with immediate effect.
Weiterlesen »
Anger and pain as community comes together to remember Awaab Ishak'I'm angry that the company who are supposed to run our social housing for the most vulnerable people would treat people like that'
Weiterlesen »
Housing body that ran flat where Awaab Ishak died of mould is 'racist', former employee claimsOne employee, who worked at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing for six years, told Sky News: 'The culture was horrible. It was bullying, toxic for the employees. It's not fit for purpose at all.'
Weiterlesen »