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Ugandan women at three asylum detention centres have begun hunger strikes, demanding the government review its assessment of conditions in the war-torn country, a charity has claimed, writes Helen McCormack.

Legal Action for Women (LAW) said at least nine women had begun staging a hunger strike at Yarlswood Detention Centre, and that one woman was seriously ill, having refused food for eight days.

Niki Adams, spokesperson for LAW, said they understood Ugandan women had also started striking at centres in Dover and Oakington.

Many involved in the protest at Yarlswood had been raped in their home countries and feared further attacks and persecution if they were returned, Adams said, adding: “The situation of the women is desperate. Many are facing imminent deportation and have been denied the opportunity to have their cases properly considered.”

The women are also protesting over conditions at the centre, and allege they have been subjected to racist abuse and ill-treatment by staff.

A Home Office spokesperson said the number of women on strike had not yet been clarified, but denied any of the Ugandan nationals being held at Dover were on strike and said no Ugandans were being held at Oakington detention centre.