Hunger strikes (food/ fluid refusal)

The refusal of food or fluids (often referred to as a “hunger strike”) can be used as a form of protest in detention settings. The first mass hunger strikes took place in 1994 and led to the release of ten people from detention.

In a system that renders people desperate and powerless, hunger strikers have remained prominent throughout the history of detention.

Amongst other incidents, in 2009 at least 30 people detained went on hunger strike to protest conditions and the detention of children. In 2019 almost half of the people detained in Campsfield IRC went on hunger strike to protest their prolonged detention and treatment. In a public statement they said that they were refusing food indefinitely “for our voices to be heard” [1]. Hunger strikes continue in detention and often spread from one centre to another, although they have become less common over time as Home Office procedures in relation to hunger strikes have tightened (read more about Home Office policy in Food and Fluid Refusal.

While hunger strikes usually occur from people who have limited or no other forms of protest available to them, they can also be a disciplined act of resistance. This can be a deeply personal and/or political decision to assert autonomy and draw attention to injustice. People who hunger strike are usually quite intentional and determined in their protest and have a large amount of both willpower and courage.

For people in immigration detention - amongst other reasons - refusing food or fluid might be an attempt to have their voice heard by the Home Office and other authorities. Or it may be used to demonstrate the extent of their fear of return to their country of origin.

Hunger strikes may go on for extended periods or may end relatively quickly.

What to expect if someone you are visiting goes o n hunger strike

Provided that the person continues to consume liquids with sugars and salt, people on hunger strike can survive for four to six weeks without food, depending on their age, build, and general health. During a hunger strike, the body’s priority is to supply sufficient nourishment to the brain. Various mechanisms will come into play to achieve this. In order to conserve energy, other body systems slow down. The consequences of this include:

• Loss of muscle tone

• Sluggish circulation

• Tiredness and feeling cold

• Abdominal pain

• Constipation (as well as diarrhoea)

• Falling blood pressure, with dizziness on standing

• Increased susceptibility to infections e.g. pneumonia

After some time, usually 4-5 weeks, the impacts can be more severe. This can include nerve damage, organ failure, blindness, loss of hearing and even death. Some of the damage caused by hunger strikes can also be irreversible, although it is hard to predict at what point this might occur. People who refuse all fluid as well as food may deteriorate very rapidly; and death is possible within 7 to 14 days.

There are also psychological impacts, which can include social withdrawal, irritability, impulsivity and changes in mood. People might have difficulty sleeping as well as concentrating, and this may also impact their ability to think clearly. These impacts will vary individually, but protective factors can include having strong political as well as religious and spiritual conviction. External support, whether this is from their peers, visitor groups or even the public, can also play a significant role.

Refeeding

Refeeding syndrome occurs when someone who has been malnourished begins to consume food again, even if this is just after a few days of food deprivation. As someone’s body attempts to readjust to feeding, it can cause serious complications if this is done too quicky.

When someone begins to consume food again, this should be done with the support of a doctor or specialist. Hospitalisation may be necessary for people at particular risk of refeeding syndrome, so they can have a controlled diet while their health is monitored.

Visitors have previously found that after a hunger strike finishes, psychiatric and medical support for someone in detention can end almost immediately. It is vital to continue providing support in this period after a hunger strike, due to the risks involved in refeeding and the potential lack of oversight. Read more about what visitors can do whenSupporting Someone on Hunger Strike.

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[1] https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/aug/03/campsfield-house-immigration-hunger-strike