United Families and Friends Campaign (UFFC)

Description

The United Families and Friends Campaign (UFFC) is a coalition of those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody. Established in 1997 as a network of Black families, the campaign has expanded to include people from varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds affected by these injustices. UFFC calls for prison deaths to be subject to properly funded investigation completely independent of the prison service; for officers involved in custody deaths to be suspended until investigations are complete; for prosecutions to automatically allow unlawful killing verdicts; for police forces to be made accountable to the communities they serve; for legal aid and full disclosure of information for relatives of victims; and for officers responsible for deaths to face criminal charges, even if retired. The coalition's core members undertake frontline campaigning, emotional support and network-building. Its programmes include the UFFC Annual Rally, held every October in Central London since 1999, where bereaved families assemble at Trafalgar Square and march to Downing Street to deliver a letter to MPs listing unexplained deaths at the hands of the police; and the People's Tribunal, which addresses unpunished crimes of murder and manslaughter committed by UK state agents and seeks to establish the State's failure to prosecute those responsible for deaths in custody, with evidence witnessed by an international panel in a public forum. The coalition supports bereaved families in setting up campaigns in honour of their loved ones, attends inquests, visits recently bereaved families, advises on obtaining legal support for justice campaigns, connects families in similar circumstances, and speaks about its campaigning at educational institutions and universities across the UK. It also raises funds to support affected families, providing grants (generally up to £300 per dependent) towards needs such as further education or training, developing business ideas, special events and driving lessons.

Currently active

Yes

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

1997

Contact details

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