|
The enforced return of failed asylum-seekers to Iraq
is due to begin within weeks despite the continuing
security crisis in that country.
Refugee groups said more than 40 Iraqis have already
been picked up and sent to detention centres to
await their repatriation to the Kurdish-run north of
Iraq.
The Home Office said last night that no one would be
returned to areas which are considered to be
dangerous, but the planned removals fly in the face
of United Nations advice.
For several years Iraqi Kurds have been among the
largest ethnic groups claiming refuge in Britain and
a handful have voluntarily returned home since
Saddam Hussein was removed after the US-lead
invasion.
Although David Blunkett, the former home secretary,
said nearly two years ago that he wanted to start
enforced returns shortly, no one has so far been
sent back against their will.
Over the past week, however, Iraqi Kurds have been
rounded up in several raids around the country,
including operations in London, Birmingham, Plymouth
and Cardiff.
A Home Office spokes-woman declined to say how many
were being held but confirmed that deportations were
planned to begin within weeks.
She said: "We will implement enforced returns to
areas assessed as suitable and where individuals are
assessed as not being at risk."
The spokeswoman added: "We believe that enforced
returns are necessary to maintain the integrity of
the asylum system."
Margaret Lally, deputy chief executive of the
Refugee Council, said it was appalled at the
prospect of people being sent back to a country
"torn apart by war and insurgency".
She said: "All anyone needs to do is watch the news
to see just how dangerous Iraq is at the moment.
There is no evidence that the situation in Iraq is
improving at all."
Julian Walker, policy officer at the Kurdish
Cultural Centre, said: "If they are sent back to
unsafe areas, they may well be killed. They won't be
given any help or training so they can't really help
with reconstruction work even if there are any jobs
for them."
She said: "We will implement enforced returns to
areas assessed as suitable and where individuals are
assessed as not being at risk."
The spokeswoman added: "We believe that enforced
returns are necessary to maintain the integrity of
the asylum system."
Margaret Lally, deputy chief executive of the
Refugee Council, said it was appalled at the
prospect of people being sent back to a country
"torn apart by war and insurgency".
She said: "All anyone needs to do is watch the news
to see just how dangerous Iraq is at the moment.
There is no evidence that the situation in Iraq is
improving at all."
Julian Walker, policy officer at the Kurdish
Cultural Centre, said: "If they are sent back to
unsafe areas, they may well be killed. They won't be
given any help or training so they can't really help
with reconstruction work even if there are any jobs
for them."
He said the centre had received reports of ethnic
Kurds from non-Kurdish parts of the country, as well
as non-Kurds, being picked up during the Home Office
operation.
The recent surge of violence across much of Iraq has
claimed about 30 lives a day, but the Government
insists that the security situation in the semi-autonmous
Kurdish area is much more stable.
Ministers argue that Kurdish asylum-seekers claimed
refuge in Britain on the grounds that they faced
death or torture from Saddam Hussein's regime. Now
that he has been ousted, it has become safe for them
to return, the Government maintains.
www.independent.co.uk
Top |
® 