|
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR
spokesperson Ron Redmond – to whom quoted text may
be attributed – at the press briefing, on 27
September 2005, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
UNHCR has just issued its latest advisory regarding
the return of Iraqis to their homeland. These
advisories are issued periodically by UNHCR to
provide governments with recommendations and
guidance for specific populations and countries.
Copies of the latest advisory on Iraqis are
available at the back of the room, and it is also
posted on the UNHCR website (pdf, here). Noting that
the security situation in much of Iraq has shown no
improvement and has actually deteriorated in many
places compared to the same period a year ago, UNHCR
is concerned that some states are considering the
withdrawal of protection afforded generally to
asylum seekers from Iraq and that recognition rates
in some host countries are extremely low.
The advisory notes that despite the January 2005
elections in Iraq, authorities are not yet able to
protect citizens from violent attacks, including
those specifically targeting civilians in southern
and central Iraq, nor can access to basic services
needed for a secure and stable life be guaranteed.
It notes additionally that premature returns could
worsen tensions between residents and returnees,
thereby increasing insecurity.
Thus, UNHCR encourages governments to postpone the
introduction of measures which are intended to
promote or induce voluntary returns for persons
originating from southern or central Iraq. Security
conditions and absorption capacities for sustainable
return should be in place before people are
returned. Similarly, for those asylum seekers, who
are not recognised as refugees, some form of
protection in keeping with international human
rights principles should be given.
Asylum countries are urged to continue conducting
refugee status determination for vulnerable
individuals, especially for those with serious
protection problems. Iraqi asylum seekers should not
be rejected simply because they could possibly move
elsewhere inside Iraq. Relocation elsewhere can be
very risky because of the security constraints in
many areas in Iraq. National protection as well as
basic services and facilities – and in particular
housing – are absent in many places, especially for
those without any family or community links.
UNHCR has slightly adjusted its position towards
return to the three northern governorates –
Suleymaniah, Dohuk and Erbil – where acts of
violence are far less frequent as compared to the
rest of the country, and a certain level of
political stability, despite the fragile economy and
security, has been achieved. Voluntary return of
Iraqis originating from these three Northern
Governorates is now deemed feasible, provided that
the returnees have family and community links that
can ensure their access to protection, housing and
other basic services.
It is estimated that between 2003 and 2005, more
than 253,000 people returned to Iraq, most of them
spontaneously. A total of 23,074 Iraqis who chose to
voluntarily return from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon,
Jordan and other countries were assisted by UNHCR.
www.unhcr.ch
Top |
® 