Jean Lambert, who has been awarded for her work on Justice and Human Rights previously warned the Government that their so called ‘Voluntary Return Programme’ was not justified whilst the violence and devastation that has forced over 4 million people to leave the country since 2003, continues.
Speaking before the demonstration Jean commented; “Violence and Human Rights violations are ongoing in all parts of Iraq. Turkish troops are crossing the border and refusing to talk to the Government of Iraqi Kurdistan. Yet several European countries, including the UK, insist Iraqi Kurdistan is safe and stable for refugees to return to. Those who have left face a dangerous situation on their return.
“Large numbers of displaced people there do not have permanent homes, jobs, decent living conditions or access to basic public services and support to start their lives again. Returnees can further destabilize the situation. Forcibly deporting those whose claims have failed does not solve any problems but it certainly creates them.
“It is vital that the Governments across Europe treat asylum claims fairly, stop forced deportations to Iraq, recognize the refugee status and grant all Kurdish asylum seekers the right to stay and the right to work.”
A series of demonstrations, ‘No Deportation To Iraq!’ will take place across Europe today including England, Sweden, Finland and Switzerland.
ENDS