UNHCR warns Sweden over Iraq deportations
Sweden was one of four European states warned by by the UN refugee agency on Tuesday over plans to deport Iraqi refugees to Baghdad, underlining the continued nationwide security threats.
Sweden, The Netherlands, Norway, and Britain are planning to return Iraqis to the country's capital this week, the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said.
"UNHCR is concerned about the signal that forced returns from Europe could give to other host countries, particularly those neighbouring Iraq," said Melissa Fleming, spokesperson of the refugees agency.
"Iraqi asylum applicants originating from Iraq's governorates of Baghdad, Diyala, Ninewa and Salah-al-Din, as well as from Kirkuk province, should continue to benefit from international protection in the form of refugee status," said the spokesperson.
"Our position reflects the volatile security situation and the still high level of prevailing violence, security incidents, and human rights violations taking place in these parts of Iraq," she added.
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Sweden, The Netherlands, Norway, and Britain are planning to return Iraqis to the country's capital this week, the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said.
"UNHCR is concerned about the signal that forced returns from Europe could give to other host countries, particularly those neighbouring Iraq," said Melissa Fleming, spokesperson of the refugees agency.
"Iraqi asylum applicants originating from Iraq's governorates of Baghdad, Diyala, Ninewa and Salah-al-Din, as well as from Kirkuk province, should continue to benefit from international protection in the form of refugee status," said the spokesperson.
"Our position reflects the volatile security situation and the still high level of prevailing violence, security incidents, and human rights violations taking place in these parts of Iraq," she added.
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