"Only a few hundred people have been sent back to France since the returns began last September, with a similar number brought legally to the UK fewer than the number who cross on one moderately busy day. On Thursday, dozens of asylum seekers were forcibly removed to France on Thursday morning, despite warnings that their lives would be in danger there from traffickers."
"Some told the Guardian they were in deep distress about their situation, with some crying and others saying they were suicidal. The UK government has put up warning signs in Calais to try to prevent people crossing the Channel in small boats. The situation for arrivals who are detained in the UK in preparation for a forced return is well documented: asylum seekers themselves have issued reports from behind bars and staged a peaceful protest."
"Earlier this month nine UN experts published a 20-page letter to the UK and French governments raising concerns about potential breaches of international law, and called for the scheme to be scrapped. But the experiences of those sent back under the scheme have been largely invisible. The UK Home Office says the question is a matter for France. The French interior ministry has not commented."
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron announced a 'one in, one out' treaty intended to return each small boat arrival to France in exchange for a legal UK entry for another person. Only a few hundred people have been returned since September, with a similar number brought legally, fewer than cross on a single busy day. Dozens of asylum seekers were forcibly removed despite warnings of danger from traffickers, and some returnees reported deep distress and suicidal thoughts. The UK placed warning signs in Calais. Detained arrivals have issued reports and staged protests. Nine UN experts warned of potential international law breaches. Many returnee experiences remain largely invisible.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]