UK Facing Increase in Iraqi Refugees

The Refugee Council, a British group that advocates on behalf of asylum-seekers and refugees, is protesting the deportation of Iraqi refugees by the British government.  According to the Council, reports today show that more than 2 million Iraqi refugees, fleeing conflict in their homeland, are being supported in neighbouring countries including Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt, which are struggling to cope with the exodus. Some countries are preventing refugees from crossing their borders, contrary to international law, and prompting international aid agencies to warn of a humanitarian crisis. The Refugee Council claims that the British government is taking steps to remove the few Iraqis who have made it to the UK. Home Office figures show that only around eight thousand Iraqis have claimed asylum in the UK since the war started in 2003. The vast majority will be refused. At the same time, official figures show that in the first nine months of last year, fifteen hundred Iraqis were returned – more than twice as many as arrived. Most of those have gone on voluntary schemes, but a small number – fewer than 50 – have been forcibly returned.

Thanks to Lee for the tip!

KJ