Stop deportations to Iraq

Dashty Jamal of the International Federation of Iraqi Refugees (IFIR):

“On 27 March 2008 the British government forcibly deported 60 Kurdish asylum seekers back to Hawler (Arbil, in Kurdistan/Iraq - JD) airport…By forcibly deporting the Iraqi asylum seekers the UK Home Office turned a blind eye to humanitarian principle and human rights laws. The asylum seekers arrived at Arbil airport at 3am in the morning. When they landed they were confused, tired and did not know where they had landed. When they refused to leave the plane the Home Office guards called the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) guards. Approximately twenty five KRG guards with guns boarded the plane. They pushed and threatened the asylum seekers off the plane and onto two waiting coaches. from the airport they were transported to Ain Kawa bridge (Ain Kawa is a small place near Arbil). They were left under the bridge, many of them injured and all having lost their luggage ane mobile phones.

“The asylum seekers who are victims of war now face severe problems and dangers in Iraq. The deportation may also encourage other European countries to take similar action.

“We call on individuals and organisations who are fighting for freedom and human rights to condemn forcible deportation of Iraqi asylum seekers and join our protest.”

Incidentally, some of those the Home Office tried to deport that day were not put on the flight and returned to various detention centres. They are still facing removal.

Inquiries/further information:

Dashty Jamal, International Federation of of Iraqi Refugees: d.jamal@ntlworld.com ; tel: 07856032991

IFIR and the Coalition to Stop Deportations to Iraq are planning ameeting in Parliament hosted by John McDonnell on Tuesday 29 April. For details contact Dashty, or Karen Johnson karen8johnson@btinternet.com ; tel: 078 0489 1082.

Lobby of the Home Office (Marsham Street, SW1P 4DF) from 12 to 2pm, Friday 11 April called by the Coalition to Stop Deportations to Iraq and the International Federation of Iraqi Refugees (IFIR).