This document was written in connection with the inquiry in Malta into circumstances surrounding the deportation of 220 Eritrean citizens from Malta to Eritrea on 30 September and 3 October 2002.
In this document Amnesty International expresses concern about reports that the Government of Malta may be intending to deport Eritrean asylum-seekers back to Eritrea.
Amnesty International is seriously concerned about issues surrounding the reception and treatment of recently arrived asylum-seekers in Malta and fears that, unless claims for protection are adequately examined, many could be at risk of serious human rights abuses upon return to their countries of origin.