Archives

The human cost of Fortress Europe: detention and expulsion of asylum-seekers and migrants in the EU: Amnesty International open letter to the incoming UK Presidency on the occasion of World Refugee Day

This letter was written as three reports on the detention of asylum seekers in the EU were published (one for the UK, one for Italy and one for Spain)

EU Member States threatening the integrity of the international refugee protection system: Amnesty International’s open letter to the UK Presidency on the occasion of the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council, 12 October 2005

This letter was written in the light of large numbers of asylum seekers being repelled from borders in Morocco and Spain, leading to the death of a number of would-be migrants.

Spain: the southern border: the state turns its back on the human rights of refugees and migrants

This report raises particular concerns regarding the situation in Ceuta and Melilla, in Spanish North Africa.

Italy: temporary stay, permanent rights: the treatment of foreign nationals detained in ‘temporary stay and assistance centres’ (CPTAs)

This document is principaly concerned with the conditions of detention of illegal immigrants and failed asylum seekers prior to deportation.

Australia: the impact of indefinite detention: the case to change Australia’s mandatory detention regime

In this report Amnesty International focuses on Australia’s mandatory detention policy, and in particular on how it has allowed for prolonged and indefinite detention. The policy is considered to be inconsistent with Australia’s international human rights obligations. In particular it violates the right to liberty and security of persons due to its lack of a … Continue reading Australia: the impact of indefinite detention: the case to change Australia’s mandatory detention regime

Italy: Lampedusa, the island of Europe’s forgotten promises

This document outlines the situation of asylum seekers and migrants arriving in Lampedusa, and the irregularity of their status determination procedures.

Urgent action in focus: August 2005: Japan: a long way to go

The second half of this document outlines some major failings in the Japanese refugee status determination procedures, and the beneficial effect of Amnesty International’s Urgent Actions. The first half of the document concerns the death penalty in Japan, and is not relavant to forced migration.

Europe and Central Asia: summary of Amnesty International’s concerns in the region: July – December 2004

Includes a number of concerns regarding refugees, asylum seekers and returnees.

Amnesty International’s concerns at the 56th session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

In this document Amnesty International sets out four thematic areas that are of pressing concern to the organization, illustrated by specific situations in countries that the organisation has either visited or engaged in research and advocacy in the period since the last meeting of EXCOM. These thematic areas are: protection from refoulement, access to procedures, … Continue reading Amnesty International’s concerns at the 56th session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

UK: seeking asylum is not a crime: detention of people who have sought asylum

This document looks at the different situations in which asylum seekers in the UK are detained, and includes statistical data and case studies.