Israel: Asylum

Mr. Drew
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made on behalf of the Eritrean refugees residing in Israel’s Al Ramleh Detention Centre who are threatened with expulsion.

Dr. Howells
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has made no such representations. As long as Israel acts within its obligations under international refugee law, this matter is for the Israeli Government.

Mr. Drew
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations on behalf of the Eritrean refugees threatened with forcible return from Khartoum.

Dr. Howells
We have no plans to make representations to the Government of Sudan on behalf of the Eritrean refugees threatened with forcible return from Khartoum.

However, we want refugees to be afforded protection and treated equitably in their countries of refuge according to International Human Rights law. We work towards this objective through our substantial support to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.