UNHCR Baltic and Nordic Headlines (uutiskirje)

[Roope]

Thursday 27 January to Friday 28 February 2009

Denmark

Denmark criticised for violating human rights
The human rights organisation Amnesty International wants Danish authorities to locate the approximately twenty asylum-seekers who were sent back to Greece in 2010. Lars Normann Jørgensen, Secretary General of Amnesty International in Denmark, says that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Danish television station TV2, and Amnesty International have documented that the Greek asylum system is remarkably deficient, but the Danish government has chosen to deliberately disregard the situation. Birthe Rønn Hornbech, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, rejects the idea that Denmark has a responsibility to track down the returned asylum-seekers, however, in accordance with the verdict delivered by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) on 21 January 2011, she emphasises that all asylum-seekers coming to Denmark via Greece are now welcome to apply for asylum in Denmark.
Politiken 26 January 2001 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZXp0ZqnfK0aYE0G1Iy0E7


Latvia

More foreigners resided in Latvia in 2010
In Latvia the number of aliens with valid temporary or permanent residence permits increased by 10 per cent in 2010.  Approximately 50,173 foreigners were legally residing in Latvia last year according to statistics from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. The majority of them are from Russia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, and Germany.
The Baltic Course 27 January 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZXp0ZqnfK0aYE0G1Iz0E8


Norway

Icelandic politicians want to grant citizenship to Maria Amelie

The well-known paperless alien, Maria Amelie, who was sent back to Russia from Norway in the beginning of this week, might be granted Icelandic citizenship. Two Icelandic Parliamentarians, Árni Johnsen (Independence Party) and Sigmundur Ernir Rúnarsson (Social Democratic Alliance), sympathise with Maria Amelie. They propose that Iceland could grant her citizenship. The politicians find Norway's decision to send back Maria Amelie to Russia inhuman. They say Iceland has helped out before by granting citizenship to other persons in need. If Maria Amelie becomes an Icelandic citizen she can legally return to Norway. Johnson hopes the issue will be discussed in Althingi, the Icelandic Parliament, already in two or three weeks.
NRK 28 January 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZXp0ZqnfK0aYE0G1I10Eu
Aftenposten 28 January 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZXp0ZqnfK0aYE0G1I20Ev
Dagbladet 28 January 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZXp0ZqnfK0aYE0G1I30Ew
Verdens Gang 28 January 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZXp0ZqnfK0aYE0G1I40Ex


Sweden

Stop to detention of asylum-seekers in lockups

Suicidal and aggressive asylum-seekers scheduled for deportation have been shoved around between the Swedish Migration Board, the police, and the Swedish Prison and Probation Service (SPPS). Lars Klevensparr, District Police Commissioner in Gothenburg, thinks that it is inhumane to detain rejected asylum-seekers in cells. The three authorities involved commonly disagree on the issue, but have now decided to prevent detention of asylum-seekers in lockups in Gothenburg. Niclas Axelsson at the Migration Board says that he finds it peculiar that SPPS has suddenly found suitable places for the detainees. A federal inquiry into detention of deportees is expected on 15 February.
Dagens Nyheter 26 January 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZXp0ZqnfK0aYE0G1I50Ey
Dagens Nyheter 27 January 2011 I:21

[Roope]

Saturday 29 January to Monday 31 January 2011


Denmark

Police accused of turning blind eye to asylum-seekers in hiding
Some 2,000 rejected asylum-seekers live in hiding and work illegally in Denmark. In the last five years, the Danish authorities have lost contact with 7,500 asylum-seekers, and the police is accused of turning a blind eye to the problem. Carsten Isaksen, head of asylum issues at the Danish Red Cross, fears that the number of asylum-seekers living in the country illegally might be much higher. The police deny that many of the rejected asylum-seekers remain in the country, and say that they have to presume that these persons have left Denmark, since they have been informed that they should do so.
Jyllands-Posten 31 January 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZ3b0ZqnfK0aYE0HDxW0Eo


Finland

Illegal immigration clearly down in numbers
The illegal immigration has declined according to figures by the Police. Last year around 5,800 persons entered Finland illegally, compared to 7,000 in 2009. About one third of the illegal immigrants are detected in the capital region. During summer 2009 Finland stepped up efforts to stop illegal immigration and according to the police in Helsinki the cases are clearly declining.
YLE 28 January 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZ3b0ZqnfK0aYE0HDxX0Ep

True Finns gain support
The support for anti-immigrant party True Finns has increased significantly to 16.6 per cent from last year's 6.4 per cent, according to an opinion poll prior to the upcoming elections in April done by the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE. The National Coalition Party continues to have the highest support at 20.4 per cent, although support is declining. The Social Democratic Party and The Centre Party are supported by between 18 to 19 per cent of the participants in the survey.
YLE 28 January 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZ3b0ZqnfK0aYE0HDxY0Eq
Helsingin Sanomat 28 January 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZ3b0ZqnfK0aYE0HDxY0Eq

N.B. This story was also covered in Sweden
Dagens Nyheter 28 January 2011 (in Swedish)



UNHCR in the news

Returns to Iraq decreasing
Due to the protracted political stalemate following the federal elections in Iraq last year, considerably fewer persons returned to Iraq from abroad or from camps within the country during 2010. Returns decreased to 118,890 persons, constituting a reduction of 40 per cent compared with the previous year. Daniel Endres, UNHCR representative in Iraq, says that Iraqis probably wanted to wait and see and that one wants to be very sure before making such an important decision.
Sydsvenskan 28 januari 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDZ3b0ZqnfK0aYE0HDxZ0Er

[Roope]

Tuesday 1 February to Wednesday 2 February 2011


Denmark

Birthe Rønn Hornbech confirm Greece returns of minors
Contrary to what has been stated on previous occasions, Birthe Rønn Hornbech, Minister of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, informs that asylum seeking minors have indeed been sent back to Greece. Last week she stated the opposite. Now, Birthe Rønn Hornbech emphasizes that these child asylum-seekers were accompanied by adults. This has been subject to strong criticism by the opposition. Johanne Schmidt-Nielsen, spokperson for the Red-Green Alliance, and Astrid Krag, Socialist People´s Party representative, argue that children are protected by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and it should not matter whether they are accompanied or unaccompanied. Birthe Rønn Hornbech has, nevertheless, rejected these critics, affirming that the children were returned to Greece prior to the verdict delivered by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg on 21 January 2011.
DR 2 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDaPq0ZqnfK0aYE0HMRK0Ey


Norway

Government wants to force municipalities to receive refugees
The government wants to make it possible for the County governor to place refugees with residence permit in a municipality. The acting Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion Tora Aasland stresses the importance of speeding up the placement of asylum-seekers to improve integration. The aim is to settle adults within six months and unaccompanied children within three months after they have received a residence permit. The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) is critical to the proposal, saying forced placement is not good for integration. In 2010, 74 per cent of the adults were placed within six month, and only 16 per cent of the unaccompanied children were placed within three months.
Aftenposten 31 January 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDaPq0ZqnfK0aYE0HMRL0Ez
Verdens Gang 31 January 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDaPq0ZqnfK0aYE0HMRM0E1
Verdens Gang 31 January 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDaPq0ZqnfK0aYE0HMRN0E2
Dagbladet 31 January 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDaPq0ZqnfK0aYE0HMRO0E3
NRK 2 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDaPq0ZqnfK0aYE0HMRP0E4


Sweden

UNHCR concerned about Swedish Iraq policy
Recognition rates of Iraqi asylum-seekers dropped from 90 per cent in 2006-2007 to 27 per cent in 2009, following a ruling from the Migration Court of Appeal in 2007, stating that armed conflict in Iraq has ceased. Sweden forcibly returns more Iraqis than any other country and has received massive criticism from for example UNHCR. Many of the deportees reportedly belong to ethnic and religious minorities targeted in Iraq, and according to the UN, many have been deported to areas so violent as to merit international protection. Hanne Mathisen, spokesperson for UNHCR in the Baltic and Nordic countries, says that the burden of proof on the individual is very high. Mikael Ribbenvik, Director of Legal Affairs of the Migration Board, agrees that it is very difficult for many asylum-seekers to prove their protection needs under the current legislation.
Dagens Arena 1 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://dagensarena.se/reportage/dokument-7-%20"asyl"/

Child poverty connected to segregation but not refugee arrivals
Child poverty and segregation go hand in hand, according to an inquiry from Save the Children. The most immigrant-dense areas around the cities Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Malmö are also the poorest areas. Tapio Salonen, who carried out the study, says that immigrant-dense areas are in a downward spiral when it comes to poverty. Poverty affects children with immigrant parents since many immigrants have not entered into the labour market. However, new refugee arrivals do not have a negative impact on poverty trends.
Dagens Nyheter 1 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDaPq0ZqnfK0aYE0HMRQ0E5

[Roope]

Thursday 3 February to Friday 4 February 2011


Denmark

Point system criticised by several political parties
Several members of the Liberals party criticise the Danish government's point system for permanent residence permit. On Wednesday the Conservatives demanded changes in the point system. Now several members from the Liberals, Mette Blauenfeldt head of the Center for Vulnerable Refugees in the Danish Refugee Council, and Eva Ersbøll from the Danish Institute for Human Rights agree with the criticism. All argue that the scoring method has been deficient and inflexible, limiting the possibility for well integrated individuals to obtain permanent residency. The latest case refers to the twenty-two year old Barialai Hassanzai, who has been denied permanent residency in Denmark, although working as an interpreter for the Danish soldiers located in Afghanistan.
Information 3 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDald0ZqnfK0aYE0HVII0ED


Norway

Minor asylum-seekers are struggling to adapt
A study by the research programme Youth, Culture and Competence (UngKul) at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) shows that minor asylum-seekers face a high risk for depression when adapting to a new culture. Adapting to everyday life in a new country has a big effect on a minor's mental health. The study shows that contact with adults in Norway decreases the risk for psychological distress. The scholar Brit Oppedal from NIPH says that the best way to assist minors in the settlement process is to help them establish stable and lasting relationships with adults. The study included 600 unaccompanied minor asylum-seekers.
NRK 2 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDald0ZqnfK0aYE0HVIJ0EE


Customs authorities found 23 asylum-seekers in a car
Customs authorities in Kristianstad found 23 asylum-seekers crowded in a Swedish registered car trying to enter the ferry to Hirtshals, Denmark. The Kosovo asylum-seekers all reside in Lyngdal. They claimed they were going to a party in Denmark. The incident has been reported to the National Police Immigration Service.
NRK 3 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDald0ZqnfK0aYE0HVIK0EF
Verdens gang 3 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDald0ZqnfK0aYE0HVIL0EG
Aftenposten 3 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDald0ZqnfK0aYE0HVIM0EH
Dagbladet 3 February 2011 (in Norwegian) http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDald0ZqnfK0aYE0HVIN0EI


Sweden

Hunger strike in detention
A hunger strike has broken out at the Swedish Migration Board's detention facilities in Gävle among 27 detainees, mainly from the Middle East and Africa. The protesters state that they are ill-treated and have been detained for too long, some of them for as long as a year. An 18-year-old Iraqi man, who has lived in Sweden for three years but is now scheduled for deportation, says that the detainees are treated like animals and feel like they have no rights at all. The detainees say that they are worried and that they have no contact with health care.
Sveriges Television 2 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDald0ZqnfK0aYE0HVIO0EJ

Green Party: reunification rules shatter families
The Green Party wants to ease or preferably withdraw the demands for family reunification. Negotiations between the government and the Greens on asylum and migration policy are set to begin next week. A person granted asylum in Sweden must have already arranged for accommodation and financial support to obtain family reunification. Kinship and identity must also be verified, according to new demands. Green Party's spokespersons Maria Wetterstrand and Peter Eriksson state that current demands shatter families.
Svenska Dagbladet 4 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDald0ZqnfK0aYE0HVIP0EK
Sveriges Television 4 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDald0ZqnfK0aYE0HVIQ0EL
Dagens Nyheter 4 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDald0ZqnfK0aYE0HVIR0EM



UNHCR in the news

UN evacuates staff from Egypt
As the situation in Egypt worsens, UN evacuated around 600 UN employees to Cyprus on Thursday. UN intends to evacuate much of its staff and their families from Egypt. Those being evacuated represent UN agencies, including UNHCR, UNICEF, UNESCO and WHO.
YLE 3 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDald0ZqnfK0aYE0HVIS0EN

[Roope]

Saturday 5 February to Monday 7 February 2011

Denmark

Asylum system in Greece concern of European Union
Current Prime Minister of Denmark and leader of the Liberals, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, stated at the European Union (EU) leaders summit on Friday 4 February 2011 that greater demands ought to be put on Greece, so as to resolve the large number of pending asylum-seeking applications in the country. However, Member of the European Parliament for the Liberals, Jens Rohde, argues that political pressure is not enough. Instead, a solution would entail that the EU sees the asylum-seekers issue as a shared responsibility. As member of the EU community, Denmark should therefore assist Greece in dealing with the prevailing asylum situation in the country.
Information 3 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbNa0ZqnfK0aYE0HjDd0EN

Finland

New solutions to integrate immigrants
A major ongoing project in Finland is aiming to create a new nationwide model for integration training. 16 municipalities, involving both communities and the third sector, are participating to find new solutions to make the integration process of immigrants more efficient. For example, this will focus on making it easier for immigrants to enter the labour market, improving the language training and providing language bath to all immigrants' children. The Ministry of the Interior's project manager Peter Kariuki explains that the project is part of the revision of the integration law that will come into force in autumn 2011. The project will end in December 2013.
YLE 4 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbNa0ZqnfK0aYE0HjDe0EO
Kauppalehti 4 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbNa0ZqnfK0aYE0HjDf0EP
Kauppalehti 4 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbNa0ZqnfK0aYE0HjDg0EQ

Many municipalities closing doors to refugees
Many local authorities still refuse to accept refugees. Last year this resulted in an insufficient number of allocated municipality places for refugees, according to Tiina Pesonen, the inspector at the Ministry of the Interior's Integration Unit. Many persons who are granted residence permits therefore move on own accord. This makes the authorities unable to keep track of where they move and it causes difficulties in preparing the service needs. The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment is promoting municipalities to accept refugees without big success, but at least some of the new municipalities are slowly deciding to accept refugees.
Turun Sanomat 7 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbNa0ZqnfK0aYE0HjDh0ER

Sweden

Meeting on asylum and refugee policy postponed
The planned meeting between the Swedish government and the Green Party regarding  asylum and refugee policy has been posponed to next week. While the ideal situation would be to remove the current requirements for family reunification, spokepersons Peter Eriksson and Maria Wetterstrand are willing to initiate negociations with the Swedish government, in order to reach parliamentary stability on the matter.  The Left Party leader Lars Ohly, however, believes that entering in talks is legitimizing an already existing harsh asylum and refugee policy. Ohly argues that the only way to go about dealing with xenophobic issues is to stand firm on the opposition's policies.  Peter Eriksson, however, rejects these critics by stating that small reforms are better than nothing at all.
Svenska Dagbladet 7 Februari 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbNa0ZqnfK0aYE0HjDi0ES
Sydsvenska 7 Februari 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbNa0ZqnfK0aYE0HjDj0ET



UNHCR in the news

25,000 have fled the military operations in Pakistan
A fresh military operation against insurgents has displaced some 25,000 persons over the past week. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) fears that this figure could reach 90,000 by the end of the month if the fighting intensifies. UNHCR is establishing two new camps in the Sagi and Dawezai areas, and has urged Pakistani authorities to let displaced persons out of the area to stay with relatives in the city of Peshwar.
Aftenposten 5 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbNa0ZqnfK0aYE0HjDk0EU

[Roope]

Tuesday 8 February to Wednesday 9 February 2011

Norway

Ethiopian asylum-seekers on hunger strike
Some 400 Ethiopians gathered on Monday in Oslo to demand that the authorities consider each of their cases individually. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) claims that they have already had an individual assessment; some 140 Ethiopians were granted protection in Norway in 2010. The paperless Ethiopians have been living in Norway between 4 to 17 years and cannot be forcibly returned. Some of them have been working, after erroneously receiving the necessary tax forms to ensure employment. After the demonstration nearly 100 Ethiopian rejected asylum-seekers, among them women and children, continued to the Oslo Cathedral to start a hunger strike. Vice chairman Per Sandberg of the Progress Party (FRP) has called the action 'blackmailing' and suggested the group be detained and returned.
Dagsavisen 8 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1n0ES
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1o0ET
Dagbladet 8 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1p0EU
Dagbladet 7 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1q0EV
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1r0EW
Verdens Gang 9 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1s0EX
Verdens Gang 7 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1t0EY
Aftenposten 8 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1u0EZ
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1v0Ea
Aftenposten 7 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1w0Eb
NRK 8 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1x0Ec
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1y0Ed

17 escaped from Lyngdal reception centre
On Monday 17 asylum-seekers from Kosovo disappeared from the Lyngdal reception centre. The same persons were among the 23 who were found in a car trying to enter the ferry to Hirtshals, Denmark on Tuesday 2 February.
NRK 8 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho1z0Ee
Aftenposten 8 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho110ER

Norwegian Labour Party wants better integration
On Wednesday the Norwegian Labour Party presented a proposal for new integration policies, which are to be adopted in April. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre has led the work and sees integration as one of today's major issues. Among the 99 proposals are improved language classes, stricter rules for religious schools, prohibition of marriage between close relatives, and a ban on hijab or other religious symbols and headgear among judges and prosecutors.
Aftenposten 9 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho120ES


Sweden

PMOI-members face deportation to Iran
After having been refused asylum twice in one year, a forty-seven year old man and his wife, both supporters of the People's Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI), are now under threat of deportation. Even though PMOI-members have systematically been targeted by the Iranian government, the Swedish Migration Board (SMB) does not find the couple's story about persecution and torture credible. SMB argues that being a member of an organization such as the PMOI is not considered to be enough.
Dagens Nyheter 9 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDbdT0ZqnfK0aYE0Ho130ET

[Roope]

Thursday 10 February to Friday 11 February 2011


Denmark

Rejected asylum-seekers detained in prison
Rejected asylum-seekers are detained in Ellebæk prison near Sandholm although they have not been accused of committing any crimes. Johanne Schmidt-Nielsen, Integration Spokesperson for the Unity List-Red-Green Alliance, argues that the Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs Birthe Rønn Hornbech should give a thorough explanation as to why they are being incarcerated. Several of them, in fact, suffer from mental health issues. Accordingly, Amnesty International suggests better screening rules involving both medical personnel as well as other adequate professionals when assessing whether a person is fit for imprisonment or not. Peter Vedel Kessing who is a lawyer at the Danish Institutes for Human Rights stresses that the Danish government has a duty to ensure that vulnerable people are not imprisoned.
DR Thursday 10 February 2011 (in English)
http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Andre_sprog/English/2011/02/10/094439.htm
DR Thursday 10 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Indland/2011/02/10/140209.htm
Jyllands-Posten 10 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://jp.dk/indland/article2335132.ece
Politiken 10 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://politiken.dk/indland/ECE1191983/fagfolk-kritiserer-faengsling-af-torturofre-i-dansk-faengsel/

Finland

Municipalities get increased financial support for quota refugees
In the future the Finnish municipalities will be compensated for quota refugees for a period of four years instead of three. The government passed the legislative amendment motion on Thursday. However, municipalities will not get increased financial support for refugees who are not part of the Finnish resettlement quota. The proposal will be reviewed by Parliament.
YLE 10 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://yle.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/2011/02/kiintiopakolaisista_kuntakorvausta_nykyista_pidempaan_2353950.html

Proposal to tighten family reunification law
The Finnish Parliament's Administration Committee continues to require stricter rules for family reunification. According to the Committee, Finland's rules are not in line with the EU family reunification directive. In May 2010 the Committee asked the Minister of Migration and European Affairs Astrid Thors to find out if Finland's rules on family reunification attract asylum-seekers to the country. The report showed that Finland's rules are no more attractive than other countries', adding that no more changes are necessary since the current government already has tightened the rules on family reunification. The Finnish Refugee Advice Centre's press officer Sanna Rummakko says stricter rules will not lead to fewer asylum-seekers as long as there are crisis in the world like those in Afghanistan or Somalia. She notes that Norway and Sweden have introduced stricter measures but they still continue to have many times more asylum-seekers than Finland. Rummakko adds that the current government already has made it more difficult to seek family reunification. She considers the Administration Committee's statement a way to fish for votes before the upcoming parliamentary elections.
YLE 9 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://yle.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/2011/02/hallintovaliokunta_haluaa_tiukentaa_perheenyhdistamista_2352094.html
YLE 9 February 2011 (in English) http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/news/2011/02/committee_wants_to_tighten_refugee_family_reunion_rules_2352548.html

Norway

Labour Party proposals for stricter integration policy
The Progress Party applauds the Labour party's draft proposals for a stricter integration policy, which includes testing of language skills and knowledge of Norwegian society in order to obtain citizenship, increased control of religious groups, withdrawal of residency permits for persons who go on holiday to their country of origin within the first five years in Norway, and a possible ban on marriage between cousins to reduce medical risks and forced marriage. Foreign Minister Jonas G Støre, who has led the working group, presented the 99 point action plan which will be debated at the labour party's upcoming annual conference.
NRK 10 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.nrk.no/nett-tv/indeks/250384/

Ethiopians continue hunger strike
The rejected Ethiopian asylum-seekers continue their hunger strike, claiming they cannot return, and that they should be able to continue to work in Norway, as many of them have done for years up until recently. Ingrid Wirum of the National Police Immigration Service confirms that Norway is unable to forcibly return rejected Ethiopians as the Ethiopian authorities refuse to issue the necessary travel documents to those objecting to a return. A representative of the Norwegian church appeals for a humane solutions so that the Ethiopians can get out of their current limbo existence. Pål Lønseth, State Secretary at the Ministry of Justice and the Police, says that Norway is intensifying its efforts to get a readmission agreement with Ethiopia and rules out an amnesty for this or other groups in a similar situation.
NRK 10 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.nrk.no/nett-tv/indeks/250392/

Norway criticized for violating human rights
Both the Liberal Party (V), the Christian Democratic Party (KrF) and the Socialist Left Party (SV) argue that the Norwegian government should bring back to Norway the approximately 260 rejected asylum-seekers who were returned to Greece in 2010. Greece has been strongly criticized for its deficient asylum procedures, as recently confirmed in a ruling of the European Court of Human Rights. Thus, according to Heikki Holmås, SV's Immigration spokesperson, the Norwegian authorities have violated human rights. In addition, Heikki Holmås states that the rejected asylum-seekers should be given a possibility to get their cases processed in Norway. However, Pål Lønseth, State Secretary at the Ministry of Justice and the Police says that the Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board must look closely into this matter, before any decisions are made.
Verdens Gang 11 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/norsk-politikk/artikkel.php?artid=10029908
NRK 11 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/norge/1.7502378

Sweden

Sweden to receive 1,900 quota refugees in 2011
This year Sweden is to receive 1,900 quota refugees, according to the Swedish Migration Board (SMB). Quota refugees are people the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) considers to be in particular need of assistance and protection. UNHCR recommends people for resettlement, and then SMB makes the final decision of who Sweden will select for resettlement. The Swedish Migration Board's Director-General Dan Eliasson says Sweden helps persons who cannot go anywhere else and it is important to try to unlock these difficult and protracted refugee situations. This year Sweden will receive refugees mostly from conflicts in the Horn of Africa and Afghanistan. Dan Eliasson thinks that the Swedes should be proud of how many quota refugees get help. According to SMB Sweden receives nearly 30 per cent of Europe's total quota. Last year Sweden received 1,799 persons for resettlement.
Svenska Dagbladet 9 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/1-900-kvotflyktingar-till-sverige_5929013.svd
Dagens Nyheter 9 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.dn.se/nyheter/sverige/sverige-tar-1900-kvotflyktingar
SVT 9 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://svt.se/2.22620/1.2321665/sverige_tar_emot_1_900_kvotflyktingar
Sydsvenskan 9 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.sydsvenskan.se/sverige/article1380225/1%C2%A0900-kvotflyktingar-till-Sverige.html
Aftonbladet 9 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.aftonbladet.se/senastenytt/ttnyheter/inrikes/article8542102.ab



UNHCR in the Media

UNHCR's High Commissioner calls for urgent end to the crisis in Côte D'Ivoire
The UN Refugee Agency's High Commissioner António Guterres calls for urgent international action to resolve the crisis in Côte D'Ivoire. Guterres says that the political stalemate and sporadic violence after the presidential election last November is causing the humanitarian situation to worsen which can lead to a massive displacement of people. According to UNHCR at least 35,000 people have already fled the violence to neighbouring Liberia. People are very afraid, says Guterres and adds that, all citizens of Côte d'Ivoire should feel secure at home and no longer be forced to flee in search of safety. He warns that the number of refugees might increase drastically if the situation in Côte D'Ivoire does not change. This might also have a negative impact on Liberia, a country still recovering from the civil war.
YLE 10 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://yle.fi/uutiset/ulkomaat/2011/02/ykn_pakolaiskomissaari_norsunluurannikon_ratkaiulla_on_kiire_2353913.html

[Roope]

Saturday 12 February to Monday 14 February 2011


Denmark

Denmark wants to assist Greece in building new asylum system
The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech, says that the Danish Refugee Council as well as the Danish Red Cross will help Greece build up a functioning asylum system. The minister has discussed the matter with the two organizations. As known, Greece has been condemned for its deficient asylum procedures in a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).  Thus, according to Birthe Rønn Hornbech Greece has a responsibility to respect human right laws and with the aid of other European Union countries create a functioning asylum system.
Politiken Friday 11 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcWr0ZqnfK0aYE0H8yI0EQ

Creative art projects help unaccompanied minor refugees
The number of unaccompanied minor refugees has nearly six folded from 123 to 680, in four years. As a result, some organisations have in collaboration with various asylum centres come up with innovative ways to integrate these young children and adolescents. Through creative art projects the minors get help to verbalize their often traumatizing experiences. Gitte Nielsen, Head of the Asylum Centres for unaccompanied minors of the Danish Red Cross, hopes that creative projects will become a more integrated part in efforts to help young people.
Jyllands-Posten 12 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcWr0ZqnfK0aYE0H8yJ0ER


Norway

Asylum-seekers end hunger strike
On Friday evening 11 February the rejected Ethiopian asylum-seekers ended their hunger strike in Oslo Cathedral. The around 30 Ethiopians began their hunger strike a week ago to protest against not being granted residence permit in Norway. Today they have left the cathedral and will be transported to the reception centre in Torshov. They have also been promised a meeting with government representatives. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is trying to finalise a readmission agreement with Ethiopia. This might lead to forced return of many of the Ethiopians.
Aftenposten 14 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcWr0ZqnfK0aYE0H8yK0ES
Aftenposten 13 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcWr0ZqnfK0aYE0H8yL0ET
Dagsavisen 14 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcWr0ZqnfK0aYE0H8yM0EU
Dagsavisen 13 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcWr0ZqnfK0aYE0H8yN0EV
Dagsavisen 12 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcWr0ZqnfK0aYE0H8yO0EW


Sweden

Abused foreign wives risk deportation
Women with foreign background who come to Sweden through marriage migration risk being forced to leave the country if they break off their relationship within two years. As a result, many find themselves being trapped in an abusive relationship. In reality, certain requirements have to be met in order to get a resident permit post-separation. One of the requirements is that the level of experienced violence must be severe.  However, as explained by Håkan Jonsson, legal adviser at the Swedish Migration Board there are no clear criteria for what is considered to be severe violence. In view of that, Bernardita Nunez, Chair of the women's help group Terrafem, argues that the current law supports abusive men, and that it needs to be changed.
Sveriges Radio Friday 11 February 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcWr0ZqnfK0aYE0H8yP0EX



UNHCR in the News

Thousands of Tunisian migrants arrive on the island of Lampedusa
During the last days thousands of Tunisian immigrants have arrived on the island of Lampedusa, Italy's southernmost point. The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR thinks that most of those that have crossed the Mediterranean are Tunisians, not refugees coming via Tunisia to Europe. Italy is concerned of the number of migrants and wants to deploy its security forces in Tunisia.
Sveriges Radio 14 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcWr0ZqnfK0aYE0H8yQ0EY

[Roope]

Tuesday 15 February to Wednesday 16 February 2011


Denmark

Children should not stay in asylum centres
A majority of Danes believe that families with children who seek asylum should have the possibility to reside outside refugee centres while their cases are processed. Henrik Dam Kristensen, Integration Spokesperson for the Social Democrats, as well as Roal Ulrichsen, Chairman of the Danish Psychological Association, argue that long stays in centres can result in deteriorating health, such as depression and anxiety, particularly for children.  Karsten Lauritzen, Integration Spokesperson for the Left Liberal Party, has proposed that there should be a maximum period of six months for living in refugee centres.
Jyllands-Posten Tuesday 15 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5h0Ei


Finland

Immigrants to become Finnish, claims Rydman
The National Coalition Party's youth leader Wille Rydman thinks a multicultural approach is harmful for the integration of immigrants. Rydman thinks Finland should put resources into making immigrants adapt to the current society, and not into maintaining their own culture. Rydman is asking why Finland did not take this approach since other leaders in Europe have stated that an aspiration for a multicultural society is harmful to integration. The Minister of Migration and European Affairs Astrid Thors on the other hand says good integration is key to a successful multiculturalism. She explains multiculturalism as living under the laws of the country with possibilities to live out the own culture and ability to decide one's own identity. Thors is asking whether the countries criticising integration such as Germany actually did put efforts into integration in the first place.
Yle 14 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5i0Ej
HBL 14 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5j0Ek

Immigrant-dense city districts more common
An ethnic relations forum on Monday brought together experts in the fields of immigration, housing and city planning to discuss how to make residential areas more attractive. According to a study done by researcher Katja Vilkama at Helsinki University, segregation has increased during the last 20 years in Finland, while still being modest when compared internationally. Experts are concerned that differences are growing between neighbourhoods. In order to prevent this there is a need to counteract the concentration of social problems, unemployment and poverty. According to the experts, it is important to balance public housing, rental housing and house prices to prevent ghettoization. Meanwhile, the Minister of Migration and European Affairs Astrid Thors stressed the importance of occupation, and said the focus should not only be set on housing policies.
HBL 15 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5k0El
YLE 14 February 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5l0Em
YLE 14 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5m0En


Norway

Returned asylum-seekers can demand up to 60 million NOK
Asylum-seekers that have been returned to Greece may demand a compensation of 200,000 NOK each. In January this year the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg condemned Belgium's decision to send back an Afghan refugee to Greece. The Afghan man was given a compensation the equivalent of 200,000 NOK. The return of asylum-seekers to Greece is seen as a violation of human rights due to the failing asylum and reception system in that country. Last year some 283 asylum-seekers were forcibly returned from Norway to Greece which will make the total compensation reach 56,6 mill NOK. The Chairman in the Standing Committee on Local Government and Public Administration Heikki Holmås, the Chairman Ann-Magrit Austenå at the Norwegian Organisation for Asylum Seekers (NOAS) and Lawyer Arild Humlen at the Norwegian Bar Association's committee for security under the law are now demanding Norway to compensate the asylum-seekers who have been sent back during the last two years. Austenå claims the authorities are to contact the affected since they most probably will be unaware of their right to compensation.
NRK 14 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5n0Eo

Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) criticised for not understanding the situation in Ethiopia
The Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board (UNE)'s decision to reject Ethiopian asylum-seekers is criticised by a number of organisations, such as the Norwegian Organisation for Asylum Seekers (NOAS). The organisations claim that UNE is not recognising the worsened situation in Ethiopia. The organisations will gather at the end of March to discuss the cases of the 50 rejected Ethiopian asylum-seekers who on Monday ended their hunger strike. These Ethiopians are to meet the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) on Thursday this week and with UNHCR on 28 February. The Ethiopians are keen to explore the possibilities to get a work permit and hope not to be forcibly returned before they have had a chance to discuss with the authorities.
Aftenposten 15 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5o0Ep


Sweden

Christian Iraqi refugee deported to Bagdad
Activists who gathered on Monday 14 February failed to stop the deportation of Christian Iraqi refugees to Bagdad, planned for Wednesday 16 February 2011. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has repeatedly expressed concern and condemned this action, as the security situation in the areas where rejected asylum-seekers are forcibly returned to, is considered to be highly unsafe.
Göteborgs-Posten Wednesday 16 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5p0Eq
Svt Rapport Wednesday 16 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5q0Er
Fria Tidningen Wednesday 16 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5r0Es
Uppsalas Nya Tidning Wednesday 16 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5s0Et



UNHCR in the news

Situation in Tunisia affects migration to other European countries
Since last Friday 11 February 2011, some thousand Tunisian have fled to the Italian island Lampedusa. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees believes that the majority of them are not refugees. Italian authorities have requested police officers to be stationed in Tunisian ports. According to the BBC, UNHCR spokesperson in Italy, Laura Boldrini, says the situation on Lampedusa is critical. This since more than 5000 refugees has arrived from Tunisia to the Italian island. Boldrini says the situation in Tunisia will affect migration in other European countries as well as the migrants have explained that they want to look for jobs and a better life in Europe. On 13 February, the Italian government strongly criticized the European Union (EU) for not giving the country enough assistance to help out with the arrival of thousands of Tunisian illegal immigrants. EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmström expressed surprise over Italy´s reaction. According to her spokesperson Michele Cercones, Cecilia Malmström engaged in talks with Italy already on Saturday 12 February, offering EU support. Nevertheless, the answer from Italian authorities was clear: "No thanks, we need no help from the EU at this stage".
Sveriges Radio Monday 14 February 2011
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5t0Eu
Svt Rapport Monday 14 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5u0Ev
Uusi Suomi 15 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5v0Ew
SvD Wednesday 16 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDcsA0ZqnfK0aYE0IG5w0Ex

[Roope]

Thursday 17 February to Friday 18 February 2011


Denmark

Denmark under strong criticism for violating UN Convention
Denmark has faced harsh criticism for having violated the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. Although they were entitled to it, approximately 500 people have been kept in ignorance and denied of their rights to be granted Danish citizenship, for over a decade. Liv Feijen, Senior Regional Legal Officer at the UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic countries, confirms that the organization has never heard of any similar cases in the Nordic region or Western Europe, and adds that there is a "serious flaw in the Danish system which we are glad has been corrected". "We will contact the Danish authorities to better understand how applications for citizenship to stateless persons have been dealt with since 1999, and what procedures it will follow in the future", says Hanne M. Mathisen, Senior Regional External Relations Officer at the UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic Nordic Countries. The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech has admitted that the rejections were "a fatal error" due to incorrect administration since 1999. As a result, letters have now been sent out to those concerned, informing them of  the right to apply for Danish citizenship.
DR Thursday 17 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3k0E2
Jyllands-Posten Thursday 17 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3l0E3
Politiken Thursday 17 February 2011 nr 1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3m0E4
Politiken Thursday 17 February 2011 nr 2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3n0E5
Poliken Thurday 17 February 2011 nr 3 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3o0E6
Politiken Thursday 17 February 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3p0E7
Nyhederne TV2 17 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3q0E8
Politiken Friday 18 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3r0EA

Calls for independent investigation on stateless person procedures
The Christian Democrats (KD), the Social Liberals, the Socialist People´s Party (SF) as well as the Unity List–Red–Green–Alliance have demanded an independent investigation into the stateless who were erroneously denied Danish citizenship. Per Ørum Jørgensen (KD) argues that more clarification is needed and that Denmark´s reputation as a constitutional state in compliance with international conventions is now threatened. Astrid Krag (SF), Integration Spokesperson, has called it "deeply embarrassing for Denmark".
DR Thursday 17 February 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3s0EB
Jyllands-Posten 17 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3t0EC


Norway

Suggestion to prohibit refugees from going on holiday to their home countries
The Norwegian Labour Party's working group on integration wants to prohibit refugees from going on holiday to their home countries during the five first years after being granted international protection in Norway. The party suggests that refugees going back to their home country should be stripped of their status and returned from Norway. Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre says the aim is to deterr applicants with unfounded asylum claims. The Norwegian Centre against Racism has reacted strongly against this proposal, calling it discrimination and diminution of rights for persons with permission to stay. Ann-Magrit Austenå , Chairman at the Norwegian Organisation for Asylum Seekers (NOAS), also objects saying such a prohibition is unacceptable since there might be strong personal reasons to go back for a visit.
Verdens Gang 18 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3u0ED

Unreasonable and unethical demands on health staff
The Government's attempt to clarify paperless aliens' right to healthcare has raised criticism. The Government is proposing a right to emergency health care only, and leaves the decision in the hands of medical workers. The Norwegian Medical Association Chairman Svein Aarseth says access to health care is a human right, and that health staff cannot be the ones to decide whom to give medical treatment.  Ann-Magrit Austenå of the Norwegian Organisation for Asylum Seekers (NOAS) says children should have the right to care regardless of their status, and that  the current legislative proposal is in conflict with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Red Cross and NOAS are also demanding coverage for all medical expenses if the person in question cannot afford the treatment themselves.
Aftenposten 16 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3v0EE


Sweden

Protests against Iraq deportations
The deportation of Iraqi refugees last Wednesday raised reactions in Gothenburg and Malmö. Some 150 demonstrators gathered on Wednesday morning blocking the road to the detention centre in Kållared. The police apprehended 16 demonstrators due to their unwillingness to move. Some hours later 15 persons gathered at Landvetter airport in connection with the flight of the deported Iraqis. During the evening peaceful demonstrations took place in both Gothenburg and Malmö. The deportation of Iraqis has met a lot of criticism. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) among others has condemned this action, as the areas where rejected asylum-seekers are forcibly returned to are considered to be highly unsafe.
DN 16 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3w0EF
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3x0EG
SVD 16 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3y0EH
Göteborgs-Posten 16 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO3z0EI
Sydsvenskan 17 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO310E4
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO320E5

New commission for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers
The Swedish authorities have appointed a new commission in order to review the reception of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers. The number of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers has increased dramatically in recent years, resulting in a housing shortage.
Dagens Nyheter Thursday 17 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdFw0ZqnfK0aYE0IO330E6

[Roope]

Saturday 19 February to Monday 21 February 2011


Denmark

Matter on statelessness might not be resolved
The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech, doubts that the case concerning stateless youth who were kept in ignorance and denied of their right to Danish citizenship for over a decade, will ever be resolved. This statement has surprised both the opposition as and the Danish Institute for Human Rights. The later argue that although it may be difficult to resolve the case as many years has gone by, it should not be unfeasible to map the incident. Following the same line of thought, Hanne M. Mathisen Senior Regional External Relations Officer at the UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic Nordic Countries explains that, while letters have been sent out to those concerned it is not enough to inform them of the right to apply for Danish citizenship, a clarification of what exactly occurred is still needed.
DR 18 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdk30ZqnfK0aYE0IZPJ0Ed
JK 18 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdk30ZqnfK0aYE0IZPK0Ee
Information 18 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdk30ZqnfK0aYE0IZPL0Ef


Norway

Argument about the term "paperless"
Media has used the term "paperless" frequently during the last months in Norway. This has raised criticism since the word is not an official term, neither used by the immigration authorities nor by other government agencies. Monica Thorud, Head of Communication at the International Police Immigration Service, says that the police does not use the term paperless. Instead it uses the expressions; persons with rejected asylum applications who continues to stay illegally in Norway or persons without confirmed identification. The Progress Party's Member of Parliament Per Willy T. Amundsen says the word "paperless" is dishonest and does not reflect the reality that these persons are staying illegally in Norway. Amundsen criticises the media for using the word since it is currently used in the political campaign "Papirløse". Rune Berglund Steen, who takes part in the campaign, defends this saying the word was already used in Norway before the campaign began. Berglund Steen believes people react against the term "paperless" since they misunderstand and think that it means persons without identification papers. He states that paperless are persons living in Norway without a Norwegian residence permit. Both Amundsen and Berglund Steen agree that the current word "paperless" has political implications.
Verdens Gang 20 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdk30ZqnfK0aYE0IZPM0Eg


Sweden

Family reunification hindered by stricter passport requirements
Sweden's recent changes to passport requirements make it virtually impossible for Somalis to obtain a residence permit through family reunification. This has led to a judicial confusion, as the new rules might go against international as well as European Union (EU) directives. Prior to the modifications, exceptions were granted for families whose stories were considered trustworthy and whose relationship could be confirmed by DNA-testing, however, this is no longer possible. Istaahil Hussein Farah, who now lives in Sweden, is painfully aware of the present situation. Both her children and husband are still located in Kakuma, one of Kenya's largest refugee camps run by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Their family reunification application got rejected as their passorts, issued by the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, is not recognized by the Swedish authorities. The Swedish Migration Board is currently looking into the family reunification affair for Somalis. Nevertheless, if no satisfactory solution is found, this may turn into a political matter.
DN 21 February 2011 nr1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdk30ZqnfK0aYE0IZPN0Eh
DN 21 February 2011 nr2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDdk30ZqnfK0aYE0IZPO0Ei

[Roope]

Tuesday 22 February to Wednesday 23 February 2011


Denmark

Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen supports Birthe Rønn Hornbech
Denmark's Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen is satisfied with how the Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech, has handled the case about the stateless youth, who were kept in ignorance and denied of their right to Danish citizenship since 1999.  Even though he does not hold the Danish government responsible for what has occurred, he adds that it would still be wise to look deeper into the problem, so as to explain the errors that have taken place for over a decade.
Politiken 22 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDd6n0ZqnfK0aYE0Ig510E5


Finland

58 million euros of humanitarian aid for the world's crisis
For the first part of 2011 Finland has granted humanitarian aid appropriations totalling 58 million euros. The money goes to people suffering from the world's crises. According to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs the purpose is to save lives and alleviate human suffering caused by crisis situations. The largest part of the assistance is channelled through UNHCR, who will receive 16.5 million euros. The humanitarian aid given by Finland is based on the UN agencies annual joint appeal, also this year the geographical emphasis is on Africa. Finland's total humanitarian aid budget this year is 78 million euros. Finland can also give additional assistance in the event of acute disasters.
Helsingin Sanomat 21 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDd6n0ZqnfK0aYE0Ig520E6
YLE 21 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDd6n0ZqnfK0aYE0Ig530E7
Kauppalehti 21 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDd6n0ZqnfK0aYE0Ig540E8


Norway

Progress Party: DNA samples should be taken from all immigrants
The Progress Party has published a proposal on actions against terrorism, including stricter control of immigrants. - Asylum-seekers and persons coming to Norway through family reunification should give a DNA sample, says the Progress Party's Spokesperson on Immigration Issues Per Willy Amundsen. He says many asylum-seekers lack identification papers and a DNA sample would be a way to keep track of criminal applicants. Another purpose is to prevent polygamy and cousin marriages. Currently only persons under criminal investigation and persons sentenced to imprisonment for at least 2 months have to give a DNA sample. The Progress Party's suggestion has raised strong criticism. Ann-Magrit Austenå from the Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (NOAS) calls the proposal hopeless and highly discriminating. Director Kari Helene Partapuoli of the Norwegian Centre against Racism says the Progress Party is starting to loose its credibility as a liberal party. The Socialist Left Party's (SV) Immigration Policy spokesperson Heikki Holmås says he does not understand the purpose of the proposal, adding that cousin marriages are legal in Norway. Holmås says the proposal appears to be an expression of the Party's suspicion towards immigrants.
Verdens Gang 20 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDd6n0ZqnfK0aYE0Ig550EA
Verdens Gang 21 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDd6n0ZqnfK0aYE0Ig560EB



UNHCR in the Media

Libya threatens to stop co-operation with the EU with regards to immigration issues
Hungary, who now holds the EU Presidency, has received a message from the Libyan government, stating that it will cease to cooperate with the EU regarding immigration affairs if support to the ongoing demonstrations does not stop. Nevertheless, no projects within this EU-Libyan co-operation have been launched yet.
- Practical details have remained unsolved and, more importantly,  the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is not allowed in the country, says Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs.
She adds, nonetheless, that the EU must be prepared for the worst and receive migrants as well as refugees coming from that region.
SvD 22 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDd6n0ZqnfK0aYE0Ig570EC

Protests might lead to massive influx of refugees
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and several experts estimate that the present situation in Libya, along with the ongoing protests in neighbouring countries, might result in a significant influx of refugees to Europe. "I think there will only be an influx into Italy if the Libyans allow it, will they allow it or not I don't know", says Sybella Wilkes, Senior Communications Officer for UNHCR in Geneva.  Libya and Italy have a much criticized arrangement for deporting people who approach the Italian coast back to Libya, without giving them the possibility to seek asylum. For many Africans, this signifies that their only port of entry to Europe is now closed. Approximately 9,000 refugees are currently located in secluded refugee camps in Libya, which worries the UNHCR: "Foreigners have been blamed, so we do wonder if they are being particularly targeted during this very turbulent time", explains Sybella Wilkes.  However, in another interview Wilkes says that, the latest influx of Tunisian refugees to Lampedusa (Italy) drastically decreased from 5,500 in the beginning of the month, to merely 200 last week. According to the Tunisian authorities, coastguards now play a more active role in guarding the border, she adds. In fact, as agreed on by the two countries, Italy will provide Tunisia with 750 million dollars and fully equipped boats, to facilitate stricter border control.
Sveriges Radio 22 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDd6n0ZqnfK0aYE0Ig580ED
Politiken 22 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDd6n0ZqnfK0aYE0Ig6A0EN

[Roope]

Thursday 24 February to Friday 25 February 2011


Denmark

Denmark turns down assistance to Italy
The Italian authorities have asked the European Union (EU) for aid in order to manage a possible significant influx of North African refugees into the country. The Danish Government as well as the National Police Force, however, announced that they are unable to help Italy as they do not have any qualified personnel for the task since the EU's border agency Frontex has e.g. inquired for Arabic and French speaking police officers. Nevertheless, Peter Ibsen, Head of the Danish Police Union, argues that this is not true and that it should not be a problem to find suitable police officers who possess the necessary skills. In the same line of thought, Anders Ladekarl, Secretary General of the Danish Red Cross, has informed that the organization is ready to take on some refugees and that new accommodation centres will be set up if needed. However, Birthe Rønn Hornbech, the Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, does not support the idea of receiving refugees in Denmark and argues that the Dublin Regulation must be respected.
Dansk Radio 24 February 2011 nr 1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonB0ES
Dansk Radio 24 February 2011 nr 2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonC0ET
Dansk Radio 24 February 2011 nr 3 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonD0EU
Jyllands-posten 24 February 2011(in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonE0EV
Politiken 25 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonF0EW

Minister knew about the illegal case handling
Information from the Swedish Integration Board indicates that the Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech, has been aware of the 14 stateless youth who were kept in ignorance and denied  their right to Danish citizenship for over a decade. In fact, she was in contact with the Swedish Integration Board in December 2008, with the purpose of finding out how it dealt with the United Nations (UN) Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. Jens Elo Rytter, Professor of Constitutional Law, and Henrik Dam Kristensen, member of the Social Democrats, explain that this is a very grave matter that needs to be looked into thoroughly.
Dansk Radio 24 February 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonG0EX
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
Sydsvenskan  25 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonH0EY


Finland

Two suspected of Immigration Crimes
Two men are accused of facilitating illegal entry for around twenty Chechen asylum-seekers during the time period 2007 to 2010. The prosecution believes that the two men are part of an organised group facilitating illegal immigration. The defendants, one a Finnish citizen and the other Turkish, deny all charges claiming they assisted the Chechens on humanitarian grounds. The trial began on Thursday in Vantaa District Court.
YLE 24 February 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonI0EZ

Homosexuality not sufficient grounds for asylum
Persecution because of sexual orientation is seldom sufficient grounds for being granted asylum in Finland, although being homosexual might even lead to death penalty in some countries. In more than 70 countries homosexuality is regarded as a crime. Last year hundreds of persons applied for asylum on the basis of persecution because of their sexual orientation, says Esko Repo director at the Asylum Unit at the Finnish Immigration Service. Last year around 4,000 asylum applications were lodged in Finland. Currently Amnesty and two other non-governmental organizations campaign for the rights of a homosexual man from Zimbabwe fearing persecution due to his sexual orientation. His asylum application has been rejected three times.
HBL 24 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonJ0Ea
Helsingin Sanomat 24 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonK0Eb


Sweden

Asylum-seekers from Somalia get to stay in Sweden
Practically all asylum-seekers from Somalia will be granted residence permit in Sweden after a ruling by the Migration Court of Appeal last Thursday. The court ruled that a Somali man is allowed residence permit in Sweden since according to the criteria in the Aliens Act there currently is an armed conflict throughout southern and central Somalia. Previously the armed conflict was regarded as taking place only within the city borders of Mogadishu. According to Mikael Ribbenvik, Director for Legal Affairs of the Swedish Migration Board, the new judgement will only affect a few persons. Up to now the majority of asylum-seekers from Somalia have originated from Mogadishu. Ribbenvik believes that the new decision will have no significant impact on the influx of refugees. Last year more than 92 per cent of all applicants coming from Somalia were granted asylum.
Sveriges television 24 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonL0Ec



UNHCR in the news

Anticipated influx of refugees worries EU-member states
Approximately 6000 Tunisians have fled ongoing violence in Tunisia into the south of Europe, more specifically to Lampedusa (Italy). The Italian government, which now fears a massive influx of Libyan refugees, has appealed to the European Union (EU) for help. Franco Frattini the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has asked other EU member states to share the burden of accepting the anticipated refugees.  The EU Commission argues however that is it impossible to predict the number of arriving refugees and that it has been minimal so far.  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, stated on 23 February that 5000 refugees might be on their way from Libya to Europe. Accordingly, Cecilia Malmström, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, has informed about the possibility to, for the first time, use an EU-directive which provides protection for significant displaced population.
Svd 24 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDeTO0ZqnfK0aYE0IonM0Ed

[Roope]

Saturday 26 February to Monday 28 February 2011

Denmark

Increasing pressure on Minister Birth Rønn Hornbech
The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech is under increased pressure due to the matter of stateless Palestinians wrongfully denied Danish citizenship. A worker within the Ministry informed that Minister Hornbech already in late summer 2008 knew that the Palestinians citizenship applications were not dealt with properly. However, Hornbech did not inform Parliament until January 2010. The opposition party Social Democrats has asked the Minister to resign. The party is no longer settling for merely an independent inquiry with regards to the stateless Palestinians. In fact, the party wishes for the Minister to step down from her post. Henrik Dam Kristensen, Integration spokesperson for the Social Democrats, argues that the country cannot have a Minister who has consciously handled the cases in an illegal way.
Information 28 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TE0Ey
DR 25 February 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TF0Ez

Finland

Arab website gives advice to asylum-seekers
An Arab website gives advice to asylum-seekers on the asylum-process in Finland. The website provides advice on what to say during the interview and warns about Eurodac, the European fingerprint database for identifying asylum-seekers, telling the applicants to hide all evidence on their travel route if they pass another European country. The website is known by the Finnish migration authorities and is claimed not to give a fair picture about the authorities in Finland.
HBL 24 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TG0E1

Norway

Children in reception centres have no legal right to attend kindergarten
Children living in reception centres do not have legal rights to attend kindergarten in Norway. Each municipality receives money by the state according to the number of children with a legal right to attend kindergarten. The asylum-seeking children are not included in the calculation. The Norwegian People's Aid has expressed concern saying the economic situation pushes the kindergartens into prioritising Norwegian children ahead of asylum-seekers. Secretary-General Orrvar Dalby at Norwegian People's Aid says it is time for the Ministry of Education and Research to give asylum-seeking children the same rights as Norwegian children.
Verdens Gang 24 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TH0E2

Asylum riots cost more than 12 million NOK
Last year the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) spent more than 12 million NOK on asylum-seekers taking part in local disturbance or suffering from mental health problems. The spending doubled compared to 2009. One of the reasons stated is rioting in the reception centres, which led to a whole reception centre in Lier burning to the ground, as well as increased security at departure and reception centres.
Verdens Gang 24 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TI0E3

Police ID-check on asylum-seekers is being criticized
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) criticise the Police Immigration Service (PU) for breaking their own policies during the first meeting with asylum-seekers. One problem is that asylum-seekers lie about their age, which has led to some asylum-seekers being sent to reception centres for minor applicants. Hanne Jendal, head of UDI's Asylum Department, stresses the importance of the police doing a proper work since they are the first to meet the asylum-seekers. Ingrid Wirum, head of PU responds to the criticism, saying the police follows regulated policies and always reports to UDI in case there are doubts regarding the identity of the asylum-seeker.
Verdens Gang 26 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TJ0E4



UNHCR in the media

Refugee chaos at the Libyan borders
The UN estimates that around 100,000 people have fled the violence and unrest in Libya during the last week to the neighboring countries Egypt and Tunisia. UNHCR says that around 1,000 refugees cross the border between Tunisia and Libya every hour. The number of Libyans fleeing is quite low. The reason for this is that they are being harassed and hindered to flee and some of them have been robbed from all their belongings, says UNHCR. The conditions at the Tunisian border are being described as a humanitarian crisis. UNHCR has demanded all countries to open their boarders to all refugees fleeing Libya. At the same time the working conditions for UNHCR in Libya are very difficult. The Libyan authorities have not signed the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and they do not have an operational asylum procedure. This makes it difficult for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to carry out their work even under normal circumstances. "We still have personnel present, but we are only allowed to work with finding resettlement quota places for refugees in other countries" says Hanne M. Mathisen, Senior Regional External Relations Officer at the UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic Countries.  In addition to the Palestinians, Iraqis, Eritreans, Sudanese as well as Somalis, who make up the largest group of refugees in Libya, there are 3,000 registered asylum-seekers at the UNHCR office in Tripoli. "We are concerned. There are more than 8,000 refugees inside Libya and foreigners have a hard time there - especially now because Khaddafi accused foreigners of having staged the rebellion" explains Mathisen.
Sveriges Radio 28 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TK0E5
TV4 27 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TL0E6
DR 27 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TM0E7
Politiken 27 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TN0E8
Jyllands-Posten 27 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TO0EA
NRK 27 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TP0EB
YLE 27 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TQ0EC
Verdens Gang 25 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TR0ED
Aftenposten 24 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TS0EE
Dagens Nyheter 24 February 2011 (In Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TT0EF

More than 50 drown on the coast of Yemen
The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR reports that 57 Somali refugees drowned on the south coast of Yemen. A ship transporting the Somalis capsized due to the strong wind on the Gulf of Aden. One of the passengers managed to swim to the shore of Yemen, where he told the authorities about the accident. Hundreds of thousands of Somalis have fled from Somalia to Yemen because of poverty and unrest.
YLE 24 February 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDe3l0ZqnfK0aYE0I2TU0EG

[Roope]

Tuesday 1 March to Wednesday 2 March 2011

Denmark

Birthe Rønn Hornbech under more pressure
The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech, has been criticized for contradicting herself, with regard to the stateless persons who were denied their right to Danish citizenship. While she claims that no actions were being postponed, applicants continued to be rejected for over a decade. Birthe Rønn Hornbech explains that the whole process was prolonged as she was trying to find out how other Nordic countries interpreted the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. Liv Feijen, Senior Regional Legal Officer at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic Countries says that the organization was never consulted on this matter and that it would certainty have assisted the Minister in this question, as it is one of the organization's main tasks. Subsequently, it was revealed that the Minister was in fact aware of the situation. Accordingly, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, is awaiting an investigation report no later than next week.
DR 2 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5c50Ew
Information 1 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5c60Ex
DR 1 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5c70Ey

Denmark's integration policies get low ranking
In the third edition of the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) study, Denmark's integration policies ranks low - compared to other countries - when it comes to family reunification, approval of citizenship, as well as protection against discrimination. However, according to the same study, access to education as well as employment is quite high for immigrants living in Denmark. Andreas Kamm, Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council, explains that even though it is very difficult to compare integration policies between different countries, the study illustrates these two main trends. Nevertheless, he adds that the study should be seen as an incentive for Denmark to improve within the integration area.
DR 28 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5c80Ez
DR 28 February 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dA0EB
Politiken 28 February 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dB0EC

Finland

Finland not yet prepared to accept refugees from Libya
Finland is not yet prepared to accept refugees from Libya, says the Minister of Migration and European Affairs Astrid Thors. According to Thors, the most important thing right now is to provide humanitarian assistance to the effected persons on the ground in the surrounding areas. Thors stresses the importance of EU helping displaced persons to flee from Libya to neighbouring countries. During a visit in Helsinki, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström says that a large influx of refugees from Libya to Europe is not expected. According to Malmström the refugees will mostly flee to neighbouring countries and the EU has already decided to give these countries humanitarian assistance to cope with the refugee situation. On 11 March European Union leaders are to meet for an extraordinary summit on the crisis in Libya.
YLE 1 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dC0ED
Turun Sanomat 1 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dD0EE

Norway

Norway stops returns to Libya and Côte d'Ivoire
Due to the ongoing unrest in Libya and Côte d'Ivoire the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) has decided not to forcibly return asylum-seekers from the two countries. The obligation of voluntary repatriation after the final rejection of the asylum application has also been suspended until further notice.
Verdens Gang 1 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dE0EF
NRK 2 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dF0EG

Rejected Ethiopian asylum-seekers hope to stay
Some weeks ago rejected Ethiopian asylum-seekers demonstrated in Oslo in order to get the Norwegian authorities to individually reconsider their asylum cases. They ended their hunger-strike after a promise to meet the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), the Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). On Monday the promised meeting took place in Oslo. Hanne Mathisen, Senior Regional External Relations Officer at the UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic Nordic Countries, said that the number of Ethiopians who receive protection in Norway is relatively high compared to other European countries, and therefore UNHCR does not have reasons to support the Ethiopians claim that their cases have not been assessed properly. Therefore the Ethiopians who have received a final rejection of their asylum application should return home voluntarily, said Mathisen. – If there is nothing new in particular that has occurred in one's own case, the right thing to do is to cooperate and return voluntarily, continued Mathisen. On a question regarding asylum-seekers who have stayed in Norway for up to 15 years, Mathisen replied that it is not in the mandate of UNHCR to make a statement. The Norwegian authorities say that as soon as a return agreement with Ethiopia is in place, all 800 asylum-seekers staying illegally in Norway will be sent back.
TV2 28 February 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dG0EH

Bishop wants human rights ombudsman
The former member of the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE), bishop Ingeborg Midttømme, urges the government to establish an independent human rights ombudsman for follow-ups on forcibly returned asylum-seekers. According to Ingeborg Midttømme, a follow-up is needed to ensure that the asylum policy in Norway does not violate human rights.
Verdens Gang 1 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dH0EI


Sweden

Sweden best at integration
According to the third edition of the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) study, Sweden provides favourable conditions for immigrants to take part in the society, in  comparison to other European Union countries. In fact, laws on family reunification along with anti-discriminatory measures are considered to be quite strong, however, laws related to housing, education, political participation as well as citizenship are considered less advantageous.
DN 28 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dI0EJ
Sydsvenskan 28 February 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dJ0EK



UNHCR in the news

UNHCR appeals for people fleeing Libya
According to UNHCR 140,000 persons have fled Libya, of whom around 75,000 have fled to Tunisia and the rest to Egypt. On Monday UNHCR expressed concern that refugees inside Libya, originating from sub-Saharan countries, are not allowed entrance to Tunisia. The situation on the border between Tunisia and Libya is getting critical, says UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming. Some 1,000 persons are queuing on the Libyan side of the border waiting to enter Tunisia; many of them have waited for days. Meanwhile tens of thousands of people are waiting for further transportation on the Tunisian side of the border. Tunisian authorities are cooperating with UNHCR to set up refugee camps and to distribute food and water. Currently there is a camp for 10,000 people, but the aim is to double this. Access to water and sanitation is beginning to be a problem, reports Hovig Etyemezian, Senior Protection Officer with the UNHCR in Al Jazeera, Tunisia. UNHCR is now asking the world's governments for aid to mass evacuate the refugees in Libya and on the border areas. UNHCR has, together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), developed a humanitarian programme on how to take care of the refugees, and they ask for comprehensive help with finances and transportation. The UN General Assembly has suspended Libya's Membership from the UN Human Rights Council until further notice. The decision was taken unanimously based on the Libyan leadership's order to use violence against demonstrators.
Jyllands-Posten 1 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dK0EL
Helsingin Sanomat 1 March 2011:1 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dL0EM
Helsingin Sanomat 1 March 2011:2 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dM0EN
Turun Sanomat 1 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dD0EE
Aamulehti 1 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dN0EO
HBL 1 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dO0EP
YLE 2 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dP0EQ
YLE 1 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dQ0ER
NRK 1 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dR0ES
DN 2 March 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dS0ET
DN 2 March 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dT0EU
SVD 1 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dU0EV
Sveriges Radio 2 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dV0EW
SVT 2 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dW0EX
SVT 1 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dX0EY
Sydsvenskan 2 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dY0EZ
TV4 2 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfDV0ZqnfK0aYE0I5dZ0Ea

[Roope]

Thursday 3 March to Friday 4 March 2011

Denmark

Rønn criticizes her predecessors
The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech, is now pointing fingers at her ministerial predecessors for having neglected to provide guidelines on the subject of statelessness to the ministry's Nationality Division. Accordingly, she argues that the mishandling of the cases regarding the stateless persons who were wrongfully denied of their right to Danish citizenship continued without her knowledge. If this is true the former Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Bertel Haarder, might be obliged to give an explanation on the issue, as most applications were rejected during his time in office. According to Hans ten Feld, Regional Representative, UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic countries, the situation in Denmark is "an indication, that we [UNHCR] may need to do more regarding our own performance and focus on this matter". Nevertheless, he stresses that it is a national responsibility to respect the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. In fact, UNHCR was never contacted regarding this issue, says Liv Feijen, Senior Regional Legal Officer at UNHCR Regional Office.
Berlingske 2 March (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrH0E6
DR 2 March 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrI0E7
DR 3 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrJ0E8
Information 4 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrK0EA
Politiken 4 March 2011 nr 2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrL0EB

Danish law on immigration might get overruled by EU´s new verdict
Denmark's tightened Immigration Act with regards to Turkish workers and their families might get overruled by the European Court of Justice (ECJ)'s new verdict. The later has granted two Turkish citizens the right to have their cases judged according to the 1982 regulations, which allows easier access into the European labour market. In view of that, tougher requirements on Turkish citizens as well as their families should, in principal, no longer be possible, by the Danish authorities.  The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs Birthe Rønn Hornbech has been given five days in order to explain how she adheres to the ECJ´s new decision, She has not provided any comments on the matter so far.
DR 3 March 2011 nr 1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrM0EC
DR 3 March 2011 nr 2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrN0ED

Finland

Finland donates over one million euro to help refugees in Libya
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland donates 1,200,000 Euro to help refugees fleeing the crisis in Libya. The Foreign Ministry has previously donated 150,000 Euro to the Finnish Red Cross humanitarian work in Tunisia. The additional donation of 1,200,000 Euro will also go to the Finnish Red Cross's work on the Libya-Tunisia border, where the organisation is providing relief supplies such as tents, blankets and kitchen and toilet equipments. This weekend the Finnish Red Cross will send more staff to Tunisia.
Aaumulehti 2 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrO0EE
Kauppalehti 2 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrP0EF
Turun Sanomat 2 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrQ0EG
YLE 2 March (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrR0EH
YLE 3 March (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrS0EI

Norway

Norway donates 50 million Norwegian crowns to Libya
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to donate 50 million Norwegian crowns to Libya after the appeal for assistance from UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister of Foreign Affairs, says the situation in Libya and on Libya's border with Tunisia is severe. He stresses the importance to take responsibility and send humanitarian aid to those in need.
Dagbladet 3 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrT0EJ
NRK 3 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrU0EK

Sweden

Swedish aid arrives to Libya
Sweden has provided financial support to the UN refugee agency, reports Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for International Development Cooperation. Sweden has been criticised for not donating enough money to Libya in comparison to other EU countries. Carlsson replies to the criticism saying that millions of Swedish crowns were distributed already before the crisis started in Libya. Furthermore she says that Sweden will contribute with additional financial support and send more personnel and technical support, such as means of transportation, if needed. Swedish aid reached Benghazi, Libya on Thursday. Sweden is the first to deliver surgical support for the hospitals, says Sweden's consul general in Libya, Anders Nilsson.
Sveriges Radio 2 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrV0EL
Sveriges Radio 3 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrW0EM

Historic moment in Sweden's migration policy
The four governing centre-right parties - the Moderate party, the Christian Democrats, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party - have reached an agreement with the opposition Green Party regarding Sweden's migration policy. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt calls the agreement "historic" and adds that it will lay the ground for a long term, humane, rights-based and structured migration policy. The agreement will among other things facilitate family reunification through the use of DNA technology, easing the demand for ID papers. In addition, as a result of modifications in the regulations concerning asylum-seekers, migrant workers and migrant families, more people will have the possibility to come to Sweden. Moreover, paperless persons will now also have access to both health care and education.  The Social Democrats and the Left Party which did not take part in the discussions are less enthusiastic about the agreement. They fear that it might lead to poor working conditions.
Sydsvenskan 2 March 2011 nr 1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrX0EN
Sydsvenskan 3 March 2011 nr 2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrY0EO
SvD 3 March 2011 nr 1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrZ0EP
SvD 3 March 2011 nr 2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCra0EW
SvD 3 March 2011 nr 3 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrb0EX
SvD 3 March 2011 nr 4 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrc0EY
Göteborgs-Posten 4 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrd0EZ
NB. This story was also covered in Denmark
DR 3 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCre0Ea
NB. This story was also covered in Finland
HBL 4 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCre0Ea



UNHCR in the news

Humanitarian crisis on Libya's borders
The number of refugees fleeing Libya is reaching 180,000. They originate from 20 different countries, reports UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming says the number of refugees continues to increase. So far around 80,000 have crossed the border into Egypt and some 95,000 have entered into Tunisia. Of these 95,000, around 43,000 persons are Egyptians, according to Fleming. UNHCR Senior Communications Officer, Sybella Wilkes, says the situation on Libya's border with Tunisia continues to be "chaotic". Wilkes explains that UNHCR staff working on the ground report that there are long queues of persons waiting on the Libyan side of the border to enter into Tunisia. Some of them have been waiting for three to four days. UNHCR is asking governments for e.g. airplanes to evacuate the refugees from Tunisia to their country of origin. Hanne Mathisen, Senior Regional External Relations Officer at the UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic countries, says it is important that onwards transport becomes quickly available since there is now congestion at the border. If not, Mathisen says, this might lead to serious consequences for the health and well-being of the refugees. UN has built a camp for 18,000 persons. Mathisen stresses the serious situation for the more than 8,000 refugees who are stuck inside Libya. UNHCR warns of the danger of a humanitarian crisis on the border area if increased efforts are not made to deal with the situation. Organizations and local persons from Tunisia are doing their best to assist. The EU Commission has announced it will give 30 million EUR for humanitarian needs.
HBL 2 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrf0Eb
YLE 2 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrg0Ec
NRK 2 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrh0Ed
SvD 2 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCri0Ee
Sveriges Radio 2 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrV0EL
Aftenposten 2 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrj0Ef
DR 3 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrk0Eg
Aftenposten 3 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrl0Eh
Dagbladet 3 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrm0Ei
Dagsavisen 3 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrn0Ej
NRK 3 March 2011 nr 1 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCro0Ek
NRK 3 March 2011 nr 2 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrp0El
Nyhetskanalen 2 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrq0Em
SvD 3 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrr0En
Sveriges Radio 3 March (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrW0EM
Tv4 3 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfTZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JCrs0Eo

[Roope]

Saturday 5 March to Monday 7 March 2011


Denmark

Denmark gives money to UN's Libya relief effort
The Danish government has decided to donate 30 million Danish crowns to support the UN's relief efforts in and around Libya. The Minister for Development Cooperation, Søren Pind, says that the money primarily is intended for UNHCR's mission in and around Libya. However, the funds can also be used to meet other humanitarian needs in Africa. The situation in North Africa is extremely serious, but other humanitarian crisis should not be forgotten either. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, this is particularly true for Côte d'Ivoire where new unrest has forced 30,000 people to flee into neighbouring countries during the last week and where UNHCR is about to implement a bigger relief effort.
Jyllands-Posten 5 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLdm0E7

Unaccompanied refugee minor sentenced to 40 days in prison
An Afghan unaccompanied refugee minor was sentenced to 40 days in prison and deportation for using false identification papers. The boy travelled by plane from Greece to Denmark. Prosecutor Tomas Hugger argues that the incident could have been avoided if the boy had gotten rid of his false ID card before landing in Denmark. However, since the boy has already been granted asylum, the expulsion cannot be carried out. Nevertheless, the boy will have to live with a criminal record for many years, says his legal Danish guardian Hanne Wilhelmsen and his defender Helmuth Jørgensen. Accordingly, Save the Children Denmark argues that neither the boy nor the authorities benefit from this decision.
Jyllands-Posten 3 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeD0ES


Sweden

Sweden gives more aid to help refugees fleeing Libya
The Swedish government has given the United Nation permission to use the Swedish Hercules plane on Malta to help evacuate the thousands of persons that have fled from Libya. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) is also about take a decision to contribute 33 million Swedish crowns. However, the donation will probably increase, says Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for International Development Cooperation. SIDA will also contribute with emergency aid to UNHCR's and the International Organization on Migration's (IOM) humanitarian efforts for refugees at the Libyan border. SIDA will among other things contribute with evacuation flights in March and the evacuation of 1,350 Bangladeshi refugees.
Sydsvenskan 5 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeE0ET
Svenska Dagbladet 5 March 2011 (in Swedish) and I: 24-25
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeF0EU
Dagens Nyheter 6 March 2011 p: 19 (in Swedish)



UNHCR in the news

New concerns when fewer people flee from Libya into Tunisia
Since Thursday there has been a sudden drop in people fleeing Libya into Tunisia. Firas Kayal, spokesperson for UNHCR, says the UN Refugee Agency is worried that persons wanting to leave Libya are prohibited from doing so. According to UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming, heavily armed forces loyal to Gaddafi are now controlling the Libyan border to Tunisia. Fleming says many of the refugees who have passed the border the last days are not willing to talk, and there are implications that they might have been frightened or intimidated in some way.
Aamulehti 4 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeG0EV
HBL 4 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeH0EW
HBL 3 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeH0EW
Helsingin Sanomat 6 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeI0EX
Dagbladet 4 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeJ0EY
Verdens Gang 4 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeK0EZ
Aftonbladet 5 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeL0Ea
Sveriges Radio 5 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeM0Eb
Di 4 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeN0Ec

UNHCR suspends plans to build a refugee camp in Côte d'Ivoire
In Côte d'Ivoire UNHCR has been forced to cancel the plans to build a refugee camp for internally displaced persons in the west. More than 70,000 persons have fled their homes in this area, reports UNHCR. Melissa Fleming, UNHCR spokesperson, says the decision to suspend the opening of the camp is due to the uncertain security situation in the country. Unrest has broken out in the country after the presidential candidates Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara cannot agree on who is entitled to the presidency. According to Jacques Franquin, UNHCR's representative in Côte d'Ivoire, the capital Abidjan resembles a war zone.
Aftonbladet 4 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeO0Ed
DN 4 March 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeP0Ee
DN 4 March 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeQ0Ef
YLE 4 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDfqZ0ZqnfK0aYE0JLeR0Eg

[Roope]

Tuesday 8 March to Wednesday 9 March 2011

Denmark

Søren Pind new Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs
Birthe Rønn Hornbech has been fired from her post as Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, following the controversy on the stateless persons who were wrongfully denied of their right to Danish citizenship. After having gone through a report on the matter, Prime Minister Løkke Rasmussen concluded that she no longer could carry on her ministerial duties. Although the report recognizes that the government should have been briefed on the statelessness issue at a much earlier stage, it does not - as later revealed - mention any divergence between the former Minister and the Ministry's civil servants. An Independent Commission of Inquiry has, consequently, been set up in order to thoroughly investigate the Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs malpractice of the citizenship applications. In addition, Søren Pind has been appointed Denmark's new Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs. The Danish People's Party has welcomed the Prime Minister's decision and believe, along with Søren Pind, that Denmark should not comply with conventions that might compromise Danish norms and values.
Politiken 9 March 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBP0ES
Politiken 9 March 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBQ0ET
DR 8 March 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBR0EU
DR 8 March 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBS0EV
Jyllands-Posten 8 March 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBT0EW
Jyllands-Posten 8 March 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBU0EX
Jyllands-Posten 8 March 2011:3 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBV0EY
Information 8 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBW0EZ

Denmark in violation of several conventions
According to the Danish Institute for Human Rights, Denmark has, in addition to the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, also violated the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the European Convention on Nationality as well as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs has, accordingly, launched six initiatives in order to insure that all conventions are rightfully followed in the future. This will among other things be done through close collaboration with the UNHCR Regional Office for Baltic and Nordic countries in Stockholm, Sweden. Denmark´s new Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Søren Pind, is critical of UN conventions. Referring to the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness from 1961, Pind says, that the conventions do not reflect reality. According to Pind, integration is old-fashioned. He believes that focus should be on assimilating none-Danish citizens. However, the other Government party, the Conservatives, does not agree with Pind's statements. Naser Khader Integration Spokesperson for the Conservatives says that assimilation should not be the country's official policy.
DR 9 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBX0Ea
Information 8 March 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBY0Eb
Information 8 March 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBZ0Ec
Jyllands-Posten 8 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBa0Ej
Politiken 8 March 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBb0Ek
Politiken 8 March 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBc0El
Politiken 8 March:3 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBd0Em
Politiken 8 March:4  (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBe0En
DR 8 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBf0Eo

Finland

Campaign to attract asylum-seekers to return
The campaign will start with a three year test period. The aim of the campaign is to help immigrants originating from outside EU to return to their country of origin. The immigrants get financial support for the flight ticket and for building a new life in their country of origin. The programme is funded by the International Organization of Migration (IOM) and the Finnish Immigration Service. The project coordinator at IOM, Jacob Jörgensen, estimates that the number of persons who return voluntarily will increase to 400 – 500 per year. Most of those who choose to return have been rejected asylum or suspended their asylum-applications.
YLE 8 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBg0Ep

All parliamentary parties against racism
On Tuesday, all parliamentary parties, including the True Finns, signed the Charter of European Political Parties for a non-racist Society. The parties also promised to refrain from racism in the election campaigns. The event was organized with the aim for parties to commit against racism, at a time when immigration is discussed more than ever before in an election campaign.
YLE 8 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBh0Eq

Norway

Persons without residence permit pay hundreds of millions in taxes
For years persons without residence permit have worked and paid taxes in Norway. The Norwegian Tax Administration has continued to send out tax cards to rejected asylum-seekers working in Norway, due to bad communication between the authorities. Now the government wants to put an end to this, saying persons without residence permit are to be sent out of the country. Meanwhile, both the Norwegian Christian Democratic Party (KrF) and the Liberal Party of Norway think asylum-seekers without residence permit should be able to work in Norway. Otherwise they fear that these persons will start to work illegally. The authorities introduced new routines in January this year, and since then a number of persons have been noticed to work without legal permits. The only thing employers can do is to fire them. The number of illegal immigrants affected by this is estimated to be up to 3,000. From now on asylum-seekers need to go to the Norwegian Tax Administration to apply for tax cards. This way the authorities are able to examine if the asylum-seeker has a right to a work permit for a limited time, until the decision for residence permit is taken.
State Secretary Pål Lønseth says there will be no exceptions to the rules. According to the rules rejected asylum-seekers are to leave, either voluntarily or by force, says Lønseth.
NRK 8 March 2011:1 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBi0Er
NRK 8 March 2011:2 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBj0Es
NRK 7 March 2011:1 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBk0Et
NRK 7 March 2011:2 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBl0Eu
NRK 7 March 2011:3 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBm0Ev

Sweden

Protest against forced return of rejected Iraqi asylum-seekers
Tuesday night around 50 persons protested outside the Swedish Migration Board's detention center in Märsta against the deportation of rejected Iraqi asylum-seekers. According to the organization "No one is illegal" there are several families with children and people who belong to vulnerable religious minorities among the forcibly returned. One of the demonstrators says that these persons will be sent back to areas the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR has asked countries to refrain from deporting Iraqis to. Currently there are only four countries in Europe that do not follow the UN's and human rights organizations' advice. The network "No one is illegal" is planning new demonstrations.
Sydsvenskan 9 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBn0Ew
Upsala Nya Tidning 8 March (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBo0Ex



UNHCR in the news

Tens of thousands flee from Côte d'Ivoire to Liberia
At least 75,000 Ivorian refugees have fled to Liberia, according to UNHCR. Inside Côte d'Ivoire, in Abidjan, there are 200,000 to 300,000 internally displaced refugees. The  humanitarian and protection needs are growing fast, says UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards.
YLE 8 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBp0Ey
NRK 8 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBq0Ez
Verdens Gang 8 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBr0E1
Aftonbladet 8 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBs0E2
DN 8 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBt0E3

People fleeing Libya report serious intimidation
The UN Refugee agency (UNHCR) has received an increasing number of accounts of persecution of sub-Saharan Africans. This information is alarming, stresses UNHCR. Sudanese refugees who have crossed the border into Egypt say all their personal papers were confiscated or destroyed in Libya. UNHCR has heard similar stories about refugees originating from Chad. The persons originating from sub-Saharan Africa are in Libya to perform low paid jobs, and were already facing discrimination prior to this conflict. During the last weeks the violence and discrimination against them has increased due to rumours that Gaddafi has bought mercenaries from poor African countries to defeat the rebels. The reason for the persecution is that local population suspects them to be or become henchmen of Gaddafi, says Hanne Mathisen, Senior Regional External Relations Officer at the UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic countries. Therefore Africans from Chad, Sudan and other poor countries cause anger and concern among Libyans, says Mathisen. According to UNHCR the total number of refugees from Libya has passed 212,000 persons. UNHCR is concerned since there has been a significant drop in the number of arrivals. This drop coincides with a deteriorating security situation in western Libya. Refugees have told UNHCR that in order to cross the border to Tunisia they have had to pass several military checkpoints and they have been body searched for the purpose of confiscating mobile phones, SIM cards and memory cards. Many people are still waiting on the Tunisian and Egyptian side of the border. A big group of men from Bangladesh have been waiting for days, says UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards.
YLE 8 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBu0E4
NRK 7 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBv0E5
Politiken 8 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDf7h0ZqnfK0aYE0JSBw0E6

[Roope]

Thursday 10 March to Friday 11 March 2011


Denmark

Stateless persons demand compensation
The Union of Stateless Persons demand that the former Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech, compensates those who were wrongfully denied of their right to Danish citizenship.  Fathi El  Abeid, head of the Union of Stateless Persons, argues that Birthe Rønn Hornbech holds the main responsibility and should not be let off easily. Rønn Hornbech has been given until 17 March 2011 to engage in a dialogue and recognize her obligation to reimburse the damages.
DR 10 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIC0E5
Politiken 10 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYID0E6

Søren Pind risks dividing Danish society
Mohammad Rafiq, Integration Consultant in Copenhagen, believes that by requiring assimilation rather than integration of foreigners in Denmark, Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, risks alienating immigrants further away from the Danish society. Samer Abou Hachim, Deputy Chairman of the Integration Council in Odense, concurs and adds that Søren Pind's statements are regrettable and benefit neither integration nor assimilation. Instead he invites the newly appointed Minister to a dialogue, with the aim of resolving existing integration problems. In the same line of thought, the Socialist People's Party thinks that Søren Pind must keep in mind that there are real problems to deal with instead of engaging in philosophical discussions.
TV2 Nyhederne 9 March 2011(in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIE0E7
Politiken 9 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIF0E8
DR 9 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIG0EA

New verdict might affect Danish immigration policies
On 8 March 2011 the European Court of Justice's (ECJ) issued a significant ruling in the so-called Zambrano-case. The ruling confers a right of residency and work permit for parents of a minor European Union (EU) citizen. The Danish People´s Party has inquired the Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Søren Pind, to ignore ECJ's verdict as it considers it to undermine Denmark's immigration policy. Pind, however, dismisses this and argues that the Danish authorities have to acknowledge ECJ's decision. Nevertheless, he adds that the issue will be raised with other EU countries, if a study were to show that Danish immigration regulations are challenged. The Danish People's Party is dissatisfied with the Minister's choice.
DR 10 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIH0EB
Politiken 10 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYII0EC
Jyllands-Posten 10 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIJ0ED
DR 9 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIK0EE
DR 8 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIL0EF
Politiken 8 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIM0EG

Norway

New anti-racist movement
Antiracists and youth parties think the organization SOS Racism is an obstacle for the work against racism in Norway. Youth parties and the Norwegian Centre against Racism are starting up a new grass-root organization against racism. The aim is to take over SOS Racism's position among youth and adults, and to additionally build a broader platform. Kari Helene Partapuoli, director at the Norwegian Centre against Racism, says the reason for this is that SOS Racism has failed to succeed in its work against racism, among other things SOS Racism has been criticised for corrupt membership practices.
Dagbladet 11 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIN0EH


Sweden

New hope for Somali immigrants
Many Somali immigrants have been given new hope following the Government and the Green Party agreement regarding Sweden's migration policy. The agreement will among other things make it easier for asylum-seekers who lack proper identification papers to reunite with their family through the use of DNA technology. However, there are still some uncertainties regarding how the new decision will work in practice. Accordingly, Johan Rahm, Press Officer at the Swedish Migration Board, says that the practical aspect of the process should be left in the hands of the politicians.
Sveriges Radio 10 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIO0EI
SVT 10 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIP0EJ

Prosecutor to review expulsion case
Although they are European Union (EU) citizens and begging is not illegal in Sweden, 45 beggars as well as street musicians - mostly Roma - have been expulsed by the Stockholm Police. Both the Swedish Police and the Swedish Migration Board have previously stated that it is not possible to reject someone on the basis of beggary or busking. Accordingly, Carin Götblad, County Police in Stockholm, has decided to forward these cases to a prosecutor for further reviewing.
DN 9 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIQ0EK



UNHCR in the news

Fewer Libyan refugees raise concern
After the sudden drop in the number of persons fleeing Libya, international organizations fear that people are held back. Satellite images taken by the Americans and the British indicate a concentration of persons on the Libyan side of the border. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres says he has received the same information but there is lack of proof. Antonio Guterres is now in Tunisia, together with the head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to meet Tunisia's interim President and Prime Minister. According to Guterres, UNHCR needs 160 million dollar in the coming months to help the persons who have fled from Libya to Tunisia, Egypt and Niger.
DN 10 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDgNv0ZqnfK0aYE0JYIR0EL

[Roope]

Saturday 12 March to Monday 14 March 2011

Denmark

A majority of Danes prefer a multi-cultural society
According to a new opinion poll a clear majority of Danes prefer a multi-cultural society to a mono-cultural one. The poll was done for the newspaper Berlingske. Of those who answered the poll, 54 per cent like a multicultural society and around 60 per cent prefer integration to assimilation. However, around 58 per cent agree with the Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs Søren Pind's view that multiculturalism has a negative influence on Danish values.
Berlingske 13 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDglA0ZqnfK0aYE0JgsB0Ec
Information 13 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDglA0ZqnfK0aYE0JgsC0Ed



UNHCR in the news

Nearly half a million people have fled Côte d'Ivoire
More than 450,000 persons have fled their homes in Côte d'Ivoire, says a representative from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Most have fled from the country's biggest city Abidjan. There are growing fears that the political crisis after the presidential elections in November 2010 could descend into civil war. Both Mr Alassane Ouattara and Mr Laurent Gbagbo claim to be the rightful winner of the presidential election. Former rebel forces support Mr Ouattara, while most of the army remains loyal to the incumbent President Mr Laurent Gbagbo. Some 9,000 UN peacekeepers are in the country to monitor the ceasefire line between the two forces.
YLE 12 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDglA0ZqnfK0aYE0JgsD0Ee

[Roope]

Tuesday 15 March to Wednesday 16 March 2011

Denmark

Søren Pind eases point system on family reunification
After discussions with the Danish People's Party, Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, has agreed to ease the criticised point system with regards to family reunification.  As a result, skilled workers will be categorized together with bachelor graduates in order to avoid "educational snobbery". In addition, the top 20 university list will be extended to 50. It will also to be made easier for experts who come to Denmark to reunite with their family. The new point system includes a passage which says that Turkish citizens will not be given special treatment. This might constitute a concern following a verdict by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that Dutch family reunification rules to not apply for Turkish employees.
Berlingske 16 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDg2l0ZqnfK0aYE0JnYX0EQ

Denmark helps Libya
Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs has decided that Denmark will take part in a joint Nordic effort to facilitate the evacuation of migrants who flee the ongoing violence in Libya. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark informs that the migration pressure remains high and that aid agencies have difficulties keeping up. Accordingly, in order to ensure effective coordination of the evacuation work, the Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) will provide Libya with field experts.
Politiken 14 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDg2l0ZqnfK0aYE0JnYY0ER
Jyllands-Posten 14 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDg2l0ZqnfK0aYE0JnYZ0ES

Immigrants feel lonely
A new study from the National Board of Health shows that immigrants are lonelier than citizens born in Denmark. Figures illustrate that 13 per cent of non-Western immigrants feel to a higher degree lonely compared to only 5 per cent of Danish-born immigrants. Morten Sodemann, Professor and Physician at the Institute of Clinical Research in Odense, recognises the problem of loneliness and explains that many also suffer from depression.
DR 15 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDg2l0ZqnfK0aYE0JnYa0EZ

Denmark accused of violating yet another convention
The Danish People's Party and government may have violated yet another international convention, more specifically, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).  The Danish authorities have been brought before the UN Human Rights Committee (OHCHR) for having denied a 41-year-old Iraqi refugee of Danish citizenship. The later, who suffer from schizophrenia, had his application rejected twice due to his inability to complete the Danish citizenship test. The Attorney at Advokatkompagniet, Helle Holm Thomsen, who contacted OHCHR, argues that the Parliament's Citizenship Committee tends to discriminate when deciding who gets an exemption from the citizenship rules. Tom Behnke, Chairman of the Citizenship Committee, says that the decision on which applicants get an exemption from the rules varies from case to case.
Politiken 16 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDg2l0ZqnfK0aYE0JnYb0Ea

Estonia

Increase in number of work permits issued
According to a study by the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences the number of work permits issued increased the most in Estonia and Sweden during the economic crisis. In Estonia the reported increase was 14.8 per cent and in Sweden 24.8 per cent. However, in the whole of Europe the number of work permits decreased by 37 per cent during the crisis.
The Baltic Course 15 March 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDg2l0ZqnfK0aYE0JnYc0Eb

Sweden

Greece severely criticized by the CPT
The European Committee for Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has issued a statement severely criticizing Greece. The latter has been strongly accused of not taking enough actions in order to improve the situation of detained asylum-seekers.  According to Mikael Ribbenvik, Legal Council at the Swedish Migration Board, additional pressure has been put on Greece to do something about the poor conditions in detention centres. Even Sweden has received recommendations from the CPT, with regards to the overcrowding in the Kronoberg Remand Prison.  However, Ribbenvik argues that it is of different magnitude in comparison to the situation in Greece.
Sveriges Radio 15 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDg2l0ZqnfK0aYE0JnYd0Ec



UNHCR in the News

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, in turmoil
Following President Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to concede defeat after losing last year's presidential election to Alassane Ouattara, the situation in Côte d'Ivoire has worsened. According to several reports, the country is degenerating into civil war. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says that 450,000 people have fled their home as a result of the ongoing violence. In addition, UNHCR describes the situation in Côte d'Ivoire as a growing tragedy that has been overlooked since the international attention has been directed to North Africa.
Dagens Arena 14 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDg2l0ZqnfK0aYE0JnYe0Ed

Fierce fighting continues in Libya – rebels forced to flee
Colonel Gaddafi's troops have pushed back the rebels from yet two important cities in Libya. Hundreds of persons have fled to the anti-government forces stronghold in Benghazi. In Benghazi people have begun to erect defensive barricades and many also try to flee to Egypt. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says that people fear pro-Gaddafi forces will reach Benghazi. There is also an increase in the number of people fleeing from Benghazi. UNHCR's spokesperson Sybella Wilkes reports that prior to this week most of those crossing the border into Egypt were migrant workers. However, on Monday around 50 per cent of the 2,250 persons were Libyans, amongst them families with children. Neither the members of G8 nor the UN Security Council have managed to agree on a no-fly zone on Libya to prevent air-attacks on rebels by pro-Gaddafi forces.
Aftenbladet 16 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDg2l0ZqnfK0aYE0JnYf0Ee
ABCNyheter 15 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDg2l0ZqnfK0aYE0JnYg0Ef
VG 15 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDg2l0ZqnfK0aYE0JnYh0Eg

[Roope]

Thursday 17 March to Friday 18 March 2011

Denmark

Facebook stops campaign against Søren Pind
Facebook has stopped a campaign against the Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Søren Pind. Christian Træholt, Member of Socialist Youth Front (SUF), who initiated the campaign, encouraged Facebook users to change their profile picture into one of the Minister. We want to show Søren Pind, how boring a country is when everyone is assimilated, says Christian Træholt. This occurred after Søren Pind made it clear that refugees and immigrants must assimilate in Denmark instead of integrate.
Jyllands-Posten 16 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZh0Ep
Berlingske 16 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZi0Eq
DR 16 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZj0Er
Politiken 16 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZk0Es
Information 16 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZl0Et

Increasing influx of refugees from Côte d'Ivoire to Liberia
Thousands are fleeing the violence in Côte d'Ivoire into the neighbouring country Liberia. An estimated 350,000 people are internally displaced and the number continues to increase.  The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has established a refugee camp in Liberia, as the significant influx of refugee has put much pressure on the Liberian communities. Ann Mary Olsen, Head of the International Department of the Danish Refugee Council, explains therefore it is imperative to take immediate actions with regards to the growing humanitarian crisis.
U-landsnyt 16 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZm0Eu

Finland

Concerns about debate on Immigration
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Stubb, describes the climate of the current debate on immigration and multiculturalism as distressing. During a seminar Stubb said that Finland's success and economic growth is based on openness and internationality. This also needs to be reflected in the home country. According to Stubb, Finland has to make important decisions; to continue on the road towards openness and multiculturalism or not. In another news article Alettin Basboga, a City Councillor, expresses concern about racist statements made around the upcoming general election in April. Basboga says anti-immigration attitudes increase insecurity for aliens living in Finland.
Aamulehti 16 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZn0Ev
Turun Sanomat 16 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZo0Ew
Yle 16 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZp0Ex
Yle 17 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZq0Ey

Long queues for Somalis applying for family reunification
The Finnish Immigration Service is currently processing around 5,600 family reunification applications from Somalis. The oldest application was submitted over two years ago. The authority says that there are two reasons why the handling of Somalis' applications for family reunification takes longer than average. Firstly, there is a big increase in the numbers of applications by Somalis. Secondly, it is difficult for Somalis to obtain documents from Somalia to prove the family tie, therefore the interested parties have to be interviewed in person and this is often done at the Finnish mission in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
Yle 16 March 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZr0Ez

Sweden

Swedish aid to Tunisia
Tents and an electric power plant are part of an aid shipment that the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) sends to Tunisia together with Denmark and Norway. The material will be used in the UN Refugee Agency's refugee camp set up for Libyans fleeing the ongoing violence.
Dagens Nyheter 17 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZs0E1
Göteborgs-Posten 17 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZt0E2
NWT 17 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZu0E3
SVT 17 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZv0E4

Sweden offers a safe haven for refugees in Libya
The situation for Somali and Eritrean refugees in Libya is extremely difficult. According to Dan Eliasson, Director-General of the Swedish Migration Board, there might be around 10,000 Somali and Eritrean refugees in Libya. Representatives from the Swedish Migration Board and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) will travel to Libya to assess the situation on the ground.  As a result some hundred quota refugees might be granted asylum in Sweden. Even refugees with Lybian nationality who are fleeing Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime will have the possibility to seek asylum in Sweden.
Dagens Nyheter 17 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZw0E5
SVT 17 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZx0E6
Norran 17 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZy0E7
Skånskan 17 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZz0E8
Sveriges Radio 17 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZ10Eu

Sida provides emergency assistance to Côte d'Ivoire
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) will provide nearly 70 million Swedish crowns in emergency aid to help refugees fleeing the violence in Côte d'Ivoire. According to the UN almost half-a-million people have been displaced. SIDA-representatives fear that a civil war might jeopordize recent years´ positive development in the region.
Sveriges Radio 16 March 2011
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZ20Ev

Minor asylum-seekers risk deportation
Two children, ages 5 and 9, will probably be returned to the Republic of Macedonia next week. The children cannot speak the language and their attorney, Peter Henrysson, finds the return order incomprehensible. The return order has been postponed since the children's mother is in hiding. However, according to a new decision there are no obstacles to send the children back. At the Swedish Migration Board they do not want to comment on this individual case, however, they state that children will never be returned if there is no reception available for the children.
DN 17 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZ30Ew

UNHCR in the news

UNHCR fears for Libyan refugees
Although the number of people fleeing Libya is still increasing, the pace has been slower than expected.  Melissa Fleming, Head of the Media Relation and Information Service Unit at UNHCR in Geneva, explains that there usually is a significant number of injured people, women and children in a similar situation of mass displacement. In this case, however, the number has been low. The UNHCR is continuously receiving calls for help from refugees and asylum-seekers who have found themselves stranded in Libya. For those who have succeeded to flee across the Egyptian border, UNHCR has initiated and undertaken a refugee status determination process and asked the Egyptian authorities to provide shelter for the arriving refugees.
Verdens Gang 16 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZ40Ex
U-landsnyt 16 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZ50Ey
Turun Sanomat 18 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZ60Ez
Vasabladet 18 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhKS0ZqnfK0aYE0JuZ70E1

[Roope]

Saturday 19 March to Monday 21 March 2011

Denmark

Decline of asylum-seekers in Denmark
The number of asylum-seekers who arrive in Denmark has decreased despite the
migration waves in North Africa. In fact, the Danish Immigration Service has noticed a remarkable decline in the number of people seeking asylum in Denmark. Claus Birkelyng, Deputy Police Inspector at the National Immigration Center in Sandholm, explains that last year Denmark received around 100 asylum-seekers per week in comparison to 70-80 today. He adds that the reduction might be explained by the fact that North Africans apply for asylum in other countries, for instance France. Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Søren Pind, says that Denmark should rather provide support to refugee camps in North Africa. Last year some 5,000 persons sought asylum in Denmark, and about 2,000 were given residency permit. By contrast Sweden received 31,000 asylum-seekers, but a mere 9,000 were given asylum.
Berlingske 20 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xl0E7
Jyllands-Posten 20 march 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xm0E8
Politiken 19 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xm0E8

Sweden

Deportation of minor asylum-seeking children postponed
The Swedish Migration Board has decided to postpone the deportation of two minor asylum-seeker to the Republic of Macedonia,  planned for this week. According to Michael Ribbenvik, Director for Legal Affairs at the Swedish Migration Board, there are new facts which should be examined.  Subsequent to a letter of complaint that was sent from from the children´s  pediatricians, Lars H. Guastafsson and Maris Köhler, to the General Director of the Swedish Migration Board, Dan Eliasson, it was decided that the cases will be further looked into. Michael Ribbenvik, however, does not want to speculate in the matter, and claims that, as for now, it is not certain what this new decision might lead to.
DN 18 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xn0EA
Sydsvenskan 18 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xo0EB
Sveriges Radio 18 March 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xp0EC
Sveriges Radio 18 March 2011: 2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xq0ED
Sveriges Radio 18 March 2011: 3 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xr0EE
Svt 18 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xq0ED

Demonstration for the rights of asylum-seekers
Around 200 persons took part in a protest march alongside the major pedestrian street in Gothenburg, Avenyn. They were protesting against Sweden's asylum and migration policy. Among the demonstrators was Gustav Landström, Member of the Left Party. He argued that Sweden has violated the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees when sending back refugees to a "certain death" and that it must be stopped.
Göteborgs-Posten 20 March 2011 (In Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xs0EF



UNHCR in the news

Fighting in Libya increase influx of refugees
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other humanitarian aid organisations are predicting an influx of refugees from Libya. As the troops of Gaddafi are moving east the aid organisations are preparing for an increase of refugees on the border between Egypt and Libya. UNHCR is preparing to receive some 200,000 persons fleeing the current fighting in Libya. On Saturday, UNHCR reported that the number of persons crossing the border increased from 824 to 1,000. UNHCR spokeswoman Elizabeth Tan says that the fleeing families arriving at the Egyptian border are extremely frightened and traumatised, and that some of their homes have been completely flattened. According to UNHCR some 317,600 persons have fled Libya so far.
Dagens Industri 19 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xt0EG
Nyhetskanalen 19 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xu0EH
HBL 18 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xv0EI
Ilta-Sanomat 20 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xw0EJ
Ilta-Sanomat 19 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDhiI0ZqnfK0aYE0J4Xx0EK

[Roope]

Tuesday 22 March to Wednesday 23 February 2011


Denmark

Søren Pind rejects problem with ECJ verdict on residency issues
The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Søren Pind, argues that there is no need to raise with the European Court of Justice (ECJ) its ruling concerning residency requirements in the European Union (EU).  The number of persons who have been given a residence permit with regards to ECJ's new verdict has, in fact, been minimal. Estimates show that merely 900 residency permits were issued last year as a result of this ruling, in comparison to 59,000 residency permits issued in total.  The Danish People's Party does not share Pind's view and argues that Danes must be in charge of their own country. This is not possible as long the Minister and the Danish government continue to sign onto EU legislation, says, Peter Skaarup, spokesperson for the Danish People's Party. Former Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech, agrees and argues that the new EU rulings will undermine the Danish immigration policy.
DR 21 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Indland/2011/03/21/031408.htm
Berlinske 22 March 2011: 1 (in Danish)
http://www.b.dk/politiko/loekke-forsoeger-enighed-med-baade-roenn-og-pind
Berlingske 22 March 2011: 2 (in Danish)
http://www.b.dk/politiko/roenn-eu-retten-en-bombe-under-velfaerden
Information 22 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.information.dk/263261

Stateless persons want to see Birthe Rønn Hornbech in court
Fathi El-Abed, Head of the Union of Stateless Persons and Member of the Socialist People's Party, informed that several stateless persons would like to see the former Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech and her predecessors, in court. Fathi El-Abed explains that they will not wait for an independent investigation, as it might take up to 3 years.  Instead, they have required a symbolic amount from the Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs and Birthe Rønn Hornbech to compensate for the damages made to those who were wrongfully denied Danish citizenship.
Berlingske 21 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.b.dk/politiko/statsloese-hiver-pind-og-roenn-i-retten


Finland

Immigration issue divide election candidates
Questions regarding support and reception of immigrants divide the candidates in the upcoming general election in Finland. The election guide provided by the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) shows that the True Finns and the conservative National Coalition Party are among the more immigration-critical parties. The True Finns, National Coalition, Centre Party and Christian Democrat candidates demand stricter rules on immigration. The Green League, the Left Alliance and the Swedish People's Party (SFP) have more liberal views on the matter. The majority of these parties' candidates are opposed to a tightening of immigration rules. Candidates of the Social Democrat Party (SDP) have varying views on the issue. YLE's election guide matches the candidates' and voters' answers to a series of questions, among them the question of controlled immigration.
YLE 22 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://yle.fi/uutiset/teemat/vaalit_2011/2011/03/maahanmuutto_jakaa_edustajaehdokkaita_2453778.html
YLE 22 March 2011 (in English)
http://yle.fi/uutiset/news/2011/03/immigration_issue_divides_election_candidates_2454641.html


Sweden

Sweden stops deportation to Yemen
The Swedish Migration Board has decided to stop all deportations to Yemen due to the growing violence.  Mikael Ribbenvik, Director for Legal Affairs at the Swedish Migration Board, says that the situation in Yemen is escalating, particularly following an attack against unarmed demonstrators last Friday.  As a result, the Swedish Migration Board will closely monitor the situation in several North African countries, including Algeria, Morocco and Syria, in addition to Egypt and Tunisia, who remain in the spotlight.
SVT 22 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://svt.se/2.33919/1.2369244/stopp_for_utvisningar_till_jemen
Sveriges Radio 22 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/gruppsida.aspx?programid=4068&grupp=14049&artikel=4415709
Göteborgs-Posten 22 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.gp.se/nyheter/varlden/1.579539-utvisning-till-jemen-stoppas



UNHCR in the news

Thousands displaced in eastern Libya
In eastern Libya thousands of persons have left their homes and are now internally displaced within the country, says the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The internally displaced are from Ajdabiya, Derna and Tobruk where fighting took place earlier this week. The persons have taken refuge in schools, universities or homes of private persons, says UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards. The inhabitants have reported that they are afraid to go out in the evening. Despite the population movements within Libya, the predicted massive increase of refugees into neighbouring countries has not occurred. According to Elizabeth Tan, deputy regional representative for UNHCR in Egypt, the influx of refugees from Libya has in fact decreased. UNHCR also reports some cases of Libyans returning voluntarily to the country. Tan says many Libyans are crossing the border to Egypt for medical reasons. According to Tan the humanitarian services on the Egyptian border have so far been sufficient. However, the Egyptian authorities refuse to give permission to erect tents for protection. The Egyptian government does not want to create a pull-factor, explains Tan. Firas Kayal, UNHCR spokesperson on the Tunisian border, says the influx of refugees is the same as previous weeks, with some thousand persons crossing every day. Kayal reports that 2,700 persons entered Tunisia on Sunday and at least 1,700 on Monday. According to Kayal, the majority leaving Libya are persons from other African countries. According to Kayal some of the refugees have said that they had difficulties and were harassed when trying to leave the country. However, some 60 – 70 per cent say it is possible to leave Libya if one has the will and transportation facilities. On Wednesday UNHCR will send trucks with 5,000 blankets and sleeping mats for internally displaced persons in Benghazi.
Berlingske 22 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.b.dk/globalt/fn-tusinder-paa-flugt-i-det-oestlige-libyen
Dagsavisen 22 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.dagsavisen.no/utenriks/article514730.ece
Politiken 21 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://politiken.dk/udland/ECE1230300/libysk-flygtningestroem-er-halveret-efter-vestlige-bombardementer/
Iltalehti 22 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://www.iltalehti.fi/libyankriisi/2011032213412562_lc.shtml?ref=kn
Iltalehti 21 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://www.iltalehti.fi/libyankriisi/2011032113409762_lc.shtml
HBL 22 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.hbl.fi/text/utrikes/2011/3/22/w60854.php#
Nyhetskanalen 22 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.nyhetskanalen.se/1.2065002/2011/03/22/tusentals_flyr_varje_dag
Sydsvenskan 22 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.sydsvenskan.se/varlden/article1419416/Kaddafistyrkor-attackerar-civila.html

Migrants overcrowd Italian island
Currently there are 4,800 migrants on the Italian island of Lampedusa, which is almost the same as the number of local inhabitants, reports UNHCR. The local reception centre is designed for 850 migrants but is currently housing 2,000 persons. About 3,000 migrants are sleeping under the open sky. UNHCR informs that the congestion leads to increased tension between the local population and the migrants. UNHCR says the lack of sanitation is getting serious. Most of the economic migrants are Tunisians.
Politiken 22 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://politiken.dk/udland/ECE1231726/flygtninge-overbefolker-italiensk-oe/

[Roope]

Saturday 26 March to Monday 28 March 2011


Denmark

Discontent with stateless-inquiry
The opposition is dissatisfied that the inquiry related to stateless persons' citizenship applications will only look at the period from 1999 to January 2010. Jesper Lindholm, Expert in International Law at the Aarhus University, argues that it is highly relevant to include the time up until Birthe Rønn Hornbech was fired from her post as Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs and the Danish police stations received a briefing about the two UN conventions' importance for stateless Palestinians who are born in Denmark.
DR 25 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4f0E1


Finland

Thors criticizes the Finnish Immigration Service
Astrid Thors, Minister of Migration and European Affairs, criticizes the Finnish Immigration Service for still having too long processing times for asylum applications. During a seminar on 26 March 2011, Thors said that the Finnish Immigration Service has received additional resources to reduce the processing time. Still decisions take considerably longer in Finland compared to other Nordic countries. According to Thors the problem is no longer lack of resources but a matter of planning and leading the work effectively.
Aamulehti 26 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4g0E2
Turun Sanomat 26 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4h0E3

More people want to move to Finland
An increasing number of persons, living outside the European Union, wants to move to Finland. During 2010, some 250,000 persons applied for residence permit, an 18 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The majority of the applicants are from Russia, Somalia and India. Up to 80 per cent of the decisions were positive, reports the Finnish Immigration Service. Applications for family reunification increased with 57 per cent from year 2009 to 2010. The Finnish Immigration Service predicts that family reunification will increase in the future, since more and more people are granted residence permits.
HBL 25 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4i0E4
Turun Sanomat 25 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4j0E5


Norway

Socialist Left Party defends its asylum and refugee policy
During the Socialist Left Party's annual conference the party leader, Kristin Halvorsen, said the party has created the impression that it wishes Norway to have open borders. Halvorsen also expressed frustration that the party has not received any credits for its involvement in the asylum and refugee policy. She thinks the party currently has a good asylum and refugee policy. However, the party needs to talk more about the overall policy and not only individual cases. Halvorsen thinks it is a problem for the Socialist Left Party if voters think that the party wants everyone to be able to come to Norway.
Aftenposten 26 March 2011 (in Norway)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4k0E6


Sweden

Humanitarian aid to Côte d´Ivoire
On Friday 25 March 2011, the Swedish government announced that it will give 40 million Swedish crowns (SEK) in humanitarian aid to Côte d'Ivoire. Along with the 37 million SEK provided by the Swedish International Development Agency in mid-March, Sweden has now donated 77 million SEK to Cote d´Ivoire since the beginning of the year.
DN 25 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4l0E7



UNHCR in the news

Up to one million persons have fled their homes in Côte d'Ivoire
UNHCR estimates that one million persons are fleeing the current fighting in Côte d'Ivoire. The massive displacement is due to fear that the tense situation in the country will degenerate into full civil war, says UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming. Most of the persons are fleeing the city Abidjan. UNHCR spokesperson Jacques Franquin says that Liberian mercenaries are taking advantage of the current situation in Côte d'Ivoire. In the west of the country, some hundred Liberian mercenaries have raped, looted and killed. He adds that Guiglo is a lawless zone, where everyone does what they want and the inhabitants are panicking. The conflict in the West African country has escalated in recent weeks.
Berlingske 25 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4m0E8
DR 25 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4n0EA
Aftenbladet 25 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4o0EB
Dagbladet 27 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4p0EC
Verdens Gang 26 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4q0ED
Laholms Tidning 26 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4r0EE
Norra Skåne 26 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4s0EF
Sveriges Radio 25 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4t0EG
SVT 25 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4u0EH
Sydsvenskan 26 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4v0EI

West drew fewer asylum-seekers in 2010
According to the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR the number of asylum-seekers dropped in 2010. In southern Europe the number of asylum-seekers originating from Africa and Asia decreased with one third. A total of 358,000 people sought asylum last year, which is a 5 per cent drop compared to the previous year and some 40 per cent lower than ten years ago. It is the fourth lowest figure in the last decade.
Norran 28 March (in Swedish)
http://norran.se/nyheter/utrikes/article1147652.ece¨
Skånskan 28 March (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4w0EJ

Boat with migrants and refugees from Libya arrive in Italy
On Sunday 27 March 2011, the first boat with African migrants fleeing the ongoing conflict in Libya arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa.  Following the significant influx of Tunisian migrants in February 2011, the Italian government now fears a big migration flow from Libya. Laura Boldrini, Senior Regional Public Information Officer at the UN Refugee Agency in Rome, explains that so far only migrants from Tunisia have arrived at the island of Lampedusa. This is thus the first boat with people fleeing the military violence in Libya, she adds. Laura Boldrini argues that more solidarity is needed among the European Union (EU) countries that have to face the waves of migrants fleeing Libya. The island of Lampedusa has now over 15,000 migrants and refugees from Tunisia. Approximately 1,000 people arrived on the small island on Saturday 26 March.
TV4 27 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4x0EK
Aftonbladet 27 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4y0EL
Borås Tidning 25 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR4z0EM
DN 25 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR410E8
Expressen 27 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR420EA
Göteborgs-Posten 25 March (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR430EB
Berlingske 27 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR440EC
Information 27 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR450ED
Jyllands-Posten 27 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR460EE
TV2 27 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDifP0ZqnfK0aYE0KR470EF

[Roope]

Tuesday 29 March to Wednesday 30 March 2011


Denmark

Prime Minister says foreigners should earn the right to social welfare
Despite scepticism from the Conservatives and Liberal Alliance, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen continues to support the proposal to limit none-Danish citizens' access to social welfare. Lars Løkke Rasmussen defends the idea and argues that social services should be earned and not simply given to foreigners. The Government is, nevertheless, split over the issue. In fact, the other governmental party, the Conservatives, fears that this might eventually deter highly educated foreigners from coming to work in Denmark.
Jyllands-Posten 29 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpZ0Em

Finland

The Finnish Immigration Service finds Minister's criticism unfounded
Astrid Thors, Minister of Migration and European Affairs, has criticized the Finnish Immigration Service for still having too long processing times for asylum applications. Now the Director-General of the Finnish Immigration Service, Jorma Vuorio, reacts to the criticism saying that the processing times have decreased. In a press release on Monday, Vuorio says that the Finnish Immigration Service in general terms has met the goals set up by the Ministry of the Interior. Vuorio stresses that a thorough processing of the application is also in the interest of the asylum seeker.
HBL 28 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpa0Et

Asylum-seekers down by one-third
During last year 3,090 persons applied for asylum in Finland, compared to 4,915 in 2009. Thus, the statistics released by Eurostat show that the number of applicants has decreased by nearly 40 per cent. Furthermore, of 4,260 first instance decisions made in Finland, refugee status was granted to 1,595 applicants and 2,665 were turned down. The largest numbers of asylum-seekers came from Somalia, Iraq and Russia.
YLE 29 March 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpb0Eu

Few immigrant candidates in Finland's general election
Even though immigration is a main topic in the campaign for Finland's parliamentary election, the number of immigrant candidates remains small. A total of 45 candidates are standing in the election 17 April. Candidates born in Finland to foreign parents are also considered immigrants. Only Finnish citizens can stand as candidates or vote in the upcoming general election.
YLE 27 March 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpc0Ev

Finland is facing a political revolution
Finland is facing a political revolution in the upcoming general elections taking place in three weeks. The True Finns, a party of discontent, might become the biggest party in the government. In the latest pre-election polls the party had up to 18 per cent of support. The True Finns wants to dissolute EU, terminate international climate and refugee conventions and make changes in the current Language Act. Göran Djupsund, Professor of Political Science at Åbo Akademi, says many of their supporters are dissatisfied with Finland's EU membership. True Finns' leader Timo Soini does not want to be compared to the Swedish Democrats. Djupsund says the party has a xenophobic approach but puts more emphasis on the fear of the unknown. The party has more in common with the Norwegian Progress Party. Djupsund fears that if the True Finns are elected into the government there will be stricter rules for asylum, decreased humanitarian aid and changes in the language policy.
N.B. This story was covered in Sweden.
DN 30 March 2011 I:16 (in Swedish)

Finnish Minister on the rancorous debate on immigration
Finland's Minister of Migration and European Affairs, Astrid Thors, is the most heavily attacked Minister in Finland. She has faced death threats and requirements to resign by other parties. Astrid Thors says she is sad about the current rancorous ambience in Finnish society. Thors has, among other things, been criticized for the increased number of asylum-seekers to Finland. Thors says the rumour about her influence on the migration policies is exaggerated. She says her biggest blunder seemed to be that she tried to have the same rules as Sweden regarding labour migrants. Other legislative changes, such as a modification of the paragraph on family reunification, were voted down. Therefore, the migration policies have remained the same, says Thors. Due to the restrictive immigration policy only 200,000 of Finland's 5,3 million inhabitants have another mother tongue than Finnish, Swedish or Sami language.
N.B. This story was covered in Sweden.
DN 30 March 2011 I:16-17 (in Swedish)

Norway

Norway must accept refugees from Libya
Trine Skei Grande, the leader of the Liberal Party, says Norway must accept North African refugees coming to the Italian island of Lampedusa. Grande thinks Norway needs to help Italy with processing the applications and that the refugees should be divided among the European countries. If they are not in need of protection they are to be sent back, continues Grande. The EU commissioner Cecilia Malmström has urged all EU countries to help by accepting some of the refugees arriving in Italy.
Aftenposten 30 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpd0Ew
Verdens Gang 30 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpe0Ex

Asylum-seeker risking death sentence deported to prison in Iran
The 19-year old rejected asylum-seeker Rahim Rostami was sent back to Iran in February although being sentenced to death there. Rostami is now being held at the notorious prison Evin in Teheran. He is accused of dissemination of false propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Rostami came to Norway in October 2008 at the age of 17. He applied for asylum showing documents that he was to be sentenced to death if returning to Iran. Despite this the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) rejected his asylum-application. Rostami is now the first known asylum-applicant to be sent back to prison and the case has raised strong reactions. State Secretary Pål Lønseth says the decision to send Rostami back is "severe". The Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) and UDI did not investigate the authenticity of the death sentence. The government and UDI have begun to investigate the deportation and are trying to find out what is happening to Rahim Rostami.
Ny Tid 28 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpf0Ey
Ny Tid 26 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpg0Ez
Ny Tid 23 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZph0E1

Asylum-seekers take Norway to court for deportation to Greece
Three asylum-seekers have taken legal actions against the Norwegian authorities for having wrongfully deported them to Greece, although it has been well known that the conditions for asylum-seekers are horrendous. Norway has, in fact, sent back 360 people even though the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has ruled that asylum seekers' human rights are being systematically violated in Greece.  Andrew Furuseth, Legal Advisor at the Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers, believes that Norway probably knew about the conditions for deportees in Greece and should look into the matter further.
Dagsavisen 28 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpi0E2

Sweden

Many asylum applications in Sweden
In 2010 some 257,800 persons sought asylum in EU. Sweden received the third largest number of asylum applications, after France and Germany. Nevertheless, in Sweden three out of four applications were rejected.
SvD 29 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpj0E3



UNHCR in the news

Mass exodus from Côte d'Ivoire
The situation in Côte d'Ivoire has escalated into an armed conflict.  The mass exodus has risen dramatically and nearly 1 million people have fled their homes, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The number of displaced persons has doubled in merely two weeks. So far, the United Nations has confirmed that 462 people have been killed in confrontations between opposing parties. Jean Ping, President of the African Union fears a deteriorating security situation and a possible invasion from neighbouring countries. I am afraid that there is no possibility for a peaceful resolution, he says.
SvD 29 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpk0E4

Cecilia Malmström in Tunisia
Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, and Stefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, are visiting Tunisia to assess the refugee situation on the ground, discuss possibilities for long-term cooperation and EU's assistance to the Tunisian transitional government. During the visit Cecilia Malmström will meet with, among others, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Tunis. Malmström says that EU is providing Tunisia with humanitarian aid, financial and practical support, and that the organization is ready to extend that help.
Presskontakt 29 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpl0E5
Webfinanser 29 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDizn0ZqnfK0aYE0KZpm0E6

[Roope]

Thursday 31 March to Friday 1 April 2011

Denmark

Eva Singer joins the Danish Refugee Council
Eva Singer has been appointed new Head of the Asylum Department of the Danish Refugee Council. Previously she worked as Head of the Danish Immigration Service. Singer has worked with human rights and refugee issues for many years e.g. for the UN Refugee Agency (UNCHR) and the Danish Refugee Council. Andreas Kamm, Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council, is confident that Eva Singer has a thorough knowledge of both Danish legislation and international conventions relating to refugee protection and human rights.
Jyllands Posten 1 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfGu0EI

Foreigners should earn the right to welfare benefits
Most Danes are in favour of Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen's proposal that foreign citizens should earn the right to welfare benefits. According to a public opinion poll for the daily newspaper Berlingske, up to 59 per cent think that non-Danish citizens should have limited access to social services. - The number is surprisingly high, says Jon Kvist Professor at the Centre for Welfare State Research at the University of Southern Denmark. He argues that Denmark has a tradition of supporting equal access to welfare benefits. The Conservatives are still very sceptical to the new proposition as they fear it might discourage highly educated foreigners from coming to Denmark.
Information 31 March 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfGy0EM

Finland

The number of asylum-seekers decreased
The number of asylum-seekers in Finland decreased significantly last year compared to 2009. The number of Somali and Iraqi asylum-seekers dropped significantly. The Iraqi designer Ismail Hussein, who has a residence permit in Finland, explains that he and his friends have told other Iraqis that Finland is no paradise. Hussein says it is impossible to find work if you cannot speak the local language. He has been waiting to attend a Finnish course since he came to Finland in 2009. UNHCR confirms that hearsay may affect asylum-seekers' destination. The Finnish Immigration Service says there is no clear explanation why the number of applications has decreased. One possible explanation might be the legislative changes making it harder for asylum-seekers originating from another EU country to get income support.
Uusi Suomi 31 March 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfGz0EN

Norway

Iran trying to recruit asylum-seekers as spies
The Islamic Republic of Iran has tried to recruit Iranian asylum-seekers to spy on the Iranian opposition living in Norway. One asylum-seeker tells how he was offered cash, paid lawyers' fees and onward transport to another country if his asylum application would be rejected in Norway if he agreed to spy on the Iranian opposition. Sources within the Iranian opposition living in Norway say that Iran, after the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009, has strengthen its surveillance of the Iranian opposition living abroad. The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) is aware of the problem called 'refugee espionage' and pays particular attention Iran's refugee espionage.
NRK 30 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfG10EA
NRK 30 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfG20EB

Asylum organisation to escort asylum-seekers back home
The Norwegian organization for deported asylum-seekers, Peoplepeace, wants to document and follow-up rejected asylum-seekers' situation after being sent back to their country of origin. Jon Ole Martinsen, advisor at a voluntary organisation for refugees and board member of Peoplepeace, says the aim is to monitor the returned asylum-seeker to secure that the person is not returned to inhuman conditions. Peoplepeace stresses that the refugee convention and the Norwegian Immigration Act state that no one is to be returned to death penalty, torture or inhuman treatment. Yet, there is no one controlling what happens to returned asylum-seekers.
Aftenposten 30 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfG30EC

Deported may return for work  purposes
The Ministry of Justice and the Police has made an amendment to the rules regarding labour migration. State Secretary, Pål Lønseth, explains that rejected and returned asylum-seekers may come back as labour migrants if they fulfil the requirements set for labour migrants. The amendment has raised different reactions among the parties in Norway, with the Socialist Left Party in favour while the Progressive Party is critical. The amendment will probably enable the return of Maria Amelie, who before she deported to Russia in the beginning of the year was offered a job.
Dagbladet 1 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfG40ED
Dagsavisen 31 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfG50EE
Verdens Gang 1 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfG60EF
Verdens Gang 31 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfG70EG

Sweden

Easier for rejected asylum-seekers to get work permit in Sweden
A new proposition grating work permit to rejected asylum-seekers has been presented to the Swedish government. Since 2008, about 1,000 people have been given the opportunity to work in Sweden although being rejected asylum. It is called changing tracks; from asylum-seeker to labour migrant. The new proposition will make it easier to change tracks e.g. the work permit application period will be extended from two to four weeks and employment giving the right to work will be reduced to three months, instead of six. The new proposition also suggests making it possible for immigrants to live abroad for up to five years without losing their residency permit in Sweden.
Sveriges Radio 31 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfG80EH

Migration Policy agreement criticised
In the beginning of March 2011, the Government and the Green Party reached an agreement regarding Sweden's migration policy. It was proposed for instance that asylum-seekers without residence permit should receive the right to education as well as health care. However, in a recent parliamentary debate the agreement was severely criticised from both the Sweden Democrats and the Left Party.
Sveriges Radio 30 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfHA0ER



UNHCR in the news

UNHCR estimates 500,000 will flee during the coming months
The armed conflict in Cote d'Ivoire continues and the UN has now introduced sanctions against the incumbent leader Lauren Gbagbo and his close advisor. Currently the UN has 10,000 soldiers in the country, but the force is unable to protect the civilian population. UNHCR now estimates that some 500,000 persons will flee to Liberia to seek refuge during the coming two months. Up to now some 112,000 have entered Liberia. The refugees have told horrible stories of what has happened inside Cote d'Ivoire.
Aftenposten 31 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfHB0ES
Verdens Gang 30 March 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfHC0ET

Cecilia Malmström urges EU to help refugees from Libya
Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, appeals to the European Union (EU) member countries to give refugees from Libya a safe haven in Europe. It concerns some 2,000 Eritrean, Somali and Sudanese people who have fled to Italy and Malta. Cecilia Malmström, who is currently visiting Tunisia, urges EU member states to give them protection, as they no longer can return to their home countries. Since last weekend, five boats with nearly 1,500 refugees on board arrived in Italy and two boats with 500 people arrived in Malta. Many have previously lived under the auspices of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), who is presently unable work in Libya due to the ongoing violence.
Dagens Arena 1 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfHD0EU
Sveriges Radio 31 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfHE0EV

Asylum-seeking minors subjected to sexual abuse
An increasing number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors have been subjected to sexual abuse during their journey to Sweden. The personnel at the Child and Youth Psychiatry (BUP) in Malmo wants the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to look further into the matter. A working group is currently preparing a document that will be presented to UNHCR and Swedish authorities. Marie-Louise Lundberg, psychologist and Head of the BUP, suspects that there is an organised system run by adults in which children are victims of sexual exploitation.  Last year 2,400 unaccompanied children and youth sought asylum in Sweden.
SvD 1 April 2011: 18 (in Swedish)
Metro Nyheter 1 April 2011 I: 23 (in Swedish)
Östersunds Posten 31 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfHF0EW
Skånskan 31 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfHG0EX
Helab Gotland 31 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfHH0EY
Landskrona Lokaltidning 31 March 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjEJ0ZqnfK0aYE0KfHI0EZ

[Roope]

Saturday 2 April to Monday 4 April 2011

Denmark

Immigration policy important in upcoming elections
Immigration issues will play an essential role in the forthcoming parliamentary elections which will be held no later than November 2011. In an opinion poll conducted for the daily newspaper Berlingske, up to 64 per cent state that immigration policy will significantly or somewhat significantly influence who they are going to vote for. According to Johannes Andersen, Election Expert at the Aalborg University, the figure is surprisingly high. Henrik Dam Kristensen, Immigration Spokesperson for the Social Democrats is, however, not surprised that immigration matters are so important. He argues that Danes want to see immigration issues solved. The Minister for Refugees, Immigrants and Integration Affairs, Søren Pind, says that even though immigration policy will be a major topic in the elections it will not influence his campaign message about cultural values. The poll shows that up to 72 per cent believe that non-Danish citizens should mainly live by Danish norms.
Berlingske 3 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYK0E3
DR 3 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYL0E4
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
DN 3 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYM0E5

Finland

Security Police select quota refugees, immigrants and travelers coming to Finland
The Finnish Security Police (SUPO) is trying to prevent potential terrorists from coming to Finland. SUPO is involved in the selection of quota refugees, and in the selection of persons coming to Finland from some of the countries in Middle East and Africa. The number of persons refused entry to Finland, due to security reasons is not official. Last year SUPO was involved in selecting quota refugees from Syria, Thailand and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This year Finland will receive 750 quota refugees from for example Thailand, Iran and Rwanda. SUPO has not yet decided in which countries it will take part in the selection process.
Aamulehti 2 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYN0E6

More than 50,000 immigrants will vote in the parliamentary elections
In the upcoming parliamentary elections 52,500 immigrants have the right to vote. This is 40 per cent more than in the elections four years ago, according to Statistics Finland. Still, immigrants constitute only 1 per cent of the electorate. The participation of immigrants in general elections in Finland has not been studied. However, in municipal elections immigrants have had a lower rate of participation compared to Finns.
Aamulehti 4 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYO0E7
Turun Sanomat 4 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYP0E8

Norway

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran rejects claim of espionage
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Oslo denies that Iran would pay asylum-seekers for espionage on the Iranian opposition living in Norway. Last week the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) interviewed an anonymous Iranian asylum-seeker who claimed that he was offered money to spy on the opposition. Iran's ambassador has now sent a letter to NRK stating that the claims of espionage are unfounded. The embassy has also sent out a press release, in which it says that the news is invented in order to weaken the relationship between Iran and Norway.
NRK 1 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYQ0EA

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration affected by media
Last week NRK published an article about a pregnant woman in Lillehammer whose husband, living in Pakistan, was denied entry to Norway. An appeal had been sent already in November last year. One day after the media attention, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) decided to allow the husband to come to Norway. Ingvald Bertelsen at the Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (NOAS) says this is not a coincidence and that media has power over UDI. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration rejects the statement. However, Snorre Sæther, Head of Division in the Managed Migration Department at UDI, confirms that media attention might speed up the decision making. The Norwegian Press Association's Per Edgar Kokkvold says that media should have power to monitor and influence those in charge.
NRK 1 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYR0EB

Sweden

Church of Sweden: Asylum-seekers should not be Christianized
Bishops in the Church of Sweden have advised their priests not to baptize asylum-seekers. One of the reasons for the recommendation is that rejected persons might risk persecution upon being deported to their home country.  Furthermore, it is argued that converting to Christianity should not be used as a reason to stay in Sweden. Bishop Ragnar Persenius explains that baptism is a sacrament of the Catholic Church and thus should not be utilized as a pretext in asylum-seeking processes.  He adds, nevertheless, that it is a complex situation due to the growing number of people coming from various cultural backgrounds and therefore a risk assessment of each case is needed. Archbishop Anders Wejryd, claims that one must engage in a more individual assessment when evaluating which kind of problems may rise when an individual leaves the Muslim community.
Svt 3 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYS0EC
Sveriges Radio 3 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=83&artikel=4435874
SvD 3 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYT0ED
DN 3 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYU0EE
Göteborgs-Posten 3 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYV0EF
Upsala Nya Tidning 3 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYW0EG



UNHCR in the news

UNHCR condemns combating parties in Côte d´Ivoire
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has condemned combating parties supporting both incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo as well as his opponent Alassane Ouattara, for human rights abuses towards civilians in new fighting that occurred last week. In addition, Ban Ki Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations urged both sides to refrain from engaging in revenge attacks. According to UNHCR around 116,000 Ivorians have fled to eight countries in West Africa, of which nearly 112,000 have fled to Liberia. Fatouma Lejeune-Kaba, Communication Officer at UNHCR in Geneva, explains that the current situation is precarious. There is acute shortage of food, water and medicines among internally displaced refugees and among refugees who have crossed the border to Liberia, she adds.
Aftenposten 2 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYX0EH
SvD 1 April 2011 (in Sweden)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjbk0ZqnfK0aYE0KnYY0EI

[Roope]

Tuesday 5 April to Wednesday 6 April 2011

Finland

Further integration of immigrants needed
According to an international study, Finland's integration policy looks good on paper, but more resources are needed. For immigrants the most common difficulties are to find a job and build a life in Finland. Contributing factors are the difficulties to get residence permit or Finnish citizenship. Positive aspects of integration in Finland are the possibilities for education and political involvement. During an election debate last Tuesday in Helsinki, with participation of candidates of immigrant background from all political parties, it was stressed that there is a need for further integration of immigrants into Finnish society. Astrid Thors, Minister of Migration and European Affairs, is reminding about the new law entering into force this autumn which is demanding frequent evaluations of immigrants' knowledge, and the need for education, traineeship, or employment. The law is to be part of the future integration policy.
YLE 5 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Ktto0Eg
YLE 6 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Kttp0Eh

"Immigrants do not steal jobs from Finns"
The fear of immigrants replacing the Finnish workforce is exaggerated, according to Dr. Jan Saarela at Åbo Akademi University. Yesterday Saarela presented the results from his study on the economic importance of immigration. Today there are 168,000 foreign citizens in Finland. Currently the unemployment rate is 15 per cent among immigrants and 6 per cent among Finns. Saarela says that immigrants supplement the Finnish workforce, and in the long run Finland cannot afford to be without immigrants. The great challenge for the society is to take care of the resource each immigrant can provide.
HBL 4 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Kttq0Ei
YLE 4 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Kttr0Ej

Sweden

Increase of labour migration
Labour migration has continued to grow significantly. During the first quarter of this year the number of working permits issued increased with 20 per cent compared to the same period last year. Jonas Lindgren, Migration Officer at the Swedish Migration Board, explains that the trend has remained strong due to the great demand for labour and the good economy. The increase is in line with the Government's and the Green Party's 2008-agreement to open the borders for migrant workers.
DN 4 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Ktts0Ek
SVT 4 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Kttt0El

Deportation protesters evacuated by police
The police evacuated and arrested several activists who gathered on 5 April outside the Swedish Migration Board's detention centre for asylum-seekers in Kållered, south of Gothenburg. The demonstrators were trying to prevent the deportation of rejected Iraqi asylum-seekers. According to the organization Action Against Deportation, the deportation concerns some twenty Iraqis who will be sent back to Iraq on 6 April. - We are concerned for minorities at risk of both persecution and death, said Sara Johansson, member of Action Against Deportation.
Göteborgs-Posten 6 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Kttu0Em
SvT 5 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Kttv0En



UNHCR in the news

Refugees from Libya missing
According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) more than 400 African migrants have gone missing since March 22, after attempting to flee the violence in Libya by boat across the Mediterranean Sea. A representative from the Vatican has reported that at least 10 persons have been found dead on the beaches of Tripoli. – We understand the people on board were of different nationalities, mainly from Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia, says UNHCR's spokesperson Andrej Mahecic. Meanwhile, the migration influx to the island of Lampedusa in Italy has continued to increase significantly. Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, has announced that the European Commission is prepared to use a directive that will provide immediate protection for the refugees who are unable to return to their home country.
DN 5 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Kttw0Eo
DN 4 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Kttx0Ep
MNS Nyheter 4 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Ktty0Eq
Skånskan 4 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Kttz0Er
SN 24 4 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Ktt10Ee
NRK 4 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Ktt20Ef
Verdens Gang 4 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Ktt30Eg

Antonio Guterres: risk of spill over in West Africa
President Laurent Gbagbo has finally agreed to negotiate his departure from power. Meanwhile, Antonio Guterres, High Commissioner of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), has warned that a continuation of the conflict might lead to a spill over effect in the entire West African region and not solely Liberia. The ongoing conflict in Côte d'Ivoire has had severe consequences on the civilian population, and several cases of human rights abuses have been reported. The United Nations is currently investigating allegations of a massacre that occurred in the city of Duékoué, in the western part of the country.
Göteborgs-Posten 5 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Ktt40Eh
TV4 5 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Ktt50Ei
Skånskan 5 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Ktt60Ej
SvD 5 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Ktt70Ek

Angelina Jolie urges international community to give more aid to Libya
Angelina Jolie, Hollywood actress and Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) urges the international community to provide more humanitarian aid to the thousands of persons fleeing the ongoing conflict in Libya, as well as those who find themselves stranded in the country.
DT 6 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDjrx0ZqnfK0aYE0Ktt80El

[Roope]

Thursday 7 April to Friday 8 April 2011


Denmark

Prime Minister to be scrutinized
Now also Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen will be scrutinized in the case concerning the stateless Palestinians. The Minister of Justice, Lars Barfoed, has agreed to change the terms of reference in the investigation of the Danish born stateless Palestinians wrongfully denied Danish citizenship. The case led to the resignation of the former Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech, since she knew about the issue but neglected to inform the stateless persons concerned. The commission who conducts the investigation is to find out if the Prime Minister's office was aware of the problem and if the Prime Minister has lived up to his responsibilities. Furthermore, the investigation period will be extended to include the year 2011 and the commission is expected to provide recommendations on how to prevent a similar case in the future. The work of the commission has to be concluded within three years.
DR 7 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2Am0EZ
DR 7 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2An0Ea
Berlingske 7 April (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2Ao0Eb
Information 7 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2Ap0Ec

NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
SVT 7 April 2011 (in Swedish) http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2Aq0Ed
Svenska Dagbladet 7 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2Ar0Ee
Göteborgs-Posten 7 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2As0Ef
Skånskan 7 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2At0Eg


Finland

Approximately 6,000 persons were granted Finnish citizenship
Last year, Finnish citizenship was granted to about 5,900 persons, reports the Finnish Immigration Service. This was a decrease from year 2009, when some 7,500 were granted citizenship. Most applicants were from Russia, Estonia and Iran.
YLE 7 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2Au0Eh
Turun Sanomat 7 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2Av0Ei
Aamulehti 7 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2Aw0Ej


Sweden

Deportations to Iraq against UNHCR's guidelines
On Tuesday night 41 persons from Sweden and 7 from Norway were deported from Gothenburg. A total of 169 Iraqis have been deported this year, even though the Ministry for Foreign Affairs advices against travel to Iraq due to the security situation in the country. A majority of the European countries does not deport people to Iraq. – We do not think that any one should be forced to return to Iraq due to the unstable security situation, says Madelaine Seidlitz, lawyer at Amnesty International in Stockholm. Alexandra Segenstedt from the Swedish Red Cross points to the fact that Sweden deports persons who belong to vulnerable minority groups. – Over all one can say that Sweden does not follow UNHCR's guidelines for persons in need of protection in Iraq, says Alexandra Segenstedt.
Göteborgs Fria 7 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2Ax0Ek



UNHCR in the news

Over 200 migrants drowned in boat tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea
Early Wednesday morning a boat with up to 300 persons fleeing Libya capsized close to the Italian island of Lampedusa. The boat was overcrowded and the situation worsened when panic and chaos broke out in addition to the stormy weather. The Italian coastguard managed to save the lives of 53 persons, but up to 230 persons drowned, among them several children. The majority of the passengers were sub-Saharan Africans. UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, says the persons were refugees twice, first they fled war and persecution in their own countries and then they had to flee Libya. UNHCR spokesperson in Italy, Laura Boldrini, says Italy has to be prepared for an influx of migrants fleeing Libya in the coming weeks. Europe is now under increased pressure to accept refugees. UNHCR has so far registered some 8,000 refugees inside Libya and more than 20,000 migrants have come to Italy and Malta since January. EU-commissioner Cecilia Malmström has urged EU countries to accept refugees still stuck in Libya to avoid further desperate actions by refugees putting their own lives at risk. One week ago, Malmström urged EU-countries to show solidarity, but only a handful have responded, among them Sweden. The European Union's Heads of State and Government have urged migration ministers to develop a plan how the EU can improve the ability to handle major migration and refugee influxes. Meanwhile, the governments in the EU member states are under heavy pressure due to the increased support for anti-immigration and populist parties. Therefore the negotiations about a common European migration and asylum policy are progressing slowly.
DR 6 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2Ay0El
Berlingske 6 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2Az0Em
Jyllands-Posten 6 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2A10EZ
Information 6 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2A20Ea
Dagbladet 6 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2A30Eb
Hufvudstadsbladet 6 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2A40Ec
Aamulehti 6 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2A50Ed
Helsingin Sanomat 6 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2A60Ee
Ilta-Sanomat 6 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2A70Ef
Dagens Nyheter 8 April 2011: 1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2A80Eg
Dagens Nyheter 8 April 2011: 2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2BA0Eq

Angelina Jolie visits refugee camp at the Tunisian-Libyan border
In the refugee camps at the Tunisian-Libyan border UNHCR's Goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie met some of the 400,000 people who have fled the war in Libya. Jolie urged for more international support for the refugees. Jolie has also contributed with a significant donation from the Jolie-Pitt Foundation.
TV4 Nyhetskanalen 6 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2BB0Er
NRK 6 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2BC0Es
Jydske Vestkysten 7 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDj8n0ZqnfK0aYE0K2BD0Et