UNHCR Baltic and Nordic Headlines (uutiskirje)

[Roope]

Saturday 9 April to Monday 11 April 2011


Denmark

Fewer persons granted permanent residence permits
The number of permanent residence permits granted to non-Danish citizens has dropped significantly since the implementation of a new points based immigration system last year. Of some 1,673 applicants, merely 4 per cent received the permit. Before the new immigration rules the approval rate was 59 per cent. The majority of those rejected have failed to meet the criteria for "active citizenship" in which they are expected to be involved in associations and leisure activities. Astrid Krag, Integration Spokesperson for the Socialist People's Party, argues that the points system is deeply problematic as it excludes people who have largely contributed to the Danish society. However, Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs is not surprised by the high rejection rate and states that it is normal after introducing new rules.
Jyllands-Posten 11 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBnq0Ep

Asylum-seeking children in state of emergency
Asylum-seeking children constitute about one third of all asylum-seekers in Denmark. Whether they are unaccompanied or with their family, they often reside in reception centres while their case is being processed. Kathrine Vitrus, Senior Researcher at the Danish National Centre for Social Research, argues that these children become accustomed to a sort of state of emergency.  She refers in particular to the numerous times they have to move while staying in Denmark. It is thus difficult for them to establish friendships with peers and adults, she adds. UNHCR estimates that there were a total of 827,000 asylum-seekers in 2008, around 44 per cent of them were children. In Denmark 3,855 persons applied for asylum in 2009.
DR 11 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBnr0Eq


Finland

More humanitarian assistance for people fleeing the crisis in Libya
Paavo Väyrynen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, has granted an additional 1.5 million euros in humanitarian aid to people who suffer from the crisis in Libya. The aid is channelled through UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF. Each organization gets 500,000 euros. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland has earlier granted 1.35 million euros to the Finnish Red Cross's aid work for Libyan refugees. In total Finland has given 2.85 million euros in humanitarian assistance to those fleeing the crisis in Libya.
YLE 8 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBns0Er


Norway

Psychological test for asylum-seekers to prevent rape
Last weekend five women were raped in central Oslo. This has led Libe Rieber-Mohn from the Labour Party to suggest that asylum-seekers undergo a psychological test to detect possible rapists. According to Rieber-Mohn sexual assaults in Norway are often committed by men with a foreign background. However, she admits it might be challenging to spot potential rapists with a test. Meanwhile, Ragnhild Bjørnebekk, researcher at the Norwegian Police University College, says 90 per cent of rapists have some form of a personality disorder which makes it possible to detect them with a psychological test. The proposal by Rieber-Mohn is supported by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre.
Aftenposten 8 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBnt0Es
Dagsavisen 8 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBnu0Et
Verdens gang 8 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBnv0Eu

Maria Amelie gets work permit in Norway
The rejected asylum-seeker Maria Amelie, who was deported earlier this year, has been granted a work permit in Norway. Some weeks ago an amendment of the rules regarding labour migration made it possible for deported asylum-seekers to return to work in the country. So far, the only applicant is Maria Amelie, but the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) does not leave out the possibility of receiving additional applications. It is still not known which date Maria Amelie will return to Norway.
Aftenposten 9 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBnw0Ev
Dagsavisen 9 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBnx0Ew

NB. This story was also covered in Finland
YLE 9 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBny0Ex
Turun Sanomat 9 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBnz0Ey


Sweden

Center Party wants new integration policy
The Center Party wants the government's new integration policy to be revised. Michael Arthursson, from the Center Party, argues that working conditions for non-Swedish citizens must be ameliorated. He draws attention to the decreasing employment rate among foreign-born persons since the centre-right alliance came to power.  In addition, the Centre Party wishes to increase labour migration by making it easier for employers to hire.  As a result, it will be more difficult for the Sweden Democrats to defend their thoughts on immigration, if more people come here to work, explains Michael Arthursson.
DN 11 April 2011 I: 9 (in Swedish)

Being a Christian Iraqi is not enough to get asylum in Sweden
According to Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, being a Christian Iraqi or coming from a war torn country is not enough to be granted asylum. There must be an explicit threat against the individual, he adds. He later argues that even though the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Amnesty International condemn the deportation of asylum-seeking Iraqis, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has stated that emphasis should be put on the individual case when determining the asylum claims. Hence, while taking into account recommendations from UNHCR, the Swedish immigration authorities also must make an individual assessment of each case.
Göteborgs Fria 8 April 2011(in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBn10El



UNHCR in the news

UN is asking for safe areas for refugees from Côte d'Ivoire
Several UN organizations call for protection of civilians fleeing Côte d'Ivoire. Safe areas are needed for the persons fleeing so they can get access to humanitarian aid, such as supplies, inside Côte d'Ivoire. So far at least 150,000 have fled to neighbouring countries, most of them to Liberia, reports UNHCR. The agency's spokesperson Fatoumata Lejeune-Kaba says the situation is heading towards a humanitarian crisis. UNHCR is asking the government to repair bridges and roads to make it easer for refugees to flee. Currently, it takes a long time to move short distances, says Lejeune-Kaba. She explains that many refugees have been walking for days and are tired and scared.
NRK 9 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBn20Em
Verdens Gang 8 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBn30En
Aftenbladet 8 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBn40Eo

Tens of thousands fleeing fighting in Somalia
In south and central Somalia fighting between government forces and the Al-Shabaab militia have forced tens of thousands of people to flee, reports UNHCR. During the last six weeks, up to 33,000 persons have been displaced. At the moment, 1.4 million internally displaced refugees are living inside Somalia, and some 680,000 refugees originating from Somalia are staying in neighbouring countries.
YLE 8 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDkXW0ZqnfK0aYE0LBn50Ep

[Roope]

Tuesday 12 April to Wednesday 13 April 2011

Denmark

Denmark might accept refugees fleeing Libya
Denmark might receive around 10 refugees from Libya, as part of their annual resettlement quota.  However, Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, says the request for resettlement must come from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) first and he also wants to explore the political climate. Denmark is one of the European Union (EU) member states that has agreed to receive some of the thousands of refugees who have fled from Libya. Søren Pind says that the people who have sought refuge in Malta are genuine refugees in need of humanitarian assistance.
TV2 Nyhederne 11 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVT0Ex
Jyllands-Posten 11 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVU0Ey
Berlingske 11 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVV0Ez
Politiken 11 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVW0E1
Information 11 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVX0E2

Finland

Finland ready to accept 72 refugees fleeing Libya
Finland is prepared to receive 72 refugees fleeing the crisis in Libya. This is within the annual resettlement quota. This year Finland's resettlement quota is 750. On Monday Italy and Malta appealed to other EU countries to share the burden of the influx of refugees from North Africa. However, the willingness to help is low. The majority of the around 20,000 Tunisians who have fled to Italy are economic migrants and do not qualify for refugee status. Many EU member states have also stressed that each country should regulate its own borders. However, Malta's appeal received more understanding, since some 2,000 refugees from Libya are unable to return home. For example Germany, Slovakia and Sweden have agreed to accept refugees from North Africa.  Finland accepts refugees in need of emergency assistance only if requested by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
YLE 11 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVY0E3
YLE 11 April 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVZ0E4
Aamulehti 11 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVa0EC

Misleading information on family reunification
Some 300 persons are annually granted residence permits on the grounds of family reunification, according to statistics from the Ministry of the Interior. The information concerns the last 12 years. The number of persons granted family reunification is significantly lower compared to the number of applications processed. The Finnish Refugee Advice Centre and the Finnish Refugee Council are concerned that misleading information reinforces xenophobia. For example in February the Finnish Immigration Service informed that they were processing around 5,600 family reunification applications from Somalis. According to the Finnish Refugee Advice Centre and the Finnish Refugee Council this gives the false impression that several thousand people come to Finland annually on the grounds of family reunification. However, the application process for family reunification often takes several years and over half of the applications are rejected.
Aamulehti 12 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVb0ED
MTV 3 12 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVc0EE
Turun Sanomat 12 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVd0EF
Yle 12 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVe0EG

Immigration issues hot topic in the upcoming Parliamentary election
Political parties disagree about what position the next government should have on immigration. The question will not dictate the outcome in the Parliamentary elections 17 April, but immigration is one the main topics in which the parties have different views.
- The discussion is largely triggered by the True Finns, says adjunct professor Arno Tanner from the University of Helsinki. Lawyer Ida Staffans at the Finnish Refugee Advice Centre says that immigration is one the most prominent issues in the election campaign. Staffans adds that "immigration has an effect on the budget, but this does perhaps not stand in fair relation to the importance of the subject in the discussions". When looking at the scale of immigration in Finland the number of arrivals is low compared to many other countries like Sweden, Great Britain, Germany and France. Esko Repo, Director of the Asylum Unit at the Finnish Immigration Service, concludes that Finland has almost the same level of asylum-seekers as Denmark and Norway. Ida Staffans points out that the difficult local language, the cold climate and the remote geographical location may influence the relatively low number of asylum-seekers in Finland.
YLE 12 April 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVf0EH

Increasing pressure on municipalities to receive refugees
The state has taken additional measures to get municipalities to receive more refugees. According to the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities this is almost forced resettlement. Since the municipalities have been reluctant to voluntarily accept asylum-seekers who have been granted residence permits and quota refugees, the state has begun to speed up the process in other ways. For example if refugees find their own apartment in a municipality the reception centres help by paying their deposit.
Aamulehti 11 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVg0EI
Hufvudstadsbladet 11 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVh0EJ
Turun Sanomat 11 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVi0EK
Österbottens tidning 11 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVj0EL

Norway

Additional aid for Côte d´Ivoire
As a result of the deteriorating situation in Côte d´Ivoire, Norway has decided to contribute with additionally 30 million Norwegian crowns in humanitarian aid. The money will be directed through, among others, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and utilized to meet the most basic needs of fleeing refugees.
Verdens Gang 11 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVk0EM

Amnesty and NRC advice against forced return to Syria
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and Amnesty International Norway say Norway should be careful in sending back asylum-seekers to Syria due to the current situation in the country. According to the Syrian born Norwegian politician Mohamed Jaman it is irresponsible of Norway to send back Syrian asylum-seekers while peaceful protestors are being killed on the streets. During the last four weeks at least 173 persons have been killed in Syria. NRC's Secretary General Elisabeth Rasmusson cites media reports about arrests and abuse of those arrested. Rasmusson says that Norway should carefully consider to stop all forced returns to Syria since the situation there is violent and unstable. The Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) has previously informed that no one will be forcibly returned to Libya, Côte d'Ivoire and Yemen due to the security situation in the countries. Rasmusson states that if Norway continues to forcibly return Syrians to this violent and unstable situation, NRC will challenge the authorities and ask how they can be sure that the returnees are safe and do not risk persecution or torture. Also Amnesty is concerned about the forced return to Syria.
Stavanger Aftenblad 12 April 2011 I:13 (in Norwegian)
Stavanger Aftenblad 13 April 2011 I:16 (in Norwegian)

Sweden

Additional aid for Libya
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) have decided to provide an additional 10 million Swedish crowns in humanitarian aid to Libya. The reason for this is the difficult situation in Libya and its impact on neighbouring countries. So far, some 489,319 persons have fled from Libya, of which 91,211 have been evacuated by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Aftonkuriren 12 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVl0EN

Deportation stop to Gaza Strip revoked
The halt to deport rejected asylum-seekers to the Gaza Strip introduced on February 1 2011 has now been revoked by the Swedish Migration Board.  The decision was taken following the reopening of the Rafah crossing linking Egypt with the Gaza Strip.
SVT 12 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVm0EO



UNHCR in the news

No to EU protection directive
European Union (EU) Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs gathered on Monday 11 April in Luxembourg to discuss the current migration flow from North Africa to Europe. The discussion concerned whether the EU should implement an EU protection directive which will allow EU members states to, in situations of mass influx, provide temporary residence to all incoming asylum-seekers. Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, argues that it is premature to activate the directive, as the present situation does not characterize a situation of mass influx. Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, concurs and states that more emphasis ought to be put on a resettlement model that enables EU member states to receive asylum-seekers in proportion to their own population. By doing so, the EU will be able to offer the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) 100,000 resettlement places, he adds.
Sveriges Radio 11 April 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVn0EP
Sveriges Radio 11 April 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVo0EQ
Svenska Dagbladet 11 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVp0ER
Göteborgs-Posten 11 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVq0ES
DR 11 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVr0ET
Politiken 11 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDknw0ZqnfK0aYE0LIVs0EU

Over 500,000 refugees from North Africa
Over 500,000 people have fled the unrest and violence in North Africa. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) appeals to all EU countries to share the burden of the immigration influx. – The most obvious way is to aid the Mediterranean countries financially and technically, says Hanne Mathisen, spokesperson for UNHCR Regional office for the Baltic and Nordic Countries. – We also wish that member states would take refugees above their annual resettlement quotas, she adds. - Furthermore, if asylum-seekers leave the Mediterranean countries and travel to for example Finland, Finland could process the asylum applications and not return the asylum-seeker to countries where it is already crowded, Mathisen says. - If the influx of refugees exceeds a critical mass, the  EU could use the temporary protection directive developed after the war in Kosovo, says Mathisen, adding that the directive never has been used. In practice the directive means that Italy and other governments would not have to process asylum applications individually; all the arrivals would be allowed to wait to see how the situation develops.
Helsingin Sanomat 12 April 2011 (in Finnish) I:B1,1

[Roope]

Thursday 14 April to Friday 15 April 2011

Denmark

Denmark halts deportation to Syria until further notice
On request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the Refugee Appeals Board has decided to temporarily suspend all deportations to Syria, due to the violence in the area. Pending asylum applications will continue to be processed in order to grant residence permits to asylum-seekers who meet the conditions of the Danish Alien Act. Cases that do not qualify will be postponed until further notice.
Jyllands-Posten 14 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOJ0El
Berlingske 14 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOK0Em
Information 14 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOL0En
Politiken 14 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOM0Eo
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
Göteborgs-Posten 14 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPON0Ep
SvD 14 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOO0Eq

Søren Pind insults EU Commissioner for Human Rights
The Swedish EU Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, has criticised Denmark and other EU member states' lack of engagement in helping Italy to deal with the 25,000 North African refugees who recently have arrived to the Italian island of Lampedusa.  Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, has reacted strongly to Thomas Hammarberg´s criticism. According to Pind, Thomas Hammarberg is "obviously an idiot and not worth wasting time on". Mogens Jensen, Member of the Socialist Party, does not agree with Søren Pind and argues that Pind's comment might damage Denmark in diplomatic contexts.
Politiken 15 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOP0Er
TV 2 Nyhederne 15 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOQ0Es
Information 15 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOR0Et
Jyllands-Posten 15 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOS0Eu
Berlingske 15 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOT0Ev
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
Dagens Nyheter 15 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOU0Ew
SVT 15 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOV0Ex

Finland

Thors: Integration is sacrificed on the altar of hate
­- We should be aware that xenophobic forces in Finland are part of a well-organized network in Europe. This development could mean that we sacrifice good integration on the "altar of hate", says the Minister of Immigration and European Affairs Astrid Thors. According to Thors the attitude towards immigration changed in the years 2008-2009. This was partly caused by fear when the number of asylum-seekers increased. Now, when the number of asylum-seekers has declined, Thors is afraid that fear of immigration remains. She wonders how many of citizens in Finland are aware that Sweden received 32,000 asylum-seekers last year compared to 4,000 in Finland. Thors states she has done her best to change the misconceptions regarding the number of asylum-seekers, but points out that there are groups of people who turn a deaf ear to such government information.
YLE 13 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOW0Ey

Sweden

Billström received petition
A support group of a girl from Örebro who died last fall while faced with imminent deportation threats demands amendment of the Aliens Act to make it more humanitarian. One of the leaders of the support group, Left Party member Murad Artin, says the group thinks there has been a tightening in the Aliens Act which conflicts with the Child Convention.  On Thursday the support group met with Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, to hand over a petition with 4,000 signatures and to present its demands of legislative changes in order to avoid a repetition of similar cases.
Sveriges Radio 14 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOX0Ez

Sweden will get a fourth Migration Court
As a result of the Government and the Green Party's new agreement regarding Sweden's migration policy, a fourth Migration Court will be established. The Government has asked the National Courts Administration to suggest where the new court should be placed. Currently, appeals on the Swedish Migration Board's decisions are submitted to the Migration Courts located in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo.
Dagens Nyheter 14 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOY0E1
Svenska Dagbladet 14 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOZ0E2

Swedes more positive towards immigration
New figures from an opinion poll conducted by the Society Opinion Media Institute (SOM) at the University of Gothenburg in 2010, indicate that Swedes have never been more positive towards receiving refugees. The poll shows that in comparison to prior years, up to 30 per cent think that Sweden should receive more refugees. Furthermore, the percentage of Swedes who think that Sweden should receive fewer refugees has decreased from 46 per cent to 42 per cent. The survey was conducted during the same period as the far-right political party Sweden Democrats successfully entered Parliament, with 5,7 per cent of the votes. Marie Demker, Professor of Political Science at the University of Gothenburg, explains that the Sweden Democrats have been able to mobilize voters for which issues on immigration and refugees have been very important.  In addition the study illustrates that even though Swedes have become more positive towards immigration, a large majority still think that Sweden should tighten the influx of refugees.
Dagens Nyheter 14 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOa0EA
Svt 14 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOb0EB
Sveriges Radio 14 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDk4s0ZqnfK0aYE0LPOc0EC



UNHCR in the news

Sweden will receive quota refugees from Libya
Sweden will become the first country to take quota refugees from Libya. The refugees are mostly Somalis and Eritreans who have found themselves stranded in Libya, following the country's ongoing armed conflict. The Swedish authorities will along with the UN Refugee Agency (UNCHR) choose 200 persons for resettlement by the end of April. Although Cecilia Malmstöm, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, and UNHCR have drawn strong attention to this situation the EU member countries have not shown a great engagement in receiving refugees from Libya.
Dagens Nyheter 14 April 2011 I: 12 (in Swedish)

[Roope]

Saturday 16 April to Monday 18 April 2011

Denmark

Around 10 per cent are immigrants
According to the Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, first- and second-generation immigrants constitute 10.1 per cent of the Danish population. This represents more than 562,000 persons. The number has increased with 147,000 since the centre-right parties came to power in 2002. The nature of immigration has, nevertheless, changed during the past 10 years.  The percentage of asylum-seekers who come as refugees or through family reunification has decreased from 50 per cent to merely 15 per cent. Most of the current immigrant population has come to work or study in Denmark.
DR 18 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYCt0ES
Information 18 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYCu0ET
Jyllands-Posten 17 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYCv0EU
Berlingske 17 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYCw0EV

Lars Løkke Rasmussen criticizes Søren Pind
Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen wants to distance himself from the insulting comments made by the Minister of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Søren Pind, about the Swedish EU Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg. Pind called Hammarberg an idiot for criticizing e.g. Denmark's lack of engagement in helping Italy with its current refugee situation. Løkke Rasmussen stresses that the words used were inappropriate and that he would not have chosen such a vocabulary himself. However, Søren Pind will not be reprimanded for his harsh comments, says Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Thomas Hammarberg is disappointed with Søren Pind's reaction and hopes that it was merely an emotional and impulsive one, as the refugee issue should not be neglected.
DR 15 April: 1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYCx0EW
DR 15 April: 2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYCy0EX
Politiken 15 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYCz0EY

Stricter language requirements jeopardize family reunification in Denmark
The Government and the Danish People's Party have decided to further tighten the test that provides access to family reunification in Denmark. This means that foreigners will have to possess some basic language skills before having the possibility to obtain a residence permit.  The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) estimates that an average of 600 lessons in Danish will have to be taken in order to meet the requirements. It is thus clear that foreigners will have to start learning Danish before coming to Denmark. Eva Ersbøll, Senior Researcher at the Danish Institute for Human Rights, is critical about this endeavor and argues that it will limit the number of family reunifications significantly.  The Minister of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Søren Pind, has not given any comments regarding the new changes.
Berlingske 18 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYC10EL
Jyllands-Posten 18 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYC20EM
Information 17 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYC30EN

Denmark fails to mention violation of UN Convention
The Danish Government has failed to mention violations of the United Nations "Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons" in its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Both Claus Juul, Legal consultant at Amnesty International, and Jørgen Estrup, Chairman at the Danish UN Association, find it very surprising that the issue regarding the stateless Palestinians who were wrongfully denied Danish citizenship is not mentioned and argue that the report is very deficient.
Politiken 16 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYC40EO
Berlingske 16 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYC50EP

Finland

Historical victory for True Finns in Parliamentary Elections
In the Finnish Parliamentary elections Sunday 17 April 2011 the centre-right National Coalition Party (NCP) became the largest party with 44 seats, followed by the Finnish Social Democratic party with 42 seats in the 200-member Parliament. The third biggest party, the anti-immigration True Finns, won 39 seats, increasing its support from 4.1 per cent in 2007 to around 19 per cent. All parties lost seats except True Finns and Swedish People's Party in Finland that managed to hold on to its 9 seats. The Finnish Centre Party was toppled from power losing 16 seats. The party is now the fourth largest party with 15.8 per cent of the votes. In the new Parliament, 84 parliamentarians are totally new. There are 86 women, a higher number than ever before. The voting turnout was 70.4 per cent in the whole country. Government formation is expected to be difficult, since True Finns' party leader Timo Soini is negotiating hard about for example support for eurozone economies.
Yle 17 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYC60EQ
Yle 18 April 2011:1 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYC70ER
Yle 18 April 2011:2 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYC80ES
Hufvudstadsbladet 18 April 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDA0Ec
Hufvudstadsbladet 18 April 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDB0Ed
Svenska Yle 18 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDC0Ee
Aamulehti 18 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDD0Ef
Turun Sanomat 17 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDE0Eg
NB. This story was also covered in Norway
Aftenposten 18 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDF0Eh
NRK 17 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDG0Ei
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
Sveriges Radio 18 April 2011: 1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDH0Ej
Sveriges Radio 18 April 2011: 2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDI0Ek
Sveriges Radio 18 April 2011: 3 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDJ0El
Dagens Nyheter 18 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDK0Em
Svenska Dagbladet 18 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDL0En

Immigrant candidates did not do well in the elections
Many candidates with an immigrant background were expected to do well in the Parliamentary elections 17 April. However, only one immigrant candidate was elected. Technically speaking the parliamentarian Elisabeth Nauclér from the Åland Islands has an immigrant background since she is born in Sweden. When she was elected in 2007 she was the first parliamentarian with an immigrant background.
Turun Sanomat 17 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDM0Eo
Yle 18 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDN0Ep
Hufvudstadsbladet 18 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDO0Eq
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
SR Sisu Radio 18 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDP0Er

True Finns party leader has no new demands on immigration
True Finns party leader Timo Soini is waiting for an invitation from the largest party, the National Coalition Party, for talks on a new Government. – The National Coalition Party now has the opportunity and responsibility to form a Government, Soini concludes. The National Coalition Party, Finnish Social Democratic Party and True Finns together have 125 seats in the 200-member Parliament. – The small parties are not required to form a Government, Soini says.  Soini wants changes regarding Finland's EU policy and taxation. Regarding the immigration policy Soini did not immediately have any new demands for the Government Programme. – We will see, the Parliamentary groups are also discussing these things, Soini says. According to Soini the outgoing Government's tightening of the immigration policy was good.
Helsingin Sanomat 18 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDQ0Es
Yle 18 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDR0Et

A majority of the new parliamentarians wants fewer immigrants
According to a compilation of the new parliamentarians' answers in the public broadcasting company YLE's election machine, a majority wants fewer immigrants.  Some 191 candidates have expressed their opinion about the sentence "The reception and the tax funded support of immigrants should be reduced."  Of these 191 candidates, 45 totally agreed and 74 partially agreed with the statement. Amongst True Finns' parliamentarians everybody totally agreed or partially agreed with the statement,
YLE 18 April (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDC0Ee

Norway

Norway might accept 85 refugees fleeing Libya
One month after the crisis in Libya broke out, the UN Refugee Agency UNCHR sent a formal appeal for assistance. It asked Norway and other countries to receive additional refugees from Libya. So far Sweden has responded to the request, it will receive 200 quota refugees. – We have not yet heard back from Norway, says Hanne Mathisen, spokesperson for UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic Countries. Norway's State Secretary Pål K. Lønseth from the Ministry of Justice and the Police says UNHCR will receive an answer after Easter. - Norway has 85 places within its annual resettlement quota, however, the Government has not yet made a decision, but we are sympathetic towards using these places for the Libya crisis, states Lønseth. Over 500,000 people have fled from Libya to neighbouring countries during the last two months. UNHCR is especially concerned over some 8,000 persons now forced to flee a second time. These are people who have fled to Libya from Iraq, Palestine, Eritrea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries. – In one way it is important to get a swift answer. It concerns people UNHCR sees as refugees. They have been in Libya and are forced to flee in the same way as migrant workers and others. At the same time there is a need for us to assess their claims to identify that they are who they say they are. We also have to prioritize among these 8,000. Even if there is a positive response from Norway later on, that is positive as well, Mathisen says. Mathisen doesn't want to concretize how big the need is, but reminds of the fact that the Government previously has indicated an increase of the resettlement quota from 1,200 to 1,500. – It is up to Norway to decide how many it can receive. Norway is already an important resettlement partner, however, we would naturally appreciate if Norway would receive some above the decided quota, Mathisen continues. Lønseth states that increasing the resettlement quota is the Government's ambition, but it will be in connection with a stabilization of the influx of other refugees. Lønseth adds that the decision to use the 85 emergency resettlement places for refugees fleeing Libya will affect the needs of refugees in other parts of the world.
ABC Nyheter 15 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDS0Eu
NRK 15 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDT0Ev
P4 Nyheder 15 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDU0Ew

Sweden

Difficult to get asylum for Afghan aid workers
The Taliban related violence directed at Afghan aid workers has risen drastically since last year. However, this threat might not be enough to be granted asylum in Sweden. Samiullah Musharraf, previously an assistant to the Governor of Badghis, has recently gotten his asylum application rejected, although being constantly harassed and threatened by the Talibans. The Swedish Migration Board believes that there is no indication that the threats were directed at him personally. A Spanish humanitarian organization paid Musharraf's salary. According to the UN Refugee Agency women are particularly targeted as they often are accused of having committed immoral acts. However, the situation seems to be of a lesser concern for the Afghan local authorities. The UNHCR argues that Afghan aid workers are in need of serious protection.
DN 18 April 2011 I:8 (in Swedish)



UNHCR in the news

The UN warns of lack of funds in Libya crisis
The funds aimed to help people suffering from the crisis in Libya are running out, warns the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR. The UN has just received under half of the around 200 million Euros it appealed for. – If we do not urgently get funds from donor countries, this will impact the emergency aid given to tens of thousands of people who have fled the violence, says UNHCR's spokesperson Andrej Mahecic. UNHCR needs funds for humanitarian aid and to support the influx of persons fleeing to Libya's neighbouring countries.
YLE 15 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDV0Ex
Harstad Tidene 15 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDW0Ey
Framtid Nord 15 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDX0Ez

Refugee camp built by DRC and UNHCR
Ongoing tensions in Côte d'Ivoire have forced thousands of people to flee their homes. Although the massive exodus from the countryside has decreased, large groups of people continue to cross the border with Liberia every day. An estimated 12,000 refugees are now located in Maryland County, where a new refugee camp is being built under the guidance of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). The camp will be constructed in order to ensure protection and assistance for arriving refugees and it should be able to accommodate up to 15,000 persons. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), has, in addition built a refugee camp near the Nimba County, so as to help the surrounding villages to cope with the massive influx of refugees.
My News Desk 15 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDY0E1
U-landsnyt 17 April 2011(in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDZ0E2

The Liberals ignores UNHCR recommendation
The Liberals do not agree with UNHCR's recommendation to relocate refugees from North Africa among the European Union (EU) Members states. Instead, they argue that the situation is not urgent and that it would be far more effective to directly assist refugees in the field. According to Thomas Hammarberg, Swedish EU Commissioner for Human Rights, UNHCR's recommendations are constantly being ignored. The organization has gradually been reduced to a non-governmental organization (NGO) although it is an expert organization with competent staff, he adds. Laura Boldrini, Senior Regional Public Information Officer at UNHCR in Rome concurs, and argues that many governments do not act in line with the Geneva Convention, but handle immigration in ways that are more political rather than technical as they always have the next elections in mind.
Information 15 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDa0EA
Altinget 15 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlUS0ZqnfK0aYE0LYDb0EB

[Roope]

Tuesday 19 April to Wednesday 20 April 2011

Denmark

Opposition against stricter rules for family reunification
The opposition in Denmark has announced that it will reverse the Government's and the Danish People's Party's (DPP) newest tightening of requirements for family reunification if it wins the upcoming parliamentary elections. Henrik Dam Kristensen from the Social Democrats says that the Government and DPP have gone too far. Marianne Jelved, member of Social Liberals, concurs and calls the proposal "extreme" and "completely exaggerated".
DR 19 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfB80ES
Nyherderne 19 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCA0Ec
Jyllands-Posten 19 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCB0Ed
Berlingske 19 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCC0Ee
Politiken 19 April 2011(in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCD0Ef
Information 19 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCE0Eg

Roma were illegally deported
The Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs has overturned the deportation of 14 Roma people who were arrested last summer in Amager, subsequent to a police incursion. The deportation is, in fact, a violation of both Danish and European Union (EU) regulations, according to the Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs. The decision has raised political concern from both the Social Democrats and the Danish People's Party who argue that Denmark should have the right to "protect itself from street beggars".  Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, has not been available for comments on the matter.
Politiken 18 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCF0Eh
Jyllands-POsten 18 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCG0Ei
Berlingske 19 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCH0Ej
DR 18 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCI0Ek

Danish People's Party congratulates True Finns
The European Parliament member Morten Messerschmidt from the Danish People's Party congratulates his Finnish colleague Timo Soini, party leader of True Finns, on the party's historical victory in the Finnish parliamentary elections 17 April. Messerschmidt says the opposition against large-scale immigration and EU's efforts to centralize power have resulted in massive election victories for parties in for example the Nordic countries.
DR 18 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCJ0El

Finland

NGOs worried by True Finns policies
Non-governmental organizations are worried about the future of development aid under the next government. The organizations hope that the National Coalition Party (NCP) and Finnish Social Democratic Party (SDP) do not change their stances because of the True Finns, if they would form a coalition. The Service Centre for Development Cooperation (KEPA) fears that development aid will not increase under the next government. True Finns have said that people living under dire conditions should be helped in their country of origin not in Finland. Therefore it is surprising that some True Finns want to stop development aid partially or completely. – It seems rather contradictory, True Finns ought to decide what their policy is, says Timo Lappalainen, Executive Director of KEPA.
YLE 20 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCK0Em

Anti-immigrant politician desires Immigration Portfolio
Jussi Halla-aho, one of True Finns' parliamentarians known for his racist comments, is interested in becoming the new Minister of Immigration. Halla-aho wants to decrease Finland's development aid and costs related to asylum-seekers. – Like the other parties, True Finns, believes that those who come here to work are welcome,  Halla-aho says. However, he sees humanitarian immigration as a problem and argues that family reunification is used as a channel for immigration. Halla-aho concludes that Finland can still offer protection to persons considered refugees under the international definition.
Yle 19 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCL0En
Svenska Yles Nyheter 18 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCM0Eo

True Finns' supporters want a fantasy world
The True Finns party's victory in the Parliamentary elections 17 April does not necessarily lead to an as rigorous anti-immigration policy as in many other European countries.  Laura Parkkinen, researcher at Turku University, is familiar with populism and True Finns policies. She argues that there is no extreme racism present in the party leader Timo Soini's goals and that Soini differs from many other European populists since he has not been associated with violence. Parkkinen says Soini has no particular enemy, nor are his speeches or demands directed at any specific group. Parkkinen believes that True Finns' support is due to an old-fashioned domestic rural conservatism, people opposing modernization. In foreign media True Finns has been presented as an anti-immigrant populist party. BBC even associated the party with Nazism, which is something the party leader, Timo Soini, wants to correct. Soini has told BBC that people in Europe can sleep in peace, since True Finns is not a radical party.
Helsingin Sanomat 18 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCN0Ep
Aamulehti 18 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCO0Eq
Hufvudstadsbladet 18 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCP0Er
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
SVT 18 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCQ0Es

Norway

Fewer persons reside in reception centres
During the first quarter of this year 16,538 persons lived in Norwegian reception centres. This is 2,300 fewer compared to the same period last year. The top three countries of origin were Afghanistan (2,747), Eritrea (2,139), and Somalia (1,905).
Verdens Gang 19 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCR0Et

Marie Amelie's case gives hope to Kosovo Serbs
Last year hundreds of Kosovo Serbs were forcibly returned to Serbia. Many of them had spent several years in Norway and were well integrated in local communities with jobs and big social networks. Their lawyer, Trond Olsen Næss, says the new regulations applied in conjunction with Maria Amelie's case can make it possible for many of these Kosovo Serbs to return to Norway. The regulation changes make it possible for illegal immigrants deported from Norway to get the expulsion decision cancelled and return to the country if he/she has a job offer relevant to his/her higher education. Karl Erik Sjøholt from the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) says UDI is prepared for applications from the group of Kosovo Serbs who was deported last year.
Verdens Gang 20 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCS0Eu
NRK 20 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCT0Ev

UNE does not regret the deportation of Rahim Rostami
The Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) has asked the UN Refugee Agency (UNCHR) in Stockholm to review the documents regarding the 19 year old Rahim Rostami´s deportation to Teheran. Rahim Rostami was sent back to Iran on February 8 2011 despite having a document showing he was risking a death sentence if deported.  His case received a lot of media attention and even the Government asked UNE to re-examine his asylum application. The review is now complete and UNE says that the reality of the matter is substantially different from what has been shown in the media. In the report it is stated that both the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and UNE have concluded that Rahim Rostami's document was false and that he does not face a death penalty. His family and friends are, however, still concerned that he may be executed. Rostami is still in jail.
NRK 19 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCU0Ew
NRK 20 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCV0Ex

Sweden

Södertälje municipality requests meeting with Government
Anders Lago, Mayor of Södertälje Municipality, has requested a consultation meeting with the Government to discuss sustainable solutions for the municipality's large influx of asylum-seekers. Södertälje receives the highest number of asylum-seekers after Stockholm.
SVT 19 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCW0Ey
Dagens Nyheter 19 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCX0Ez
Sveriges Radio 19 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCY0E1

Asylum-seekers risk deportation due to inadequate information
Asylum-seekers are at risk of being forcibly returned due to misleading information from the Swedish Migration Board. Pejam, who has gotten her asylum application rejected, will be deported to Kurdistan where she is threatened by honor related killing by her family.  According to the Swedish authorities, this is a matter for the Kurdistan Police and women shelters. Following the Swedish Migration Board's assessment trip to Kurdistan, the Migration Court of Appeal stated that there are places available in women shelters and that it is, thus, better for Pejam to stay in Kurdistan. Women shelters in Kurdistan, the Swedish Refugee Advice Center and the Red Cross that also took part in the trip, argue otherwise, and talk about overcrowded women shelters with poor security. Khanim Latif, Director at the Organization for Combating Violence Against Women (ASUDA) says that it is therefore better for women in similar situations to remain in Europe.
Svt 19 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCZ0E2
Svt Play 19 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCa0EA

Christian organizations met with Iraq's ambassador to Sweden
Sweden has continued to forcibly return Christian Iraqis back to their homeland, despite strong criticism from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The UNHCR has, in fact, highlighted the particular risk faced by Christian minorities in Iraq. The Swedish Evangelical Alliance (SEA) met with Hussain M. Al-Ameri, Iraq's ambassador to Sweden, to talk about the forced deportations. - We wanted to know how Iraq looks at the forced deportations, says Jacob Rudolph Peterson, coordinator at SEA. The Iraqi ambassador has been critical to the deportations and previously he has talked about possibilities to renegotiate the readmission agreement signed on February 2008, enabling Sweden to return rejected Iraqi asylum-seekers. According to the Swedish Migration Board, there are more than 2,600 Iraqis in Sweden who have been notified that they will be deported. However, Dan Eliasson, General Director at the Swedish Migration Board, argues that persons who may be exposed to violence upon their return will under no circumstances be sent back.
Världen Idag 20 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCb0EB

NB. Correction of Thomas Hammerberg's title
In Baltic and Nordic Headlines 16-18 April 2011, Thomas Hammerberg was wrongfully named Swedish EU Commissioner for Human Rights. He is of course the Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe.



UNHCR in the news

Some 10,000 Libyan refugees have fled into Tunisia
According to the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR some 10,000 Libyans have fled fighting in West Libya and crossed into Tunisia during the last 10 days. A majority of the fleeing Libyans have arrived in the Dehiba area in southern Tunisia. - A growing number of Libyan refugees have been arriving in Tunisia from the Western Mountains regions, says Andrej Mahecic UNHCR spokesperson in Geneva. The Libyans tell that the area has been under siege by government forces for a month and the civilians are suffering more and more. A majority of those fleeing are from the town of Nalut, some 50 kilometres from the Tunisian border, reports UNHCR.
Aamulehti 19 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCc0EC
Iltalehti 19 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCd0ED
Kaleva 19 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCe0EE
Turun Sanomat 19 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCf0EF
Uusi Suomi 19 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCg0EG
Vasabladet 19 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCh0EH
YLE 19 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCi0EI
Dagbladet 19 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCj0EJ
Göteborgs-Posten 20 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCk0EK

Humanitarian aid now allowed into Libya
Humanitarian aid workers are now allowed into Libya, following an agreement between Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) and Muammar Gadaffi´s regime. However, due to lack of information, it has been difficult to assess the humanitarian needs within Libya. It is unclear how many Libyans are internally displaced and it is very difficult to estimate how much help is needed, says Hanne Mathisen, Senior Regional External Relations Officer at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Stockholm. As there are no organized refugee camps inside of Libya, internally displaced persons have been forced to rely on the kindness of their compatriots. Most refugees have, accordingly, been cared for by friends or relatives. People have opened their homes, schools and so on, Mathisen adds.
Sveriges Radio 19 April 20 11 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDlll0ZqnfK0aYE0LfCl0EL

[Roope]

Thursday 21 April to Wednesday 27 April 2011


Denmark

Danes positive to the current immigration debate
In Denmark the tone of the current immigration debate has been heavily criticised. Despite this, a new opinion poll for Berlingske shows that 60 per cent of Danes find the tone in the debate as rather "fair" or "too soft". One third, however, think that it is too harsh. Klaus Kjøller, Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen, is surprised by the results, as past studies have shown the opposite. The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Søren Pind, explains that people nowadays are more prone to express their concerns about immigration matters compared to previous years. However, he does not think that the discourse on immigration issues in Denmark can get any tougher, and adds that all racist statements should be condemned.
Berlingske 26 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Oo0EE
Jyllands-Posten 26 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Op0EF

Søren Pind is not too tough on immigration
New studies show that despite the Minister of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs Søren Pind's recent statements regarding immigration issues, 14 per cent of Danes think that the debate on immigration matters has remained unchanged. In fact, 22 per cent believe that the debate has improved compared to when Birthe Rønn Hornbech was Minister. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds do not think that the ministerial shift has changed the tone of the immigration debate. This shows that it is not the Minister who sets the tone for the public debate about immigration, but the Danish population, says Klaus Kjøller, Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen.
Berlingske 26 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Oq0EG


Finland

Project for comprehensive integration
The state, local authorities, the Swedish Cultural Foundation and the Finnish Cultural Foundation have started the nationwide project "Involved in Finland". The goal is to reach groups that currently have had limited access to integration training, for example parents who are staying home to take care of their children, explains Kristina Stenman, Director of Migration at the Ministry of the Interior. In Helsinki, special emphasis will be put on preparatory training for young people who want to continue studying after primary school. Currently, many migrant adolescents do not enter high school.
YLE 26 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Or0EH


Norway

Ethiopians spend the night outside Oslo Cathedral
Some 20 rejected Ethiopian asylum-seekers have spent the night outside Oslo Cathedral after being kicked out from two reception centres in Oslo.  It is the same group that was on hunger strike in Oslo Cathedral in February, protesting against the authorities handling of their cases. After the hunger strike in February the group had been allowed temporary residence in the transit centres. Most of the rejected Ethiopian asylum-seekers have lived more than 5 years in Norway, and refuse to return voluntarily and they cannot be forcibly returned since Norway has no return agreement with Ethiopia. According to UDI's communication advisor, Åsmund Eide, the Ethiopians have been offered places at reception centres elsewhere in Norway, but have refused to accept the offers. According to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) the majority of the asylum-seekers claim they risk persecution by the Ethiopian authorities due to their own or a family member's political affiliation. Last year 566 Ethiopians sought asylum in Norway. In the same year, some 314 Ethiopians were rejected and 150 persons were granted asylum, according to statistics from UDI.
Aftenposten 27 April 2011:1 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Os0EI
Aftenposten 27 April 2011:2 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Ot0EJ
Dagbladet 27 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Ou0EK
Dagbladet 26 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Ov0EL
NRK 26 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Ow0EM
Verdens Gang 27 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Ox0EN

Norway should accept more quota refugees
Norway should accept more quota refugees because of the war in Libya, says the Socialist Left Party. The Party suggests an increase of 250 quota refugees this year. The government has reported that Norway will accept 60 refugees from Libya as part of their annual quota of 1,200 persons.
Dagens Næringsliv 25 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Oy0EO
Drammens Tidende 25 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2Oz0EP
Hegnar Online 25 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2O10EC
P4 Radio 25 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2O20ED

NGOs criticise 60 quota places for Libya refugees
Norwegian NGOs such as Amnesty International, NRC and Norwegian People's Aid are critical to the Norwegian government's decision to offer 60 quota places to refugees ex-Libya within its annual quota of 1,200 places. The number is too small and the places should have been additional, according to the NGOs. Hanne Mathisen, UNHCR spokesperson for the Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic countries, says that the 60 refugees Norway has agreed to receive should ideally have been in addition to the annual resettlement quota. However, Norway's contribution is important not only for the 60 persons concerned but also because it shows solidarity with the neighbouring countries who have provided asylum space to many and kept their borders open. UNHCR looks forward to dialogue with Norway on the selection process and to a possible further intake later on.
NRK P2 24 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2O30EE

NOAS: Stop forced returns to Syria
The Foreign Ministry in Norway condemns the violence against civilians and peaceful demonstrations in Syria. Due to the dramatic situation in Syria, the Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (NOAS) demands that Norway stops the return of asylum-seekers to the country. According to NOAS, 15 persons have been deported from Norway this year, 11 of them in March. But the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) has still not decided to halt the deportations. Terje Sjeggestad, Director of the Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board (UNE), says they are following the situation in Syria closely and will avoid any returns if there is a risk for persecution or fear for their life.
NRK 26 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2O40EF
Aftenposten 26 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2O50EG
Aftenbladet 20 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2O60EH

UNE says it has acted correctly in Rahimi Rostami's case
The deportation of the 19-year-old Kurd, Rahim Rostami to Iran in the beginning of February raised a lot of criticism. Now, the Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) has reviewed the decision and says the criticism is unfounded, stating that the facts of the case are different to what has emerged in the media. The document showing the death penalty of the 19-year-old is assessed to be false. The deported man is now reported to be in prison. UNE alleges that Rostami's family can visit him in prison. However, this information is disputed by human rights organizations. Rostami's case file has been submitted to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees office in Stockholm. Hanne Mathisen, UNHCR spokesperson for the Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic countries, confirms that UNHCR will look into the case. - It is a case that has received much attention, and UNHCR therefore wants to look at it as a natural part of its mandate activities, says Mathisen. If any questions arise, they will be communicated directly to UNE and Norwegian authorities, continues Mathisen. She says that the responsibility for Rostami's security now lies in the hands of the Iranian authorities. Since 7 April, ten NGOs jointly demanded Norway to stop forced returns to Iran and to take responsibility to help Rostami return to Norway.
Ny Tid 23 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2O70EI
Verdens Gang 23 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2O80EJ


Sweden

UNHCR in collaboration with Hydroforming Design Light
The Swedish company, Hydroforming Design Light, will assist the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), by providing customized equipment for up to 250,000 UNHCR tents, during three consecutive years.
Metal Supply 26 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2PA0ET
Dalarnas Tidningar 26 April 2011(in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2PB0EU

Illegal immigrants benefit from free health care
Örebro County Council has decided that all illegal immigrants should have access to free health care. The decision was unanimous. However, the Sweden Democrats argue that there are Swedes with financial difficulties who cannot afford to pay for health care.
Sveriges Radio 27 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2PC0EV



UNHCR in the news

Cities in West Libya abandoned
According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) some 30,000 Libyans have fled the West Mountains regions in Libya and crossed into Tunisia during the last 3 weeks. The villages Nalutand and Wasini have been transformed to ghost towns due to the significant migration flow. Only a few men are left, no women or children are present, says a UNHCR spokesperson.
UNT 26 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2PD0EW
SvD 26 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2PE0EX
Göteborgs-Posten 26 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2PF0EY

North Africa bears the biggest refugee burden
Both France and Italy argue that it may become necessary to temporarily restore border controls within the Schengen Area due to the increasing influx of persons fleeing the violence in Libya. Approximately 25,000 North African migrants, mainly Tunisian, have fled to the Italian island of Lampedusa. Jean-Philippe Chauzy, spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), does not agree, and says that it is important to put the situation back into context. Over 600,000 people have fled from Libya into neighbouring countries: Tunisia, Egypt, Niger, Algeria, Chad and Sudan and solely 5,182 of them have reached Italy and Malta. Accordingly, North Africa bears the biggest refugee burden not Europe, he adds. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) explains that it is necessary to distinguish between the people fleeing fighting or possible persecution in Libya, and economic migrants who have left Tunisia.
Folketinde 26 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2PG0EZ
Jyllands-Posten 26 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2PH0Ea
Information 26 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2PI0Eb
Information 26 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2PJ0Ec
Jyllands-Posten 26 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmgR0ZqnfK0aYE0L2PK0Ed

[Roope]

Thursday 28 April to Friday 29 April 2011


Denmark

Denmark's tight immigration policy saves money
Denmark has saved some 5 billion Danish crowns each year during the last 9 years by having a tighter immigration policy, says a report from five Ministries. One reason for this is that more western immigrants and fewer non-western immigrants have come to Denmark. According to the report non-western immigrants and their descendants cost Denmark almost 16 billion Danish crowns (DKK) each year in lost taxes and transfer payments, while western immigrants and their descendants contribute with 2.2 billion DKK in revenues. The Government and the Danish People's Party (DF) will use the conclusions to argue for a further tightening of immigration rules. – When we now can see that it matters who gets into the country, I have no scruples in further tightening the rules for those suspected of becoming a burden to Denmark. On the other hand, I would gladly allow more persons into the country who can and want to contribute to improve the Danish economy, says Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs. The Social Democrats welcomes the report and says it would continue the current immigration policy if it came into power. However, Social Democrats say the Government and the Danish People's Party have failed to integrate immigrants and this is something Social Democrats would focus on improving. The Social Liberal Party criticize the report, saying it is undignified, discriminating and very unfortunate that the Government and DF want an immigration policy focused on how much immigrants cost the society. – We should live up to international conventions and take our share of refugees. This will of course cost money, but we should cover these expenses since we are part of the international community and we take our share of the responsibility, says Marianne Jelved from the Social Liberal Party.
Jyllands-Posten 27 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3A0Ew
Berlingske 27 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3B0Ex
DR 28 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3C0Ey
The Copenhagen Post 28 April 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3D0Ez
Politiken 28 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3E0E1

Danish People's Party wants to reintroduce border controls
The Danish People's Party wants to reintroduce border controls as soon as possible. According to the party leader Pia Kjærsgaard this is what the Danish people want. She says people do not understand why there should be open borders, since it increases criminality. – We have problems with East Europeans and now we risk problems with North African immigrants, therefore I think border controls are almost a national demand from the people, says Kjærsgaard. The Danish People's Party (DF) announced its demand for stricter border controls as a requirement for agreeing with the Government's 2020 budget reform plan. However, experts say border control is really bad for the economy and against the Schengen agreement. The opposition does not support DF's demand.
Jyllands-Posten 27 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3F0E2
Berlingske 27 April 2011: 1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3G0E3
Berlingske 27 April 2011: 2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3H0E4
DR 28 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3I0E5
Information 27 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3J0E6

Fewer Somalis want to stay in Denmark
Somalis are the only group of immigrants who become fewer every year. Somalis meet many prejudices in Denmark and more and more Somalis leave the country and move to for example Great Britain. In a report for EU's Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) 31 per cent of Somalis living in Denmark say they have experienced racial discrimination at least once. The report is from 2009, but they have been targeted by racist prejudice long before this. In 2010 some 123 Somalis were granted Danish citizenship, but it is not sure they will stay in Denmark.
Jyllands-Posten 28 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3K0E7

Opposition rejects UN's appeal for receiving Libyan refugees
Right now, thousands of refugees who have fled the war-torn Libya live in camps in Tunisia and Egypt, while others have travelled to Malta and Italy. Despite this, Denmark does not seem willing to accept more refugees, although the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) calls it an emergency situation where all countries should receive more refugees than normal. - This is an emergency that requires a different approach than usual, and therefore we appeal to all countries to consider whether they can at least offer resettlement to some of the people who right now are in a very precarious situation in the camps, says Andrei Mahicic spokesperson for UNHCR. He stresses that while European countries are working to find a common solution on how to share the burden of Libyan refugees, each EU member state should volunteer to receive refugees above the agreed resettlement quota. People who were refugees already in Libya are especially vulnerable. Earlier this week the Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Søren Pind, said that Denmark should take 10 refugees from Malta. He said that the number of refugees should not exceed the annual quota of 500. - It seems like a very bad joke, when the Minister says that we should only take 10 refugees, says the Unity List – Red – Green Alliance's political spokesperson Johanne Schmidt-Nielsen, reminding that all asylum-seekers are entitled to have their cases processed. However, nothing suggests that the rest of the opposition, even if they would win the Parliamentary elections, would offer emergency resettlement to new refugees from countries outside the EU.
Information 26 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3L0E8


Finland

True Finns to chair key Parliamentary committees
The True Finns will chair the Administrative, Defence and Foreign Affairs committees. True Finns' Jussi Halla-aho will lead the Administrative Committee unless he gets a ministerial portfolio. The outspoken immigration critic Halla-aho will thus be able to influence in the processing of legislation affecting immigration, municipal and police issues. True Finns' Party leader Timo Soini is appointed leader of the Foreign Affairs Committee. The Defence Committee will be chaired by True Finns' Jussi Niinistö. The outgoing Minister of Migration and European Affairs Astrid Thors says it is interesting to see which posts the party has chosen. If the party really wants to change poverty and marginalisation inside Finland, it should have chosen other committees, says Thors.
Helsingin Sanomat 27 April 2011:1 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3M0EA
Helsingin Sanomat 27 April 2011:2 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3N0EB
YLE 27 April 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3O0EC
YLE 27 April 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3P0ED

Soini scolds party colleague for immigration statements
In an interview with Helsingin Sanomat, Teuvo Hakkarainen, a fresh True Finns member of Parliament, complained about "Negros" arriving at Finland's borders and warned that minarets would arise all over Helsinki. Hakkarainen's statements have caused strong reactions. True Finns leader Timo Soini has talked with Hakkarainen advising him to be more careful with his language in the future. Hakkarainen himself explained his mistake by saying he is from the countryside.
YLE 29 April 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3Q0EE
YLE 28 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3R0EF
YLE 28 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3S0EG
Aamulehti 28 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3T0EH
Turun Sanomat 28 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3U0EI

Tolerance demonstration attracted over thousand persons
Some 1,200 persons met up outside the Parliament House in Helsinki to demonstrate for tolerance and multiculturalism. In the invitation on Facebook the demonstrators are asking for an open and tolerant Finland which takes care of minorities and takes responsibility for global problems. A major reason for the demonstration is the anxiety over the results in the recent election, with the True Finns winning a lot of support. The police reported that the demonstration went peacefully.
Aamulehti 28 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3V0EJ
YLE 28 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3W0EK
Turun Sanomat 28 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3X0EL

Asylum-seeking children's guardians lack training
Guardians lack sufficient training to support unaccompanied minors who seek asylum. The guardians need good knowledge in law and an ability to handle severely traumatized children. According to the national association Guardians for Asylum-seeking Children (ETU) there is a lack of sufficient training for guardians that makes the current service unfair for the unaccompanied minors. To become a guardian an entery test is made to check basic knowledge, but after that it lies in the hands of the guardians to participate in the training. The Finnish Immigration Service and the Ministry of the Interior say that training is provided when needed, for example when there is a change of a law. Nevertheless, ETU is stating that the guardians, both new and old, are in need of additional training. The authorities are currently debating who is in fact responsible for the training of the guardians.
YLE 28 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3Y0EM


Norway

Norway accepts more refugees from North Africa
Norway will accept an additional number of 30 refugees who have fled the violence in Libya and are currently staying in Malta. The decision was taken because of the severe situation in Malta where all refugees are in need of international portection, says State Secretary Pål K. Lønseth from the Ministry of Justice and the Police. EU has currently asked all Schengen-countries to help Malta, and Lønseth says Norway therefore has taken the decision after being in contact with the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström, and the Minister of Home Affairs in Malta. A total number of 90 refugees in the region and in Malta will be chosen together with UNHCR and local authorities in Malta. Amnesty is still criticising Norway, saying the country should accept even more refugees.
Dagbladet 28 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3Z0EN
NRK 28 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3a0EU

Ethiopians want to leave Norway
Adane Asres Fered, spokesperson for the Ethiopians staying outside Oslo Cathedral, says they do not wish to continue staying in Norway. Ferede says they are asking for the international community to help them leave Norway. –We want to go to any country that is willing to accept us, Ferede continues. The Ethiopians staying outside the Cathedral have reported they will continue to do so until their situation is solved. They have been offered places in receptions centres outside Oslo, but have rejected the offers. The current agreement with Ethiopia makes it impossible for Norway to forcibly return the group. The lawyer Cecilie Schjatvet asks Norwegian authorities to put the clients' cases on hold until further notice. It is expected that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will come up with new recommendations on Ethiopia in the near future.
NRK 27 April 2011:1 (in Norwegian)
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NRK 27 April 2011:2 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3c0EW
Dagsavisen 27 April 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3d0EX


Sweden

Uproar in detention center
A row broke out in the Swedish Migration Board's detention centre in Kållared during lunch time on Wednesday. Some 20 persons were involved, among them persons who have recently decided to start a hunger-strike. Seven persons were placed in custody. Magnus Jotunheim, chief operating officer for the part 16 in the detention centre, has no direct explanation to the row but says there is a general frustration among the persons for being locked up and not knowing what will happen. The persons staying in detention centres are not criminals but are locked up because the Swedish Migration Board does not think they have reason to stay in Sweden.
Göteborgs-Posten 28 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3e0EY



UNHCR in the news

Acute situation for refugees from Côte d'Ivoire
The 150,000 persons who have fled Côte d'Ivoire to Liberia are now suffering from shortage of food. There is a risk of an increased severity of the situation due to the upcoming rain period. Inga-Lill Hagberg from the Red Cross says the conditions are harsh and there is a severe lack of food, medicine and clean water. According to UNHCR the humanitarian catastrophe in the country is escalating. Some half a million persons inside Côte d'Ivoire are fleeing their homes. Although the fighting has more or less stopped, the Ivorians are afraid to return home, or have no home to return too.
DN 28 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDmvm0ZqnfK0aYE0MA3f0EZ

[Roope]

Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May 2011

Denmark

Economists criticise report on immigration
The Government's conclusions in its new report on immigration are being criticised by a number of economic experts and organizations. The Government and the Danish People's Party argue that the report shows that stricter immigration legislation has saved a lot of money, and therefore further restrictions on immigration should be introduced. However, Jørn Neergaard Larsen, CEO of the Confederation of Danish Employers, argue that Denmark, in fact, needs immigration and that it does not matter what origin the immigrants have. Accordingly, Torben Tranæs, Research Director and Professor at the Rockwool Foundation, explains that the report clearly demonstrates the immense task it would be if Danes had to provide for themselves in future. The Danish Rational Economic Agents Model (DREAM), who conducted the analysis, wants to distance itself from the Government's interpretation of the study. - The numbers do not accurately represent the reality of the situation. For a more correct portrayal concerning the state of immigration in Denmark, the results must be examined even further, explains Marianne Frank Hansen from DREAM. Erik Bonnerup, from the Copenhagen Business School, and Mads Lundby Hansen, from the Danish Centre for Political Studies (CEPOS), do not question the correctness of the results, however, they point out that the report shows an opportunity to improve integration measures for foreigners in Denmark. Søren Pind has chosen not to respond to these critics.
Information 28 April 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJu60Ep
Berlingske 2 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJu70Eq
Politiken 2 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJu80Er
Jyllands-Posten 2 May 2011 (jn Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvA0E2

Denmark criticised by NGOs
Several non-governmental organizations have criticised the Danish authorities for not giving an accurate picture of the country's human rights situation, in its Universal Periodic Review (UPR), to be examined by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Monday 2 May 2011. One of the critics concern former Minister of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Rønn Hornbech´s failure to follow recommendations by the Refugee Appeals Board concerning the stateless Palestinians who were wrongfully denied Danish citizenship. - The mere point of the report is to be self-critical, which Denmark has not succeeded in, says Save the Children. Michael Aastrup Jensen, Spokesperson for the Liberal Party, rejects the NGOs criticism of the report, and claims that even though small things need to be improved Denmark is a country where human rights are at an excellent international standard.  He later adds that he has no doubt that Denmark will greatly succeed the examination.
Politiken 2 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvB0E3

Finland

Immigration decreased last year
A total of 25,650 persons moved to Finland last year, reports Statistics Finland. This was a decrease of more than 1,000 persons compared to 2009, and the lowest number since 2006. Almost half of the immigrants came from another EU country.
Svenska Yle  29 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvC0E4
Aamulehti 29 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvD0E5

Biaudet sends Prosecutor General on Hakkarainen
The Ombudsman for Minorities, Eva Biaudet, has asked the Prosecutor General to investigate whether the Member of Parliament Teuvo Hakkarainen (True Finns) is guilty of incitement against a population group or illegal hate speech. Biaudet is referring to Hakkarainen's comments in an interview for Helsingin Sanomat last week, in which Hakkarainen talked about "Negros" arriving at Finland's borders and warned that calls to prayer from minarets might cause disturbance. According to Biaudet, Hakkarainen's comments are racist and demeaning, and she therefore wants a judgment whether this is warrantable within the freedom of speech. Hakkarainen refuses to apologize for his statements. He has explained his mistake by his rural background. However, this has caused reactions among persons from the countryside. Timo Laaninen, the party secretary of the Finnish Centre Party, says it is difficult to come up with a worse insult of persons living and born in the countryside. Laaninen stresses that one of the characteristics of the Finnish countryside is hospitality to foreign guests.
Aamulehti 29 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvE0E6
Hufvudstadsbladet 29 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvF0E7
Yle 29 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvG0E8
Turun Sanomat 29 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvH0EA
MTV 3 29 April 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvI0EB
Aamulehti 1 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvJ0EC
Iltalehti 2 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvK0ED

Kiviniemi: Many get votes by intimidation
The Chairman of the Center Party, Mari Kiviniemi, wishes that the debate on immigration will become more versatile. At her speech in Helsinki on May Day, she said an honest discussion is needed, without generalization or intimidation. According to her it is clear that many candidates received votes in the recent parliamentary elections because of the fear of the unknown.
Aamulehti 1 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvL0EE
Hufvudstadsbladet 1 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvM0EF

Nazi party being founded in Finland
A formal registration of the National Socialist Worker's Party in Finland is underway. The party plans to participate in the next local elections. The process to gain official legal status has been complicated, and a revision of the original openly racist party rules are part of what has had to be modified. Päivi Kaukoranta, Director General of the Legal Services section of the Finnish Foreign Ministry, says the Foreign Minister has not found reasons to forbid the registration of the party and that nothing of a fascist nature was found. - The freedom of association is a right recognized in very key human rights agreements and in the practice of human rights courts it is established that very few restrictions can be placed upon it, she continues.  The party's concept is "the people and the fatherland" and the party uses Nazi symbols. The chairman of the National Socialists, Pekka Luoma, says they are struggling against immigration, especially coloured immigrants. The party's supporters are dozens of Nazi activists around the country and it only accepts members with blood ties to the Finnish people.
Yle 2 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvN0EG
Yle 2 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvO0EH

Sweden

Swedish Government sued for 10 millions SEK
Peter Ekweri, a Sudanese asylum-seeker, has filed a 10 million Swedish crown lawsuit against the Swedish Government, for having forcibly deported him to the wrong country. Following his asylum application rejection in 1995, he was sent to Ghana, despite being Sudanese. A language analysis test had been conducted by the Swedish Migration Board, concluding that he had origins in Ghana. Prior to his deportation, he was given a document that confirmed that he would be returned to Sweden if it were to come out that he was not from Ghana. This promise was never kept and in Ghana he was imprisoned for several years, as it was believed that he was an illegal immigrant. Per E Samuelsson, Peter Ekwiri's lawyer, is convinced that there are similar cases to this one, and adds that the Swedish authorities have, for years, used Ghana as a country where rejected asylum-seekers are deported to.
Dagens Nyheter 30 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvP0EI
Aftonbladet 30 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvQ0EJ
Sveriges Radio 30 April 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnLO0ZqnfK0aYE0MJvR0EK

[Roope]

Tuesday 3 May to Wednesday 4 May 2011


Denmark

Denmark says no to share burden of immigration influx
Denmark will not accept refugees who have been granted asylum in other European Union (EU) countries. In fact, the Danish People's Party has chosen to oppose the EU Commission's proposal to share the burden of a possible significant immigration influx of North African refugees into Europe. Instead Peter Skaarup, Integration Spokesperson for the Danish People's Party, argues that solidarity must be shown by helping the refugees in their own countries. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Prime Minister, agrees and adds that support for the EU's border agency Frontex must accordingly be enhanced. Henrik Dam Kristensen, Integration Spokesperson for the Social Democrats, thinks likewise and believes that it is important to maintain the principles of the Dublin Regulation.
DR 3 May 2011: 1 (in Danish)
http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Politik/2011/05/03/161341.htm
DR 3 May 2011: 2 (in Danish)
http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Politik/2011/05/03/122759.htm
DR 3 May 2011: 3 (in Danish)
http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Politik/2011/05/03/153205.htm

Family reunification – more expensive than ever
As part of the Danish Government's action to tighten the country's immigration policies, costs for family reunification will increase drastically starting from 1 July 2011. Under the new rules, the application fee for family reunification of spouses will rise from 5.975 to 7.775 Danish crowns. Furthermore, it will no longer be sufficient for the spouse to have been in Denmark once. Instead, there will be a minimum requirement of two visits before family reunification is possible. In addition, the spouse will be obliged to pass a Danish language test that costs 3.600 Danish crowns, during one of the visits. Poul Neergaard, Chairman of the Language Centers Leader Association, says that only a few will be able to pass the Danish language test in the 10 weeks available on a visitor's visa.
Politiken 4 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://politiken.dk/politik/ECE1272094/prisen-paa-familiesammenfoering-stiger/
Information 3 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.information.dk/267060

Denmark's implementation of human rights examined
On Monday Denmark was examined by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Some 48 countries took the floor during the examination and half of them mentioned the treatment and conditions for immigrants in Denmark. Some of the questions concerned the tight rules for family reunification, forced returns of Iraqis and illegal deportation of Romani people. NGOs in Denmark hope that the critical questions will lead to a debate on the current implementation of human rights. Jonas Christoffersen, Director of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, said the general feeling from the debate was that Denmark is a state respected for its work with human rights both at home and abroad.
Information 3 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.information.dk/267050
Jyllands-Posten 2 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://jp.dk/indland/indland_politik/article2417878.ece
Information 1 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.information.dk/266810


Latvia

Latvia needs immigrants to stabilize its labour market
The Finance Minister Andris Vilks says that Latvia will need immigrants to successfully develop and stabilize the country's labour market. He is not worried about a mass emigration of Latvian labour forces but says that Latvian residents will not be willing to work in low-paid jobs. The wages differ across Europe and Vilks predicts that it will take some time before the wages in Latvia are close to the European levels. Vilks believes that the issue of immigrants will be on the Government's agenda soon.
The Baltic Course 2 May 2011 (in English)
http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/analytics/?doc=40387


Sweden

Fewer granted residency after new directive
According to a new mapping, the number of people who have been granted a residence permit under "particularly distressing circumstances", has declined since the new directive was introduced.  Approved asylum applications have dropped from 3.657 in 2006 to 858 in 2010. Maria Ferm, Member of the Green Party, argues that more people might be granted asylum on the basis of protection needs, which was the intention in the first place. However, she is concerned that the assessment might have become stricter and that the assessments of what constitutes particularly distressing circumstances vary a lot in different parts of the country. The Swedish Migration Board's Director for Legal Affairs, Mikael Ribbenvik, disagrees with the criticism. On the contrary he argues that the Swedish Migration Board has been more lenient in their consideration of what characterizes particularly distressing circumstances than the law stipulates. Since the new directive is being used as was intended when the Government made its decision on the new immigration policies in 2005, Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, sees no reason for further reforms at present.
Dagens Nyheter 2 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.dn.se/nyheter/sverige/farre-fick-stanna-av-ommande-orsaker
Svenska Dagbladet 2 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/billstrom-far-ron-om-ommande-fall_6132333.svd

The Swedish Migration Board criticized for jeopardizing children's safety
The Swedish Migration Board's decision to deport two parents and their Sweden-born children to separate countries has been strongly criticized by, amongst other, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, as well as Child and Youth Psychiatry (BUP). The mother who suffers from severe mental illness is to be sent with her sons to Uzbekistan, whereas the father is to be deported to Azerbaijan. It is documented that the mother cannot take care of the kids, says the children's psychiatrist Ann-Mari Appelberg. Christine Bertline, psychologist at BUP, argues accordingly that Sweden has not lived up to the principles of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, Maria Hammarberg, judge at the Migration Court of Appeal, claims that all aspects of the case have been looked into and that the decision cannot be overruled. Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, has not been available for comments.
Sveriges Radio 2 May 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/gruppsida.aspx?programid=3437&grupp=14664&artikel=4483455
Sveriges Radio 2 May 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/gruppsida.aspx?programid=3437&grupp=7703&artikel=4477895
Dagens Nyheter 2 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.dn.se/nyheter/sverige/dodshotade-barn-utvisas
Göteborgs-Posten 2 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.gp.se/nyheter/goteborg/1.616454-utvisning-av-barn-star-fast

Paperless Iranian asylum-seekers on a hunger strike
Six paperless Iranian asylum-seekers have started a hunger strike to shed light on their cause. All of them have resided in Sweden from six to twelve years, but have yet to receive a residence permit.  The hunger strike will carry on if no affirmative answer is given by the Swedish Migration Board.
Sveriges Radio 3 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=986&artikel=4485236

Iraq's ambassador in Sweden – against forced deportation
Hussain M. Al-Ameri, Iraq's ambassador in Sweden, believes that the Readmission agreement signed on February 2008, enabling Sweden to return rejected Iraqi asylum-seekers, shall remain unchanged. However, it should primarily concern those who want to return voluntarily. Furthermore, close attention should be paid to humanitarian aspects for those who are sent back against their will. Despite strong criticism from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Swedish authorities have continued to forcibly return rejected Iraqi asylum-seekers. The Iraqi ambassador, who has been critical to the deportations, will in the near future meet with Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, to discuss possible interpretations of the readmission agreement.
Världen idag 4 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.varldenidag.se/nyhet/2011/05/03/Inte-ratt-att-tvangsavvisa/



UNHCR in the news

Influx of refugees increases from Libya
More than 8,000 persons, most of them ethnic Berbers, arrived in Tunisia last weekend fleeing the civil war in Libya, reports the UN refugee agency UNHCR. The Berbers are on the rebel side and have therefore been targeted by the Government troops in the Western Mountains region. In the cities there are several wounded civilians without access to medical care. A lot of Libyan refugees are continuously fleeing to Italy.
YLE 3 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://yle.fi/uutiset/teemat/kansannousut/2011/05/pakolaisvirta_libyasta_kiihtyy_2561485.html

[Roope]

Thursday 5 May to Friday 6 May 2011


Finland

Quota refugees arrive in Kronoby
On Wednesday 23 Afghan quota refugees arrived in Kronoby, the majority youth and single mothers. They were welcomed by volunteers from the Red Cross representing the different housing municipalities. In June the region will receive additionally 56 Afghan refugees. At the same time, an Afghan family who has stayed 2 year in Jakobstad is to be forcibly returned. This has caused reactions and on Wednesday friends of the family and asylum-seekers demonstrated outside the police station in Jakobstad.
YLE 5 May 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNQ0E5
YLE 5 May 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNQ0E5
YLE 4 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNR0E6

Identification of asylum-seekers difficult
The Finnish authorities face challenges with the high number of asylum applicants. Especially since many applicants are unable to provide documents to establish their identity when seeking asylum in Finland. This is stated by an investigation of the collaborative work between authorities during the asylum-process, done by the Police Collage of Finland and the Border and Coast Guard School. The asylum process starts by the border control and at the police, where identification of the person and family relationships is initiated, and an investigation into the travel route and entry took place. The police and the border control collaborate with the Finnish Immigration Service. The investigation shows that a high quality of asylum investigation requires adequate resources and systematic cooperation of authorities. 30 experts from the involved authorities were interviewed.  In 2010 approximately 3,800 asylum-seekers arrived in Finland.
YLE 5 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNS0E7
Aamulehti 5 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNT0E8


Norway

Gaddafi's nurse fled to Norway
The Ukrainian Galyna Kolotnytska, who has worked as Muammar al-Gaddafi's nurse for 8 years, has sought asylum is in Norway. The Ukraine nurse got world famous because of leaks from Wikileaks documents, where she was referred to as Gaddafi's "luxuriant blonde". The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) has confirmed that she is in Norway, but neither the PST, the Ministry of Justice and the Police nor the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) want to give any further information about her case. A representative for UNHCR in Ukraine has told the news bureau Interfax that Kolotnytska might have a right for asylum in Norway if she can demonstrate the connection to Gaddafi and that she cannot receive protection from the Ukraine authorities. According to Norwegian authorities persons originating from Ukraine are normally not granted asylum, but the situation for Kolotnytska might differ. Kolotnytska fled to Kiev in February and came to Norway in beginning of this week.
Dagbladet 5 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNU0EA
NRK 5 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNV0EB
Verdens Gang 5 May 2011:1 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNW0EC
Verdens Gang 5 May 2011:2 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNX0ED
N.B. This was also covered in Denmark and Finland
Jyllandsposten 5 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNY0EE
YLE 5 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNZ0EF
YLE 5 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNa0EM

Never before as many immigrants and emigrants as last year
In 2010, Norwegian immigration and emigration set a new record of the total number of persons moving in and out of the country. A total of 73,850 persons moved into Norway last year and nearly 8,800 of them were Norwegians who moved back home. The rest had foreign nationalities, with two thirds originating from countries outside the EU. A high number came from Eritrea and the Philippines.
Dagsavisen 5 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNb0EN


Sweden

The EU tightens its borders
The European Commission has, in the wake of the recent immigration influx from North Africa, suggested a new proposal enabling EU member states to reintroduce border controls.  Border controls have previously only been reinstated in extreme cases based on the threat to public order. According to Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, the approximately 25,000 North Africans who have arrived in Italy since January 2011, is no reason for such an action. She announced, however, that the European Commission would be reviewing the Schengen rules as "it may be necessary to temporarily reimpose border controls under very exceptional circumstances", for instance, if some of the EU's external borders came under "heavy, unexpected pressure". Cecilia Malmström has, in addition, promised a long list of new proposals concerning immigration policy, later in May 2011.
DN 6 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNc0EO
SvD 4 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNd0EP
Sveriges Radio 4 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNe0EQ
NB. This story was also covered in Denmark
Politiken 4 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNf0ER
DR 4 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNg0ES
Information 4 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNh0ET
Jyllands-Posten 4 may 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNi0EU
Berlingske 4 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNj0EV
NB. This story was also covered in the Baltics
Balkans Business News 6 May 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNk0EW
NB. This story was also covered in Finland
YLE 4 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNl0EX

One of four asylum-seekers comes from Serbia or Kosovo
The latest statistics from the Swedish Migration Board show that one out of four persons who sought asylum in Sweden last year came from either Kosovo or Serbia. It is a significant increase compared to previous years, when no more than 8 per cent of all asylum-seekers were from these areas. Furthermore, the number of Iraqi asylum-seekers has declined drastically in comparison to 2008, when half of all asylum-seekers constituted Iraqis.  On the under hand, asylum-seekers from Somalia has augmented considerably and is continuing to do so. Three years may pass from the time a person applies for asylum, until he/she is granted a residence permit.  2006 was the year when most asylum applications were approved. Nevertheless, the approval rate fell down to 42 per cent in the following year, and in 2008 the figure was 29 per cent.
DN 5 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNm0EY



UNHCR in the news

A former Danish ship caught in crossfire in Libya
The former Danish ship "Red Star One" is used by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to evacuate refugees from the port of Misrata, Libya. So far it has been used to evacuate thousands of refugees. But on Wednesday the ship was caught in crossfire when docking in the harbor. This resulted in the death of five persons. The Transport Minister of Libya says the port is closed, and any foreign ships trying to enter the port will be targets of the regime's forces. The ship was able to leave later on Wednesday carrying 800 refugees and journalists onboard, leaving several hundred refugees in the harbor. According to UN the influx of refugees from Libya has increased during the last days. Adrian Edwards, spokesperson for UNHCR, says that over 8,000 persons, most of them ethnic Berbers, arrived in Tunisia last weekend.
Verdens Gang 4 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNn0EZ
ABC Nyheter 4 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNo0Ea

Over 41 000 have fled ongoing violence in Libya
According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), more than 41,600 people have, over the past four weeks, fled ongoing violence in Libya into neighboring country Tunisia. Manes Ghanem, Protection Officer at the UNHCR Iraq Operation Unit in Amman, says that the UNHCR is working with the Tunisian authorities and non for profit organizations in order to provide shelter, food and water for the many fleeing refugees. Since the uprising against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi began in mid-February 2011, tens of thousands have fled the country into Tunisia, Egypt or the Mediterranean coast. The vast majority are foreign nationals who have been guest workers in Libya.
DR 4 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNp0Eb
Folketidende 4 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNq0Ec
BT 4 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNr0Ed
Berlingske 4 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNs0Ee
DR 4 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNt0Ef
Politiken 4 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDnr70ZqnfK0aYE0MWNu0Eg

[Roope]

Saturday 7 May to Monday 9 May 2011

Denmark

Deportation despite integration
Following a verdict from the High Court of Eastern Denmark, forced return will not be avoided on the basis of successful integration. In 1995, Croatian asylum-seeker Refik Saric was sentenced to 8 years in prison for having tortured inmates at the Croatian penitentiary in Dretelj, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Refik Saric was, nevertheless, granted a permit for tolerated stay, as the Danish authorities considered that an expulsion would be too dangerous. Since his release, Saric has lived in Denmark with his now Danish wife and children, working at a Red Cross cafe. However, the Danish Immigration Service concluded in 2010 that it was now safe for the convicted asylum-seeker to be sent back home.
DR 6 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mecp0Ef

Integration failure for Stateless Palestinians in Denmark
A new report from the Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Søren Pind, shows that the integration of the Stateless Palestinians who were granted a residence permit in 1992, has been unsuccessful. Out of the 321 who were given asylum, 218 received some form of social assistance in 2009.  The report also shows that 63 persons have been giving prison sentences, while 114 have been fined during the period between 1992 and 2009.
DR 5 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mecq0Eg

Tightening of Danish borders
The Danish People's Party met on Friday 6 May 2011 to discuss how Denmark can tighten its borders, without infringing on the Schengen rules. The party wishes to reinstate border control, with the purpose of reducing the number of incoming asylum-seekers and persons who have committed criminal offenses. - Customs officers will be able to carry out this task, says Kristian Thulesen Dalh, finance spokesperson for the Danish People's Party. Peter Skaarup, legal affairs spokesperson for the Danish People's Party, says that customs will be operational 24/7 to protect the country's borders.
DR 6 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mecr0Eh
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
Sydsvenkan 6 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mecs0Ei

Finland

Halla-aho collects many disciples
19 of the 39 members of the True Finns party elected into Parliament are ready to tackle a multi-cultural society. A dozen of its MPs views immigrants as a threat, in particularly Muslims. The leader of the True Finns, Timo Soini, views gaps in EU policies generally and growing income gaps in Finland as his main areas of preoccupation. Meanwhile, True Finns' MP Jussi Halla-aho, who is also a member of the nationalist-minded and anti-multiculturalism interest group Suomen Sisu , focuses on restrictive measures in the asylum field. Matias Turkkila, also member of the Suomen Sisu board and chairman of the immigrant critical Hommaforum, says they think quota-refugees are okay, but want to allow only immigrants that Finland has economic and intellectual benefit from. According to him, the current system grants asylum to persons who are not in need of protection.
HBL 8 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mect0Ej

New integration methods tested in Raseborg
The new integration project "Involved in Finland" has started in Raseborg. The pilot project is one of 10 in Finland to test new methods to get immigrants employed. According to the Raseborg immigrant coordinator Börje Mattsson there is a need for such projects to fill the current gaps in the integration system. Several employers have showed interests in the project and according to Mattson many want to develop more of a multicultural work environment.
YLE 6 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mecu0Ek

Norway

Government to take more Libyan refugees
The government has, in the revised national budget, decided to increase the intake of   ex-Libya quota refugees from 90 to 340 persons. The decision comes as savings are identified due to a drop in the number of asylum-seeker arriving this year, reports the Ministry of Justice and the Police. According to the Minister of Justice and the Police Knut Storberget, it will not take long before the refugees are resettled in Norway. The quota refugees will be chosen in consultation with UNHCR and the local authorities.
TV 2 7 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mecv0El
NRK 6 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mecw0Em

Norway hopes for return agreement with Ethiopia
The Ethiopian authorities have signaled a possible willingness to enter into an agreement regarding the return of rejected asylum-seekers. The Norwegian authorities have tried to get such an agreement in place for over 20 years. State Secretary Paul Lønseth is optimistic, saying there might still be obstacles, however Norway has not received a similar response from Ethiopia before. Adane Asras Ferede, spokesperson for the group of rejected Ethiopians, emphasizes that they will not be able to return to their home country due to the political situation. –If the Norwegian authorities get an agreement on the return, we might as well die here, he says.
Dagsavisen 6 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mecx0En
NRK 6 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mecy0Eo
Verdens Gang 6 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mecz0Ep

Most asylum-seekers from Somalia and Eritrea
643 persons applied for asylum in Norway last month. The majority came from Somalia and Eritrea. Until now, the number of applicants has decreased with 8 per cent compared to the same period last year. The numbers provided by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) show that 23 persons originating from Tunisia, Egypt and Libya applied for asylum in Norway in April. They represent 3,6 per cent of the total number of asylum applicants. The current situation in North-Africa has so far not resulted in an increase of applicants.
Verdens Gang 6 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mec10Ec

Sweden

Sweden receives refugees from Libya
Some 6000 refugees, mostly Somalis, Eritreans and Sudanese, have found themselves stranded at the Libyan border following the country's ongoing armed conflict. Sweden will become the first European Union (EU) country to receive 200 quota refugees from Libya. - The people whom we accept are people in need of protection, says Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy. - They are definitely exposed and vulnerable in the situation they are in today, he adds. As for question concerning the EU´s responsibility to receive refugees, the Minister points out that it must be based on the principle of humanitarian aid and that each case must be individually assessed.
Sveriges Radio 5 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mec20Ed

Disagreement in Swedish government regarding border controls
Following the recent immigration influx from North Africa, several European Union (EU) member states have suggested the reintroduction of border controls. This has led to a political debate in Sweden.  The Minister for Education and Deputy Prime Minister, Jan Björklund, and Marie Granlund, member of the Social Democratic Party, are strongly against the reinstatement of border controls, as it implies a restriction on free movement within the EU. Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, argues however, that border controls might be a positive endeavor, as it could help member states cope with significant flows of incoming asylum-seekers.  The European Commission will discuss this question further on Thursday.
Sveriges Radio 8 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mec30Ee

Action against Deportation: Swedish legal system not safe for asylum-seekers
Action against Deportation arranged a public meeting during the inauguration of the Swedish Migrations Board's new detention centre in Åstorp, in southern Sweden. The organization claimed that the Swedish legal system does not provide full protection for asylum-seekers. Ylva Sjödin, member of Action against Deportation, argues that even though the new facility provides more comfort, what asylum-seekers really need is freedom. The General Director of the Åstorp detention center, Anna Eriksson, explains that rejected asylum-seekers will be detained for having failed to follow the directions of the Migration Court and the Swedish Migration Board.
Sveriges Radio 6 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mec40Ef

More pressure on municipalities
New figures show that merely one in three unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors will be accommodated when arriving in Sweden. The Swedish Migration Board will have to put more pressure on the municipalities. 500 new housings units are needed to accommodate all children, however, only 200 might be in place by the end of the year and so far only 40 have been made available. - This does not meet the required needs and it is very worrisome, says Dan Eliasson, Director General at the Swedish Migration Board.Furthermore, the application assessment period must be reduced. This will result in additional responsibility for the host municipalities, says Dan Eliasson. 2,400 children and youth are expected to apply for asylum this year.
Sydsvenskan 7 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mec50Eg
DN 5 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mec60Eh

Demonstration against deportation
300 people gathered on Sunday 8 May 2011 on Gustav Adolf´s Torg, Stockholm, to show their support for the ten hunger-striking Iranian asylum-seekers. All have gotten their asylum-application rejected. According to the Iranian asylum-seekers, they risk prison or execution if deported to Iran. While awaiting an affirmative answer from the Swedish Migration Board, the hunger strike will carry on for at least one more month. Further support-demonstrations are planned for the upcoming week.
Göteborgs-Posten 9 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mec70Ei
Göteborgs-Posten 7 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0Mec80Ej



UNHCR in the news

Immigrants were left to die in the sea
61 African migrants were left to die in the Mediterranean despite requests for assistance. Emergency calls were made to military helicopters, Nato warships and the Italian coastguard but no rescue efforts were attempted.  All but11 persons died on board from thirst and hunger after their vessel was left to drift for 16 days. International maritime law compels all vessels, including military units, to offer help when possible. Due to this the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, calls for stricter co-operation among commercial and military vessels.
Uusi Suomi 9 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0MedA0Et

Sweden sends tents to help Libyan refugees
In response to a request from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), three hundred tents as well as nine hospital tents were flown from Örebro in Sweden to Djerba in Tunisia, in order to help Libyan refugees.
Norran 9 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0MedB0Eu
Skånskan 7 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0MedC0Ev
NorraSkåne 7 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDoHA0ZqnfK0aYE0MedD0Ew

[Roope]

Tuesday 11 May to Wednesday 12 May 2011


Denmark

Socialist People's Party outraged at NATO's failure to rescue refugees
The Socialist People's Party is outraged over the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) failure to rescue some seventy refugees, who found themselves shipwrecked at sea, while attempting to flee ongoing conflicts in Libya. As a result, a total of 63 persons lost their lives. - If the story is true, it is utterly unacceptable, it is a disaster, says Kamal Qureshi, Spokesperson on Minority and Human Rights issues for the Socialist People's Party. The whole purpose of NATO's military operation and Denmark's participation is to protect the civilians. The refugees should, accordingly, not have been left at sea, Qureshi adds. Kamal Qureshi encourages the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lene Espersen, to investigate this tragic incident.
Politiken 9 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.i.pol.dk/udland/article1276847.ece

Immigration policies damaging to competitiveness
New studies show that one third of the largest companies in Denmark think that the Government's immigration policy has a negative impact on their global competitiveness. In fact, several of Denmark's major companies have notified that Denmark is being perceived as a bureaucratic and unfriendly country. Among the critical voices are Microsoft, Copenhagen Airports, Dampskibsselskabet Norden A/S and ISS A/S. Henrik Peter Jørgensen, Vice President of Communication at Copenhagen Airports, argues that in terms of cultural diversity, Denmark has become known as a country that is difficult to enter. Anne-Marie Skov, Communications Director at Carlsberg, concurs and adds that there already are companies who relocate their headquarters to, for instance, Asia or the United States of America, due to the difficulty of attracting foreign workforce to Denmark.
DR 9 May 2011(in Danish)
http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Penge/2011/05/09/070209.htm?rss=true

Governmental negotiation leads to tougher immigration policy
Following a rather chaotic meeting regarding the Danish Government's 2020 Economic Plan, there are reports that consensus has been reached regarding: the introduction of fulltime customs officers at the Danish borders, harsher punishments for none-Danish citizens who have committed criminal offences as well as a modified points based system for foreigners in need of social welfare payments. The Danish People's Party has managed to get these three issues approved in exchange for its support of the Government's plans for a reform of the early retirement system.
Berlingske 10 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.b.dk/politiko/dramatisk-slutspil-i-2020-forhandlinger
Jyllands-Posten 10 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://jp.dk/indland/indland_politik/article2426818.ece
Politiken 10 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://politiken.dk/politik/ECE1278452/dansk-folkeparti-faar-tre-stramninger-i-betaling-for-efterloen/


Finland

Police: Hakkarainen's comments on foreigners not a crime
The True Finns' MP Teuvo Hakkarainen's comments about foreigners do not constitute a crime, according to the Helsinki police. In an interview Hakkarainen used the word "nigger" and said that minarets would rise all over Helsinki and people's sleep would be disturbed by the Muslim call to prayer. Eva Biaudet, Ombudsman for Minorities, requested an investigation into whether Hakkarainen had crossed the boundaries of what is acceptable freedom of expression. The police found that his comments did not reach the level of hate speech and have notified the Prosecutor General's office that they will not conduct a preliminary investigation into the matter.
YLE 10 May 2011 (in English)
http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/news/2011/05/police_hakkarainens_foreigner_comments_not_a_crime_2580887.html
YLE 10 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://yle.fi/uutiset/talous_ja_politiikka/2011/05/poliisi_hakkaraisen_ulkomaalaispuheet_eivat_rikos_2580191.html

The Supreme Court review Halla-aho's blog posts
The blog post where the True Finns' MP Jussi Halla-aho combined Islam with pedophilia will be reviewed by the Supreme Court. In September 2009 Halla-aho was sentenced to 30 day-fines due to the blog posts. The Courts of Appeal has confirmed the sentence.
Aamulehti 10 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://www.aamulehti.fi/cs/Satellite/Kotimaa/1194678179032/artikkeli/halla-ahon+blogikirjoittelua+kasitellaan+korkeimmassa+oikeudessa.html


Norway

MUFs have been granted residence permits
The last group of the so called MUF Iraqi Kurds have now been granted residence permit. MUF stands for temporary residence permit without entitlement to family reunification. The group has been waiting for more than 10 years for a formal status. The legal advisor Jon Ole Martinsen working for the organisation "Selvhjelp for innvandrere og flyktingar" (SEIF) says this is a big relief, but adds that 10 of them are still waiting for a decision. SEIF has been working with the cases since 1999.
NRK 10 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.nrk.no/programmer/tv/migrapolis/1.7627507

More immigrants need to start working
In order to maintain the Norwegian welfare state more immigrants need to start working, says Audun Lysbakken, Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion.
– Immigration will continue and we do not wish to downsize the Norwegian welfare state, he says. Therefore Norway needs to lead an integration policy making it possible for the majority of immigrants to get jobs, concludes Lysbakken.
NRK 9 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/norge/1.7626250


Sweden

Cecilia Malmström criticised
Both Anna Hedh, Member of the Social Democratic Party and the European Parliament, and Cecilia Wikström, Member of the Liberal Party and the European Parliament, strongly disagree with Cecilia Malmström´s, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, proposal to strengthen EU's external borders, as free movement within the EU is a fundamental part of the Schengen rules. To reintroduce border controls as a response to the recent influx of immigrants from North Africa is wrong, they say. Cecilia Wikström argues that there might be situations in which border controls should be reinstated. However, these must be implemented under strict regulations decided at an EU level. In a response, Cecilia Malmström emphasizes that the intention is not to undermine EU's freedom of movement, but to strengthen its present legislation, in exceptional circumstances.
Göteborgs-Posten 10 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.gp.se/nyheter/varlden/1.623073-passunion-slagtra-i-migrationsdebatt
Dagens Nyheter 10 May 2011 I:19 (in Swedish)



UNHCR in the news

600 might have drowned
A vessel with over 600 refugees sank near the coast of Libya on Friday 6 May 2011. Some of the persons onboard managed to swim ashore but UN fears that the majority of the refugees have drowned. UNHCR spokesperson Laura Boldrini says they base the information on eye-witnesses and compare it with the stories of the survivors. UNHCR and the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) have interviewed refugees who arrived in another vessel. They reported that they witnessed dead person's bodies floating in the sea. At least three vessels that have left Libya in the last few months amd did not make it to Italy. It is feared that hundreds of refugees have drowned. The UN now claims the Libyan Government to be partly guilty for this, and IOM reports that Libyan soldiers have forced refugees onboard already overcrowded vessels. UNHCR spokesperson Sybella Wilkes says the vessels are organised by smugglers. She continues saying it is impossible that the authorities are unaware of this if 2,000 persons are escorted every day and the port in Tripoli is controlled by the Government. The Italian Government has stated that Gaddafi organises the refugee-vessels as revenge towards Europe. More than 25,000 persons have so far reached Italy after fleeing the violence in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.
Norran 11 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://norran.se/nyheter/utrikes/article1160947.ece
MSN Nyheter 10 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://nyheter.se.msn.com/utrikes/article.aspx?cp-documentid=157399830
Skånskan 10 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.skanskan.se/article/20110510/TTUTRIKES/105109868
DN 10 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.dn.se/nyheter/varlden/fn-oroliga-for-migrantbatar
TV4 Nyheterna 10 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.nyheterna.se/1.2131736/2011/05/10/fn_oroas_over_libyenflyktingar
YLE 10 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://svenska.yle.fi/nyheter/artikel.php?id=215597
Aftenposten 10 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/article4117365.ece
Verdens Gang 10 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/article4117365.ece
Dagbladet 9 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.dagbladet.no/2011/05/09/nyheter/libya/utenriks/muammar_kadhafi/16472544/
Nettavisen 9 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/article3147726.ece
TV2 9 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.tv2nyhetene.no/utenriks/-skip-med-600-flyktninger-sank-utenfor-tripoli-3489922.html
Politiken 10 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.i.pol.dk/udland/article1278428.ece

UNHCR appeals for help
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) calls on all European countries to help the refugees who are fleeing ongoing conflicts in Libya in small unseaworthy and overcrowded boats. It has in fact become nearly as dangerous to escape the violence in Libya as it is to stay behind and engage in the armed conflict. Most of the people who are trying to leave Libya are migrant workers with origins in the Sub-Saharan countries, says UNHCR. There are no exact figures as to how many lives have been lost while attempting to flee from Libya, but it is most probably thousands. Melissa Fleming, Head of the Media Relation and Information Service Unit at UNHCR in Geneva, urges European countries to take immediate action and carry out effective rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea. According to the UN Refugee Agency, sea-related deaths can be reduced if more lifeboats are made available. - Those at sea who do not rescue people in distress cannot go unpunished, says Laura Boldrini, Senior Regional Public Information Officer at UNHCR's office in Rome.
Folketidende 10 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://folketidende.dk/fn-beder-om-hjaelp-til-libyens-flygtninge
BT 10 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.bt.dk/udland/fn-beder-om-hjaelp-til-libyens-flygtninge
TV2 Nyhederne 10 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://nyhederne.tv2.dk/article.php/id-39706170:fn-hjælp-libyens-bådflygtninge.html
TV2 East 10 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.tv2east.dk/artikler/fn-beder-om-hjaelp-til-libyens-flygtninge
Information 10 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.information.dk/telegram/267696
Berlingske 9 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://www.b.dk/globalt/lod-nato-61-baadflygtninge-doe-af-sult-og-toerst
Sveriges Radio 10 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=83&artikel=4498004
Expressen 10 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/1.2430477/nato-lamnade-batflyktingar-som-dog-av-torst

[Roope]

Thursday 12 May to Friday 13 May 2011


Denmark

Border control leads to heated debate
More customs and police officers will patrol the Oresund train in the coming weeks, following an agreement between the Danish People's Party, the Liberal Party, and the Conservative Party, to resume controls at the Swedish and German borders. This has not only raised apprehension from the European Commission, who warns that the new decision might jeopardize the freedom of movement within the European Union (EU), it has also received severe criticism from fellow EU member states, Germany and Sweden. Both countries have strongly condemned Denmark's decision to reintroduce tighter border controls as it breaches the Schengen rules. lIimar Reepalur, Mayor of Malmö, argues that Denmark cannot engage in domestic politics by setting aside laws and regulation. If they want to be a part of Europe, they must live by the rules, he adds. Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, does not agree and claims that the increased border controls will merely concern custom matters. Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, explains that the inspections will not violate the Schengen rules, as it simply is about strengthening customs controls, to manage criminal activity. Peter Skaarup, Spokesperson on Integration Affairs for the Danish People's Party, is content about the reached agreement, and argues that Denmark is setting an example among EU member states.
Information 12 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbI0Eb
DR 12 May 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbJ0Ec
DR 12 May 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbK0Ed
Politiken 12 May 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbL0Ee
Politiken 12 May 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbM0Ef
Politiken 12 May 2011:3 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbN0Eg
Berlingske 12 May 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbO0Eh
Berlingske 12 May 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbP0Ei
Berlingske 12 May 2011:3 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbQ0Ej
Jyllands-Posten 12 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbR0Ek
Information 11 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbS0El
Berlingske 11 May 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbT0Em
Berlingske 11 May 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbU0En
Politiken 11 May 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbV0Eo
Politiken 11 May 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbS0El
DR 11 May 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbX0Eq
DR 11 May 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbY0Er
Jyllands-Posten 11 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0MsbZ0Es
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
Sydsvenskan 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msba0Ez
Svenska Dagbladet 13 May 2011(in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbb0E1
Sveriges Radio 12 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbc0E2
Svenska Dagbladet 12 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbd0E3
Sydsvenskan 12 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbe0E4


Finland

Social services surveys important for immigrant integration
A low number of immigrants and refugees in Helsinki are responding to surveys relating to social work and income support. This makes the integration of refugees more difficult, says Helsinki's Social Services Department. Now the authority considers replacing surveys with personal interviews. Leila Palviainen, the Department's Head of Social and Financial support, says they have not been able to invest enough into immigrants as their life situations would require. Palviainen adds that immigrants often need more and different help than Finns.
YLE 11 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbf0E5

Crackdown nets 21 illegal aliens
The police have found some 21 people without proper residence permits. Some lacked identity documents, but they were determined to be from Afghanistan, Gambia, Ghana, Iran and Vietnam. The police also detained individuals suspected of arranging illegal immigration, forgery, pimping and of violating national borders. According to officials, the number of illegal aliens in Finland has been higher during the past three years than earlier this decade. However the number declined last year to just over 4,000. In 2009 the number was nearly 6,900.
YLE 11 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbg0E6

Lack of will and knowledge to integrate refugees
Both Väståboland and Kimitoön municipalities are highly qualified to receive refugees, but it requires political will, says Kalle Myllymäki, Immigration Manager at the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. Last week the representative assembly of Väståboland decided to receive more refugees. What is needed now is a will to fulfill the decision, says Myllymäki. He questions the arguments that integration is expensive or that refugees should not be placed in rural areas because they will later move into the city. Myllymäki says most persons want to move during their life-time and adds that what is important is to give refugees a first step into society.
YLE 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://svenska.yle.fi/nyheter/artikel.php?id=215908


Norway

Norway pick up refugees in Sri Lanka
Norwegian authorities have in secret bought flight tickets and granted political asylum to persons who are deemed to be at risk in Sri Lanka. The civil war in Sri Lanka ended two years ago and persons who supported the rebel group Tamil Tigers are still hiding from the authorities because of the role they played during the civil war. Up to now 12 persons have arrived in Norway and around 24 are waiting for similar assistance. The Minister of the Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim, says Norway has a long tradition of helping people in danger, and in this case it has gone one step further. - We believe we have a humanitarian obligation to help, he continues. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party's Marie Eriksen Søreide, Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, is surprised and says it is unusual and risky to secretly help refugees.
Aftenposten 13 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbi0E8
Verdens Gang 13 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbj0EA

Eritreans sought asylum after youth conference
The Eritrean youth party, Young People's Front for Democracy and Justice (YPFDJ), held a meeting in Norway during Easter. Right after the conference four participants from Eritrea applied for asylum in Norway. Hundreds of thousands are fleeing the country due to the severe human rights violations by the one-government state. Norway has received 500 Eritrean asylum-seekers so far this year.
NRK 12 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbk0EB


Sweden

European Home Affairs Ministers meet to discuss recent immigration
The recent immigration influx from North Africa has forced the European Union (EU) to reconsider its policy on border control. Accordingly, the European Home Affairs Ministers held a meeting on Thursday 12 May 2011, in Brussels, to discuss how to cope with the significant flow of incoming refugees and asylum-seekers. -Those that are fleeing are no longer merely migrant workers, but also people fleeing Libya, who might be in need of protection, says Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy. During the meeting, Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, suggested that it may be necessary to temporarily reinstate border controls as a last resort in extreme cases. It may concern a country that is unable to control its external borders, she adds. Sweden has no objection to this principle, says Tobias Billström. Cecilia Malmström emphasizes, however, that the proposal is not a response to the 25,000 refugees who have fled the violence in Libya. In fact, she continues to urge EU member state to accept refugees who have found themselves stuck at the border in Libya.
Sveriges Radio 12 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbl0EC
Svenska Dagbladet 12 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbm0ED
DN 12 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbn0EE
Göteborgs-Posten 12 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbo0EF

No hope for family reunification
Family reunification remains a far-off reality for the thousands of Somalis residing in Sweden. The Swedish Migration Court of Appeal has delivered a verdict stating that in order to facilitate family reunification, there is a need for a legislative change. Somali families have had no opportunity to reunite in Sweden during the past year. There are presently some 1,500 Somali refugee children in Kenya and Ethiopia who are still waiting to be reunited with their parents in Sweden. It has been nearly impossible for Somalis to obtain a residence permit through family reunification, as both passports and ID documents issued by the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia are not recognized by the Swedish authorities. According to Mikael Ribbenvik, Director for Legal Affairs of the Swedish Migration Board, the Swedish authorities cannot derogate from the identification requirements for a particular group. It is now entirely a political question whether the right to family reunification should take precedence over the requirements for identity authenticity, he adds. Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, has not commented on the matter.
DN 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbp0EG



UNHCR in the news

UNHCR criticizes the EU
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is criticizing the European Union (EU) for not doing enough to help refugees attempting to flee the ongoing violence in Libya to Italy and Malta. Over the past few months, nearly 1,000 people have lost their lives, and the risk for drowning in the Mediterranean Sea is now so great, that UNHCR is highly concerned over the current situation.
Kristeligt Dagblad 12 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDool0ZqnfK0aYE0Msbq0EH

[Roope]

Saturday 14 May to Monday 16 May 2011

Denmark

EU Commission criticizes Denmark's decision to impose border controls
The European Commission has criticized the Danish authorities' decision to impose border controls and argues that it breaches the Schengen rules. Accordingly, José Manuel Barosso, President of the European Commission, has sent a letter to Prime Minister Lars Løkke, stating that in principle European Union (EU) member states, should not systematically control its borders to other EU countries. Both Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner of Home Affairs, and José Manuel Barroso have urged Denmark not to adopt this type of unilateral action. They have, furthermore, stressed that the European Commission is prepared to use all the tools available to ensure that EU laws are followed.
NB. This story was covered in Sweden.
Sveriges Radio 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2Aw0Ea

Amnesty International criticizes Denmark
Amnesty International has accused the Danish authorities for undermining the international guidelines for human rights. The criticism concerned for example forcibly returning at least 62 rejected Iraqi asylum-seekers to Baghdad in 2010 despite the risk of persecution. This decision was against UNHCR's recommendations. Furthermore, Amnesty International agrees with the Committee for Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination's (CERD) criticism of Denmark for not providing adequate protection for Romani people. In addition, Amnesty criticizes the new points based immigration system, which has consequently led to the exclusion of vulnerable persons. Finally, Denmark has received criticism for having misused the Dublin II regulation, by returning rejected asylum-seekers to Greece, regardless of the country's remarkably deficient asylum procedures.
Politiken 13 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2Ax0Eb

Finland

Researcher: Immigration debate politicised
The media's task is to eliminate racism, says media researcher Camilla Haavisto. In her dissertation for the University of Helsinki she analysed media articles on immigration from 1999 to 2007. According to her the immigration debate became particularly politicised three years ago, after the 2008 municipal elections. The Finnish press often discusses immigrants according to what benefits or costs they bring to the country and people with foreign background find the media reporting one-sided, she says. Matias Turkkila, chairperson of the anti-immigrant Homma Forum, agrees that the communication in media has changed but thinks media's primary role is to convey information, not to promote multiculturalism.
YLE 13 May 2011:1 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2Ay0Ec
YLE 13 May 2011:2 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2Az0Ed

Norway

The Progress Party returns to its roots
On Friday the Progress Party gathered for the Annual National Convention. The Party stands for the same values as it did when founded in 1973, says the Progress Party's MP Per Arne Olsen. The party is aiming for strict immigration and integration policies. It wants the municipalities to keep an eye on the expenses of resettlement and integration of refugees. The municipalities will also be able to refuse immigrants and reception centres. Additionally, the Progress Party thinks asylum-seekers are to be detained while waiting for a decision and asylum-seekers without residence permit should be prohibited to travel freely.
Dagsavisen 13 May 2011:1 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2A10EQ
Dagsavisen 13 May 2011:2 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2A20ER

Nansen and those who followed
On 13 May 2011, the Nobel Peace Center opened the exhibition "Transit" in collaboration with the award-winning photographer Espen Rasmussen. The exhibition tells the story of the first League of Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and polar explorer, Fridtjof Nansen's efforts to help prisoners of war, victims of famine and refugees in the early 20th Century. The exhibition shows Nansen's own photographs as well as more recent photographs taken by Espen Rasmussen from refugee camps around the world. Barbara Hendricks, the goodwill-ambassador for UNHCR since 1987, was present during the opening. Both Rasmussen and Hendricks have travelled around the world meeting refugees and seeing many refugee situations. They both mention how impressed they are by how these persons exposed to vulnerable situations still preserve their dignity and pride.
Dagsavisen 13 May 2011 I: 36-37 (in Norwegian)

Sweden

Amnesty International criticizes Sweden
The Swedish authorities have received criticism from the human rights organization Amnesty International, for not taking into account UNHCR's recommendations, by forcibly returning rejected Eritrean and Iraqi asylum-seekers. Furthermore, Sweden is criticized for its poor treatment of Roma asylum-seekers from Serbia and Kosovo. - By classifying all cases as "manifestly unfounded" Sweden does not live up to the international standards for the protection of refugees, says Madelaine Seidlitz, Lawyer at Amnesty International. Oskar Ekblad, Head of Unit at the Swedish Migration Board, does not share Madelaine Seidlitz's judgment and argues that the Swedish Migration Board always makes an individual assessment of all cases. He does, nevertheless, agree that asylum application cases with regard to Roma from Kosovo should not be deemed as "manifestly unfounded".
Sveriges Radion 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2A30ES
KT 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2A40ET

UNICEF requires legal changes
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has required a change of the law, following the Swedish Migration Board's decision to deport two parents and their Sweden-born children to two separate countries. In a letter addressed to the government, UNICEF inquires that children who are forcibly taken into care by the State should not be deported together with their parents.  The Green Party, who recently reached an agreement with the Government regarding Sweden's migration policy, has sided with UNICEF. - I think it is quite unreasonable. It is an example that there is a very restrictive legislation and it appears to me that a change in the legislations is needed, says Maria Ferm, Member of the Green Party
Sveriges Radio 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2A50EU

Temporarily suspension of deportations to Côte d'Ivoire revoked
According to the Swedish Migration Board, the situation in Côte d'Ivoire has now improved. Thus, the halt to deport rejected Ivorian asylum-seekers introduced in December 2010 has now been revoked.
Dagens Nyheter 14 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2A60EV
Göteborgs-Posten 24 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2A70EW
Svenska Dagbladet 14 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2A80EX

1,500 asylum-seeking minors, still waiting to be reunited with their family
Some 1,500 Somali asylum-seeking minors in Kenya and Ethiopia are still waiting to be reunited with their parents in Sweden. However, both passports and ID documents issued by the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia are not recognized by the Swedish authorities. Therefore it has not been possible for Somali refugee children to obtain a residence permit through family reunification. For the children to be reunited with their paretns a political verdict is needed, says the Migration Court of Appeal.
Svenska Dagbladet 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2BA0Eh
Dagens Nyheter 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2BB0Ei



UNHCR in the news

UNHCR fear 1,200 cases of death
The UN Refugee Agency fears that 1,200 refugees might have lost their lives in the Mediterranean Sea, while attempting to flee the current violence in Libya. - About 12,000 people have arrived in Italy or Malta and we believe that as many as 1,200 are dead or missing, says Melissa Fleming, Head of the Media Relation and Information Service Unit at UNHCR in Geneva.
PS 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2BC0Ej
Nyhetspressen 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2BD0Ek
Göteborgs-Posten 13 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2BE0El

Syrian soldiers attacked civilians
At least 7 civilians were killed on Sunday when Syrian forces attacked the village Tall Kalakh, North West of Damascus. Since Saturday some 25,000 have fled Tall Kalakh to the northern part of Lebanon. On Friday some thousands were demonstrating against the current regime in different parts of Syria. At least one man was killed by security forces. UNHCR reports that 850 persons might have been killed so far during the two months of demonstrations.
Verdens Gang 15 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2BF0Em
Nordlys 15 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2BG0En
ABC Nyheter 15 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2BH0Eo
Drammens Tidende 13 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2BI0Ep
Tromsö 13 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpEP0ZqnfK0aYE0M2BJ0Eq

[Roope]

Tuesday 17 May to Wednesday 18 May 2011


Denmark

Søren Pind in favour of positive discrimination
Despite several warnings from legal experts, Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, wants to explore the possibility for positive discrimination with regards to family reunification. The proposal would entail that citizens from the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan will be exempted from taking the Danish language test. - It is a huge problem that our immigration policies are so equality-driven that it harms people who can and want to come to Denmark. The rules are full of legalisms, says Søren Pind.The Minister draws on experience from Germany and Holland where similar measures have been implemented.
TV2 Nyhederne 17 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAGq0Eb
Politiken 17 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAGr0Ec
Information 17 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAGs0Ed
Jyllands-Posten 17 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAGt0Ee
Berlingske 16 May 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAGu0Ef
Berlingske 16 May 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAGv0Eg
Politiken 16 May 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAGw0Eh
Politiken 16May 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAGx0Ei
TV2 Nyhederne 16 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAGy0Ej
DR 16 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAGz0Ek
Jyllands-Posten 16 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAG10EX
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
Dagens Nyheter 16 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAG20EY
Sydsvenskan 16 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAG30EZ


Finland

Number of asylum-seekers dropped significantly
From January to April this year some 913 persons sought asylum, compared to 1,505 in 2010 - a 40 per cent decrease. The most significant drop is seen among persons from Iraq, Somalia and Russia. Esko Repo, Director of the Asylum Unit at the Finnish Immigration Service, says the number of asylum-seekers has dropped in Finland and many other European countries. Meanwhile, the number of asylum-seekers has increased in Sweden. According to Sirkku Päivärinne, Director of Immigration at the Ministry of the Interior, Sweden attracts more asylum-seekers than Finland because there already is a large foreign population there. Another factor could be that Finland has reduced the allowance for asylum-seekers, Päivärinne says.
Aamulehti 15 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAG40Ea

Dangerous to separate an Afghan family
The forced return of the rejected Afghan asylum-seeking family Zaheri to Kabul has been postponed. UNHCR criticizes that the family would be separated if the forced return had taken place. The Ghazni family has lived for more than 2 years in the town of Pietarsaari. Now the father and two sons are kept in detention in the reception centre in Metsälä, Helsinki. Meanwhile, the mother and the youngest son are in a hospital in Pietarsaari. The father and two sons will be deported first, and the mother and the youngest son will follow later. Ove Storvall from the Pietarsaari Police says they have not been able to get seats for the whole family on the same flight. Hanne Mathisen, spokesperson for UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic Countries, says it is worrying if the Afghan family is being separated. Mathisen adds that it is an important principle for UNCHR to keep a family together. She fears it may be dangerous for the mother and son to travel alone internally in Afghanistan. At the same time as this Afghan family is to be deported, Finland is receiving a number of Afghan quota refugees. Mathisen explains that it might seem like a paradox, but not all Afghans are in need of international protection. Quota refugees are selected by UNHCR according to their need of international protection.
YLE 17 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAG50Eb
YLE 17 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAG60Ec
YLE, Radio Vega Österbotten 17 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAG70Ed
Österbottens tidning 17 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAG80Ee

Canadian immigration researcher warns against the "Swedish model"
Finland must run its own immigration policies, says immigration researcher Howard Duncan from Canada. The economic benefits instead of humanitarian values should be emphasized, he continues. According to him, Sweden is a prime example of failed immigration policies, where the moral desire to help has been the driving force. This can easily lead to problems, says Duncan. He held a lecture in Turku yesterday.
Turun Sanomat May 17 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAHA0Eo

Identity cards for asylum-seekers
Up to 80 per cent of asylum-seekers lack an identity card or other travel documents upon arrival. The Ministry of the Interior will now appoint a committee to devise identity documents to asylum-seekers. People applying for asylum are currently allowed working permits, but without ID-cards they cannot for example open a bank account. The salaries are therefore often paid to a relative's bank account. However, this is not seen as a durable solution.
YLE 17 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAHB0Ep


Norway

Norwegian ambassador summoned to meeting with Sri Lankan authorities
The news that 12 Tamil refugees have been assisted in seeking asylum in Norway has caused media attention in Sri Lanka. The authorities in Sri Lanka have reacted strongly and the President has now asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to investigate this matter further. The Norway's Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Hilda Haraldstad, was summoned to a meeting with the MFA. Haraldstad explained that Norway has a humanitarian asylum policy and processes all political asylum-applications according to the UN Refugee Convention. According to a recently published UN report some 40,000 civilians were killed during the last five months of the civil war in Sri Lanka. Several persons are still living in hiding due to their position during the war. Some of them have been able to escape with assistance from Norway.
Aftenposten 17 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAHC0Eq
Dagsavisen 17 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAHD0Er


Sweden

Hunger strike goes on
More people will join the 13 paperless Iranian asylum-seekers that are hunger striking on Gustav Adolf's Square in Stockholm. All of them have resided in Sweden between six to twelve years, for fear of persecution upon return. Nevertheless, none have been granted a residence permit. So far, approximately 70 Iranians, both activists and political refugees, have participated in demonstrations, to show their support and to highlight the situation.
Sveriges Radio 18 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAHE0Es

Homeless EU-citizens in search for work
While the European Union (EU) member states are trying to find a solution in regard to the current immigration influx from North Africa, Sweden is facing a new form of labour migration. It concerns persons who have been granted residence permit in another EU country and come to Sweden in search of employment. When coming to Sweden they often cannot find accommodation. Arto Maksunen, Director of Activities for Homeless Foreigners at Stockholm's Stadmission, explains that there are few employment opportunities in Spain, France and Italy, therefore some travel to Scandinavia. Statistics from the Swedish Migration Board indicate how big this problem is. According to their statistics 10,000 persons with a resident permit or nationality in another EU country wished to stay in Sweden last year, so far the number is 4,700 this year. The non-profit organization Stockholms Stadsmission receives 200 job-seekers every month.
SR Nyheter P4 Västernorrland 18 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAHF0Et

Negotiations to accommodate unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors
The County Administrative Board is currently negotiating with numerous municipalities in order to resolve the accommodation deficiency for unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors. The Swedish Migration Board estimates that around 550 housings facilities will be needed to accommodate arriving children. – Some 2,400 come to Sweden every year so the need is great, says Pontus Karlbom, Integration Coordinator at the County Administrative Board. Meanwhile, nearly 100 municipalities have no agreement to receive unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors. The response from negotiating municipalities has, nevertheless, been positive. - Willingness to help is great in our county. However, the children's best interest should never be overshadowed by the negotiations on how many children municipalities can receive, explains Magnus Holgersson, from the County Administrative Board.
SVT 17 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAHG0Eu

Improvement for Somali families
The Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, Tobias Billström, promises legislative changes so that separated Somali families denied family reunification can reunite. – We shall solve this, we have agreed with the Green Party to do this, says Tobias Billström. The Somali families have been denied family reunification since passports and ID documents issued by the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia are not recognized by the Swedish authorities. Previously the Migration Court of Appeal has said that legislative changes are needed in order for Somali refugee children in Kenya and Ethiopia, who have parents in Sweden, to get their family reunification claims assessed.
Dagens Nyheter I:9 14 May 2011 (in Swedish)



UNHCR in the news

Possible influx of refugees in Turkey
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is preparing for a potential influx of Syrian refugees into Turkey. - We are envisaging all kind of scenarios, says Metin Corabatir, External Relations Officer at UNHCR in Ankara. It is important that we are well organized in order to really help those who might show up, he adds. So far, some 270 Syrian refugees have received protection in Turkey.
Sveriges Radio 17 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAHH0Ev

UN: Gaddafi causes illegal immigration
Illegal immigration to Europe has increased due to the Libyan Gaddafi regime, reports the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). According to UNHCR Libyan authorities are not doing anything to stop persons from making the dangerous journey crossing the Mediterranean Sea. On the contrary, there are indications that Libyan authorities encourage persons to make these boat journeys to Europe, says UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming. So far, 14,000 Africans have fled Libya to Europe this year.
YLE 17 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAHI0Ew
YLE 17 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDpU10ZqnfK0aYE0NAHJ0Ex

[Roope]

Thursday 19 May to Friday 20 May 2011


Denmark

Leave Denmark and get money
As part of the ongoing 2020 Economic Plan negotiations, the Danish People´s Party has proposed to reinforce Denmark´s repatriation policy. It is aimed at immigrants from non-Western countries who have failed to integrate into Danish society. Peter Skaarup, Integration Spokesperson for the Danish People's Party, explains that the arrangement has been a success and that the number of immigrants who have participated in the Danish Repatriation Scheme has tripled. – But we want to go further and we will provide an incentive for municipalities so as they use this system more. The Party has suggested to financially reward municipalities with an amount of 25, 000 Danish crowns every time they get one of their foreign residents to repatriate.
Politiken 19 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpk0E3


Sweden

Worst in OECD regarding employment for immigrants
According to a report from the Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications, Sweden has the greatest difference in employment rates between native and foreign born citizens, when compared to other countries within the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). - It is unacceptable that we have so many immigrants who are inactive, says Maud Olofsson, leader of the Center Party. It is due to deficiencies in the migration policy, she adds. The study also shows that Sweden has, in relation to other countries, a high proportion of refugee immigration. This might explain the low employment rate among persons who are born abroad. The labor migration is, nonetheless, lower in than in other countries.
Sveriges Radio 19 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpl0E4

SIDA gives SEK 25 million to IOM
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) has decided to give 25 million Swedish crowns to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Some of the money will be used to prevent sexual violence in refugee camps in Haiti.
DN 18 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpm0E5

MSF criticizes EU
In an open letter addressed to among others Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, the Swedish section of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) accuses the European Union (EU) member states for having double standards concerning their involvement in Libya. While it is claimed that their presence in Libya is to protect the civilian population, the EU also aims at closing its borders on the pretext of preventing a massive influx of illegal immigrants. –The European countries, including Sweden, which are involved in the war against Libya, are avoiding both the legal and moral obligations by neglecting the victims of the conflict, says Kristina Bolme Kuehn, President of MSF in Sweden. MSF urges the EU member states to respect the principle of non-refoulement and argue that refugees who are fleeing ongoing conflicts in Libya should have the possibility to seek asylum. The open letter has also been sent to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
My News Desk 19 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpn0E6
Webfinanser 19 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpo0E7

Bamse cartoon made for asylum-seeking children upset
A Bamse cartoon magazine written in cooperation with the Swedish Migration Board for asylum-seeking minors has met criticism. The cartoon is explaining the asylum process in  Sweden. In the magazine, the rejection and return to the country of origin is pictured as something positive. In debates and on social forums persons have expressed their criticism. Director General at the Swedish Migration Board Dan Eliasson meets the criticism saying there are often positive elements included in the return to the country of origin. Eliasson does not see any reason to scare children with a possible return to their home country. Ola Andreasson, owner at Bamse Forlaget AB, says he does not understand the criticism being raised.
SvD 18 May 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpp0E8
SvD 18 May 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpq0EA
SvD 18 May 2011:3 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpr0EB
SVT 18 May 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHps0EC
SVT 18 May 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpt0ED
Sydsvenskan 18 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpu0EE
N.B. This was also covered in Finland and Norway
HBL 18 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpv0EF
NRK 18 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDplG0ZqnfK0aYE0NHpw0EG

[Roope]

Saturday 21 May to Monday 23 May 2011

Finland

All asylum-seekers cannot count on publicity
The faith of the Afghan family Zaheri has received a lot of publicity and raised involvement among citizens in Pietarsaari. However, many asylum-seekers get rejections without ever reaching out to the public, says Sanna Rummakko, Information and Media Officer at the Finnish Refugee Advice Centre. UNHCR provides guidelines on how asylum applications are to be treated. According to the Finnish Refugee Advice Center shortcomings might arise when these guidelines are applied in practice at the Finnish migration board. I.e. two asylum-seekers who are in the same position might get completely different decisions on their applications, says Rummakko. This may be due to a lack of insight by the authorities into a case if the person for example is traumatized and not able to correctly recount the grounds for seeking asylum. Rummakko stresses the need for the authorities to better identifying those cases. Regarding media attention, Rummakko says it is often random who receives publicity. Rummakko fears that the worst cases never reach the public's eye. According to Rummakko media should aim to give a fair picture of asylum-seekers. – The number of asylum-seekers in Finland is extremely small. Nevertheless, people talk about "influx of refugees" and describe asylum-seekers as a very big problem, she says. Rummakko does not want to comment on the case of the Afghan family Zaheri, but according to a report from the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) on 21 May, thedeportation is postponed and the family has received a permission to stay during the summer.
YLE 20 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSJA0E5
YLE 21 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSLk0Eo

Sweden

The Center Party wants improved migration policy
The Center Party wants to introduce an incentive allowance for companies who invest in integration-oriented activities. It is time to change perspective and see immigrants as a resource, says Maud Olofsson, leader of the Center Party. - It takes seven years on average for an immigrant to get a job. This is not right, she adds and emphasizes that immigrants are not to blame. The Center Party also wants to change the rules regarding temporary work permit and argues that labor migrants should be free to work in any industry or start their own business occupation after two years. Presently, labor migrants are bound to work within the same professional field.
SVT 20 May 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSMA0E8
SVT 20 May 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSMK0EJ
DN 20 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSMS0ER

Media reinforces prejudices against immigrants
This week the Swedish Red Cross (SRC) celebrated the fifth anniversary of its anti-discrimination bureau. At the event Arash Mokhtari, Project Leader at Quick Response, presented examples of how the media reinforces stereotypes and divides people in an "us" and "them" discourse. – What is distinctive is that it portrays immigrants as if they do not belong to society or that they do not add anything positive. They are not part of the community, he adds.
SVT 20 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSMA0E8

New residence permit card
The Swedish Migration Board will issue new residence permit cards. Until now, a special residence permit sticker was glued into the passports of foreign nationals.This has led to security problems as some have disappeared or been sold illegally on the black market. The new residence permit cards will look the same throughout the European Union (EU) and include biometric information.
Sveriges Radio 20 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSMZ0EY

More children suffer from apathy
A new assessment report from the Swedish Migration Board shows that the number of apathetic children has risen with 45 per cents. Children at risk have increased with 65 per cent. According to the report, children at risk are those who show early signs of depression. Per Sörensen, Head of the Swedish Migration Board´s Unit for Children and Youth, explains that the symptoms develop during the asylum application process. It is, thus, essential to deliver a decision in a timely manner as time is an important factor, he adds.
SVT 22 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSMf0Ek

JO condemns the Swedish Migration Board
The Parliamentary Ombudsmen (JO) has condemned the Swedish Migrations Board for keeping persons with mental health problems in detention centers. JO has on its own initiative initiated an investigation, and found a number of serious deficiencies and violations of human rights. According to JO, people who present no danger to anyone other than possibly themselves are usually locked up without receiving legal assistance. Such a practice involves severe restrictions of freedom, says Hans-Gunnar Axberger, Parliamentary Ombudsmen with Responsibility Area 4.
Sydsvenskan 22 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSMk0Ep
SVT 22 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSMu0Ez
Sveriges Radio 22 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSM40Eu



UNHCR in the news

Deadly violence towards demonstrators in Syria
On Friday, thousands of persons demonstrated throughout Syria. The military forces stopped the demonstrations resulting with at least 34 persons being killed. The EU is now considering sanctions against president Bashar al-Assad because of the ongoing violence. Up to now, some 1,400 Syrians have fled to Lebanon, reports the UN Refugee agency UNHCR. UNHCR is cooperating with Lebanese authorities at the border to assist families by distributing mattresses, food and shelter as well as providing psychosocial support to those who have fled the violence.
ABC Nyheter 20 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSND0ED
Aftenposten 20 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSNN0EN
Dagbladet 20 may 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSNP0EP
Svt 20 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSNS0ES
Expressen 20 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSNV0EV
YLE 20 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSNa0Eg

Influx of refugees back into Libya
An increased number of refugees are moving into Libya. Hundreds of persons have decided to leave the refugee camps at the Tunisian and Egyptian borders in order to try to flee through Libya and over the Mediterranean Sea to Lampedusa or Malta, reports UNHCR. The chances to be chosen as a quota refugee to Europe and US are not seen as high enough and therefore refugees decide to flee by boat. Libyan authorities previously had an agreement with Italy not to allow refugees over the sea but now the Libyan authorities are not doing anything to prevent persons from fleeing, says spokesperson Hanne Mathisen, UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic countries. Many thousand are planning to cross the sea and UN reports that one of ten risks their life when fleeing. Up to now, 1,200 persons might have drowned, says Mathisen. The UN now urges countries to accept 8,000 quota refugees from the refugee camps on the borders. Norway has responded accepting 340 refugees. Doctors Without Borders have reacted by sending a letter to the Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg saying Norway should accept more refugees since 750,000 persons are displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
Aftenposten 23 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSNe0Ek
Verkkouutiset 23 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqFw0ZqnfK0aYE0NSNf0El

[Roope]

Tuesday 24 May to Wednesday 25 May 2011


Finland

UN listens to Refugee Women
Last weekend UNHCR organized a dialogue with refugee women in Finland. Around 30 women participated in the dialogue. During three days the women discussed for example their experiences of reception centers, integration issues, difficulties to adapt and their current role in the Finnish society. UNHCR's expert group has talked to refugee women in different parts of the world. Finland is the only European country who has participated. "Finland's way of guiding refugees to become part of the society is good and democratic", says Astrid van Genderen Stort from UNHCR. During the dialogue the women thanked Finland for receiving them but they also proposed improvements. One of the issues was the thorough language skills needed in order to get a job. Other issues are domestic violence, lack of trauma care and xenophobia. Senior spokesperson at UNHCR, Astrid van Genderen Stort, says the spread of racism is to be taken incredibly serious in Finland, and we need to minimize racism as much as possible. Astrid van Genderen Stort adds that we need to look at the causes and ask why people are worried about foreigners entering into the country. She says that racism often grounds in fear of the unknown. She emphasizes that the entry of foreigners should be turned into something positive and seen as a good contribution to the country. Louisa Cremonese from UNHCR says that women are the first and most critical link to achieve change. – If women are excluded from the society, integration will not work, says Cremonese. Lately there have been many discussions about hidden racism in Finland, however, Cremonese underlines that Finland is a good country for refugees. – There are of course problems, but in Finland you can at least discuss and develop your own stand-point and educate your children, Cremonese adds.
Helsingin Sanomat 24 May 2011 I:A11 (in Finnish)
Hufvudstadsbladet 24 May 2011 I:8 (in Swedish)
Min Morgon 23 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://areena.yle.fi/video/1306133470532
Iltalehti 23 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://www.iltalehti.fi/uutiset/2011052313769906_uu.shtml
Kainuun Sanomat 23 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://www.kainuunsanomat.fi/cs/Satellite/Kotimaa/1194680144325/artikkeli/pakolaisperheen+kotiutuminen+on+usein+aidin+varassa.html
YLE Uutiset 22 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://areena.yle.fi/video/1306134364315

True Finns' MP censured over racial comments
True Finns' new MP Teuvo Hakkarainen made yet another controversial statement in an interview for the newspaper Jämsän Seutu. In the article Hakkarainen is quoted using the word "nigger". He further suggested that refugees should be put to work clearing up forests instead of being unemployed. True Finns' Party leader, Timo Soini, is said to be furious over Hakkarainen's comments. Today True Finns parliamentary group has issued a censure over Hakkarainen's comments, but he has not been forced to resign. A month ago Hakkarainen made another offensive comment describing certain immigrants arriving at Finland's borders.
YLE Uutiset 25 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://yle.fi/uutiset/teemat/vaalit_2011/2011/05/hakkaraiselle_huomautus_kohupuheista_2620012.html
Hufvudstadsbladet 25 May 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://www.hbl.fi/text/inrikes/2011/5/25/w63899.php
Hufvudstadsbladet 25 May 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://www.hbl.fi/text/inrikes/2011/5/25/w63898.php
YLE Svenska Nyheter 2011 (in Swedish)
http://svenska.yle.fi/nyheter/artikel.php?id=216741
Hufvudstadsbladet 24 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.hbl.fi/text/inrikes/2011/5/24/w63860.php
MTV3 24 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://www.mtv3.fi/uutiset/kotimaa.shtml/2011/05/1334487/ilta-sanomat-soini-ottaa-hakkaraisen-taas-puhutteluun-rasistisista-puheista
Aamulehti 24 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://www.aamulehti.fi/cs/Satellite/Kotimaa/1194680265327/artikkeli/neuvottelijat+irtisanoutuvat+hakkaraisen+puheista+halonen+ottaa+erittain+vakavasti.html
Turun Sanomat 23 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://www.ts.fi/online/kotimaa/224085.html
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden.
Svenska Dagbladet 25 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.svd.se/naringsliv/sannfinlandare-i-nytt-blasvader_6194263.svd

Halonen concerned about xenophobia
The President of the Republic of Finland, Tarja Halonen, has expressed concern over racism and xenophobia among the populist party True Finns. Halonen voiced her concern in connection with the official visit of the Croatian President on Tuesday. While answering a question from a Croatian journalist Halonen said she does not think True Finns' victory is a typical expression of strong xenophobia, racism and opposition to the EU, but of course there are such features there. Halonen pointed out that every day we read about people who have said something not very civilized concerning people who have moved to Finland, or are of different racial or cultural background. Halonen stressed that she is taking this issue very seriously.
YLE Uutiset 24 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://yle.fi/uutiset/ulkomaat/2011/05/halonen_huolissaan_muukalaisvihasta_2617700.html
Ilta-Sanomat 24 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://www.iltasanomat.fi/kotimaa/yle-halonen-huolissaan-rasismista-perussuomalaisten-joukossa---otan-taman-vakavasti/art-1288391134703.html

Norway

Rejection of asylum-seeking parents violates children's human rights
Some 450 children in Norway have one parent who has been denied asylum and risk being deported from the country, according to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Janne Raanes, from Save the Children Norway, says forced deportation of rejected asylum-seeking parents violates the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. She emphasizes that the Convention states that a child has the right to receive care from both its parents.
NRK 20 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.nrk.no/nett-tv/indeks/264705/

Non-Western immigration is not profitable for Norway
The Welfare and Migration Committee (Brochmann Committee) recently issued a report on the prospects for the Norwegian welfare state in view of increasing immigration. The study claims that non-Western immigration is not profitable for Norway, and advises that social welfare benefits ought to be tightened. The Government, however, has chosen not to follow the proposal. According to Jens Ulltveit-Moe, from the Norwegian energy and service group UMOE Group, non-Western immigrants erode the Norwegian welfare system and their participation in the labour market is low. Per-Willy Amundsen, spokesperson on Immigration Issues at the Progress Party, adds that cultural background and religion play an important part in labour-market participation. - Muslim immigrants score poorly in these studies, he says. His statement has been harshly criticized by the Labour- and Christian Democratic Party.
Aftenposten 24 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article4129499.ece
Dagbladet 24 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://www.dagbladet.no/2011/05/24/nyheter/politikk/innenriks/arbeiderpartiet/16629613/

Sweden

Increase in forced deportations
Forced deportations of rejected asylum-seekers are estimated to increase by 30 per cent in comparison to last year, following the Government and the Green Party's recent agreement concerning Sweden's migration policy. More specifically, a total of 3,200 people are expected to be forcibly deported this year to for instance Iraq. In the province of Scania, a pilot project has led to an increase of 40 per cent in forced deportation, which represents some 115 rejected asylum-seekers.
Dagens Nyheter 25 May 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://www.dn.se/nyheter/sverige/ny-asylpolitik-ska-fa-700-fler-tvangsutvisade
Dagens Nyheter 25 May 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://www.dn.se/nyheter/sverige/i-dag-tvingas-amjad-farhan-tillbaka-till-irak
Sveriges Radio 25 May 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=83&artikel=4522195
Sveriges Radio 25 May 2011: 2 (in Swedish)
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=103&artikel=4522261
Svt 25 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://svt.se/2.22620/1.2435772/tvangsutvisningarna_okar

Immigrant children fall behind in terms of education
The proportion of ninth graders who are not qualified for high school has increased over the past five years. A group which has increasingly fallen behind is immigrant children who have arrived in Sweden during the school year. According to the National Agency for Education, merely 51 per cent were enrolled in secondary school last year in comparison to 58 per cent the five prior years. These children receive an inadequate education, as schools are poorly equipped to meet their special needs, says the Schools Inspectorate.
Svenska Dagbladet 24 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/flyktingelever-halkar-efter-alltmer_6191587.svd
Sveriges Radio 24 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/gruppsida.aspx?programid=83&grupp=10974&artikel=4521857

[Roope]

Thursday 26 May to Friday 27 May 2011


Denmark

DRC worried about UN sanctions
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is concerned that the United Nations (UN) sanctions against the Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen (HSM) in Somalia, might worsen the hunger problem. - The UN has placed the HSM on its list of terrorist organizations, which means that we can easily come under indictment if we help people in HSM-controlled areas, explains Peter Klansoe, Regional Director for DRC in Nairobi. He also points out that as a result Denmark has suspended its development assistance to Somalia. DRC hopes that the UN will refine its sanctions against HSM, to give aid organizations more room for maneuver.
DR 27 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEo0Eq

Become integrated or receive a residence permit – not both
Immigrants cannot obtain permanent residency in Denmark if they receive secondary school grants from the state. - It is ironic that the youth who ought to be integrated through for instance secondary education, find themselves in a situation where they have to choose between being integrated or receiving a residence permit, says Niels Glahn, Secretary General at the Association of Danish Folk High Schools. According to the Danish Aliens Act, one cannot be granted permanent residency if financial assistance from the government has been received within the last three years.
Berlingske 27 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEp0Er
Jyllands-Posten 27 May 2011 (in Denmark)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEq0Es

Søren Pind warned about law reform
The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs Søren Pind has acknowledged that the Ministry of Justice warned him about introducing a law reform that would entail family reunification for selected nationalities. According to Jørgen Grønnegård Christensen, Professor of Political Science at the University of Aarhus, the Ministry of Justice cannot support such a discriminative action, and the proposal will, thus, be presented at Pind´s "own risk". In case of a lawsuit, the Minister will find himself in a weak position, he adds. Søren Pind defends his standpoint by referring to Holland and Germany, where similar measures have been put in place. - Given that other countries have done the same, I am going to implement this law reform to modernize the Danish immigration policy, and then we will see what happens, he says.
DR 25 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEr0Et

Immigration can be profitable
A new report issued by the European Union (EU) reveal that while the immigrant population in Denmark is a costly affair, it is a good bargain in other European countries. According to Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, immigrants from the Western part of the world currently contribute with 4 billion Danish crowns, whereas none-Western immigrants cost Denmark 16 billion crowns. - Other countries seem to have been successful in making immigrants an economic asset. This is something we could learn from, he says. The European Commission argues that if Europe is to maintain its economic strength, more labour is needed. This is something Pind agrees with.
DR 25 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEs0Eu

MSF: Denmark should open its borders to Libyan refugees
The Danish section of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has sent an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Foreign Minister Lene Espersen. In the letter MSF argues that Denmark is obliged to receive Libyan refugees as the country is taking part in the war against Libya. The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs Søren Pind is prepared to accept ten Libyan refugees, however, solely under recommendations from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Arbejderen 25 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEt0Ev

Finland

Politicians in Espoo want to know the cost of immigrants
In Espoo city, 15 out of 67 council members demand a report on how much money is spent on immigrants. So far no report has been delivered. There is an ongoing debate whether to investigate the costs of immigrants or not. Seppo Huhta (True Finns) finds it ignorant not to investigate how much immigration costs. Meanwhile, others argue that such initiatives are discriminating and generalizing towards immigrants. On the other hand, some say there is a need to know the costs to reserve enough resources for integration.
Hufvudstadsbladet 25 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEu0Ew

Who is responsible for the Roma children?
Among the Roma people from Bulgaria and Romania arriving in Finland there are many children. Currently, no one is responsible for their social situation. Now Mannerheim League for Child Welfare has issued an appeal stating all children in Finland should be protected by the Child Protection Act. The nation should take this responsibility regardless of which municipality the Roma people stay in. Secretery General at the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare, Mirjam Kalland, says the situation is complex and it is strange that nothing is happening on a European level to find a solution with the countries from where the Roma people are coming. She says a solution needs to be found on both a European and a national level.
YLE 23 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEv0Ex

Better refugee compensation needed
In the Government Programme there is a demand to increase the compensation for municipalities accepting refugees, says Kristina Stenman, Director of Migration at the Ministry of the Interior. It is difficult to find places for refugees in municipalities since many municipalities have financial problems. The Government is divided on how much money should be distributed to the municipalities. According to Stenman successful integration is important and worth investing in.
Yle 24 May 2011 (in Swedish
http://svenska.yle.fi/nyheter/artikel.php?id=216720

Norway

Somali children kept in emergency housing
Some 11 Somali-Norwegian children between the age of 1 and 14 are being kept in an emergency housing in Gjövik, Norway. According to the Norwegian police the children have been exposed to domestic violence and fear circumcision. An increasing number of Norwegian children with Somali origin is taken into care by the authorities. More communication is thus needed between the Somali families and the Norwegian authorities, says Bashe Musse, leader of the Somali Network in Norway.
NRK 26 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEw0Ey

Assault rapes committed by "non-Westerns"
A report released by the police on Wednesday states that all assault rapes during last year were committed by men with a non-Western origin. All the reported rapes during the last 5 years are done by men with a foreign origin. Police inspector Hanne Kristin Rodhe says the perpetrators often are unemployed, have been asylum-seekers during the last five years and come from a traumatized environment. She adds that their perception of women can be one of the motives behind the rapes.
NRK 25 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEx0Ez

Sweden

Rejected but not deported
A recent study from the University of Gothenburg shows that the Swedish Police is unable to deport some rejected asylum-seekers. The reason is that their home countries do not issue passports to their citizens.
Svt 27 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEy0E1

Amnesty International criticizes the Swedish Migration Board
The Swedish section of Amnesty International has accused Sweden for having improperly used the manifestly unfounded jurisdiction. In fact, last year the Swedish Migration Board rejected 68 per cent of Serbian asylum-seekers since they had no grounds for asylum. - The persecution of Roma in the Balkans means that some asylum-seekers might need protection, says Madelaine Seidlitz, lawyer at Amnesty International. She has previously argued that people are dying while the EU is working on developing a common asylum system.
Sydsvenskan 27 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeEz0E2
Malmö Fira 25 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeE10Eo

Difficult for immigrants to get employment
According to recent numbers from Statistics Sweden, more than one in three young immigrants are unemployed (SCB). This is both alarming and worrisome, says Integration Minister Erik Ullenhag. To break the cycle, more effort is required. Secondary school education plays a key role as well as apprenticeship, he adds. Another study also shows that immigrants with academic education go unemployed for years in comparison to Swedish nationals. This is due to lack of information on where and how to find job opportunities, says the Swedish Nation Audit Office.
Sveriges Radio 26 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeE20Ep
Dagens Nyheter 25 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDqjF0ZqnfK0aYE0NeE30Eq

[Roope]

Saturday 28 May Monday 30 May 2011

Denmark

Danish Repatriation Scheme increasingly popular
A growing number of immigrants choose to return to their home country after having lived in Denmark for several years. The number has, in fact, tripled from 138 in 2009 to 370 in 2010. Particularly Bosnian refugees choose to participate in the Danish repatriation scheme.
DR 29 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDq7X0ZqnfK0aYE0NmjU0Ec

Finland

Action against racism in the government program
Action against racism will be included in the new government program, says Johannes Koskinen from the Finnish Social Democratic Party, heading a working group on legal policy. The goal is to build a more tolerant climate and to care for the rights of minorities. President Tarja Halonen has also expressed a wish that measures against xenophobia and racism are to be included in the government program. The negotiations on forming a new government continue.
YLE 29 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDq7X0ZqnfK0aYE0NmjV0Ed
Turun Sanomat 29 May 2011:1 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDq7X0ZqnfK0aYE0NmjW0Ee
Turun Sanomat 29 May 2011:2 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDq7X0ZqnfK0aYE0NmjX0Ef

Integration of immigrants to be more effective
The government wants immigrants to integrate faster by implementing a new regulation to complement the "Act on Promoting the Integration of Immigrants". Starting from autumn, the municipalities will conduct an interview to assess for example the immigrant's language skills and proficiency to study and work. The aim is to provide immigrants basic knowledge about the Finnish society, language courses and other services to improve their integration. The new regulation will come into force 1 September, the same day as the new "Act on Promoting the Integration of Immigrants" is implemented.
YLE 27 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDq7X0ZqnfK0aYE0NmjY0Eg

Norway

Criticism against statement on Muslim immigrants
The Progress Party's MP Per-Willy Amundsen says immigrants originating from Muslim countries show low participation in labour market. Professor Grete Brochmann, who recently published the new report "Welfare and Migration", replies that work participation has little to do with religion; it is linked to culture, gender roles and lack of equality. According to Statistics Norway, immigrants from Somalia have the lowest participation in the labour market. They are followed by immigrants from Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, Brochmann points out that persons coming from these countries have a refugee background which partly explains why many of them do not work. Other important causes are low basic education and weak qualifications to fit the Norwegian labour market.
Dagsavisen 27 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDq7X0ZqnfK0aYE0NmjZ0Eh

Sweden

End of hunger strike
The paperless Iranian asylum-seekers who have gathered on Gustav Adolf's Square in Gothenburg since the beginning of May 2011, decided to stop their hunger-strike, following a meeting with the Swedish Migration Board. Next week they will meet several Parliamentarians.
Svt 27 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDq7X0ZqnfK0aYE0Nmja0Eo

Paperless persons in hiding are more visible than expected
A new dissertation from the University of Gothenburg examines how rejected asylum-seekers who hide from the authorities navigate the city surroundings. Estimates suggest that over one thousand asylum-seekers live in Gothenburg without documents. However, they are more visible than expected. Several paperless persons were interviewed in the dissertation. They all agreed that public transportation cannot be avoided even though it increases the risk of getting caught by the police. - I have no solution to the problem with paperless persons, but I think that we must get used to this group of people living in Sweden and Gothenburg. Furthermore, we should cope with this. Schools, health care and social services have to deal with this, says Helena Holgersson, Doctoral Student at the University of Gothenburg.
Svt 27 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDq7X0ZqnfK0aYE0Nmjb0Ep

International aid used for asylum-seekers in Sweden
The opposition has strongly criticized the government for taking money from its international aid budget to fund the reception and integration of asylum-seekers. This year, a total of 5.3 billion Swedish crowns are to be transferred, mainly to cope with the increasing number of asylum-seekers in Sweden. - Yes, we are very critical about this. It means that money allocated for humanitarian aid is used to fund other activities in Sweden, says Hans Linde, Group Leader for the Left Party. Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for International Development Cooperation, rejects the criticism and says that the government is simply following accepted international rules. She argues that more money needs to be set aside for the reception and integration of asylum-seekers due to the growing number of for example unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors.
Sveriges Radio 27 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDq7X0ZqnfK0aYE0Nmjc0Eq

Slow labour market integration
Governmental efforts to speed up the integration of newly arrived refugees into the Swedish labour market have not been implemented as expected. Instead of finding a job, many find themselves in contact with the social services upon their arrival in Sweden.
Sveriges Radio 30 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDq7X0ZqnfK0aYE0Nmjd0Er

[Roope]

Tuesday 31 May to Wednesday 1 June 2011


Finland

New rules and regulations on hate-crimes
New regulations on racist crimes and hate crimes come into force 1 June in Finland. The most important change is that the criminal regulation of hate crime also applies to crimes for other reasons than racism. Under the new law one can be convicted of hate crime by assaulting someone due to their skin color, origin, beliefs, sexual orientation or disability. The rules and regulations also clarify the responsibilities of web site administrators on racial or other hate crime related comments. The changes were approved by the parliament in March. They are linked to the country's international obligations, namely the protocol against racism in the Council of Europe's Convention on Cybercrime and the European framework decision on combating racism.
YLE 31 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0NtmQ0EZ
YLE 31 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0NtmR0Ea

Positive discrimination shows good results in schools
The National Coalition Party group in Helsinki City Council reports that positive discrimination in Helsinki shows good results. Wille Rydman, head of the Finland's National Coalition party's youth group has criticized the positive discrimination and says favoritism of minorities is racism. In Helsinki the grant for positive discrimination is now increased by 2 million euro, and is aimed to meet the needs of immigrants or pupils with special needs.
YLE 31 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0NtmS0Eb
YLE 30 May 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0NtmT0Ec


Norway

Stoltenberg wants to make it easier to imprison criminal asylum-seekers
The government is proposing to make it easier to detain and deport criminal asylum-seekers, especially those who sell drugs. According to Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg this proposal is important to combat crime, but also to create respect for persons who are persecuted and in need of asylum. Ann-Magrit Austenå, Secretery General of the Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (NOAS), says that the proposal includes only asylum-seekers and does not include other immigrants and wonders if only criminal asylum-seekers therefore can be deported but not other immigrants. Furthermore, lawyer and leader of the Bar Association's Legal Committee Arild Humlen says the new proposal has nothing to do with the immigration law and claims the proposal is a political initiative without legal grounds.
NRK 31 May 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0NtmU0Ed


Sweden

Unemployment gap between Sweden and foreign-born to be reduced
According to Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, Erik Ullenhag, Minister for Integration, and Minister for Employment, Hillevi Engström, the employment gap between Swedish and foreign-born is  "unacceptable" and ought to be reduced. Recent figures from Statistics Sweden (SBC) reveal that more than one in three young immigrants are unemployed. In addition, the unemployment rate among persons born outside of Sweden is twice as high as for native Swedes.  The government has, thus, promised special measures to improve immigrants´ equal access to the labor market.  These include for instance improved language classes. Timbro argues that the government should lower the minimum wage.
DN 30 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0NtmV0Ee
Sveriges Radio 30 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0NtmW0Ef
Sydsvenskan 30 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0NtmX0Eg

Government divided on the subject of health care for asylum-seekers
A novel governmental inquiry suggests that illegal immigrants as well as asylum-seekers should have access to the same health care system as Swedish citizens. Such actions have already been implemented in the county of Västra Götaland, although still unknown to the majority of health workers. The new proposal is expected to generate a total cost of 2,2 billion Swedish crowns. Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, has, accordingly, opposed to proposal and required its re-evaluation.
SvD 1 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0NtmY0Eh
Sveriges Radio 31 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0NtmZ0Ei

New hope for paperless Iranian asylum-seekers
The paperless Iranian asylum-seekers who have gathered on Gustav Adolf's Square in Gothenburg since the beginning of May 2011 have been given new hope following some updated information from the Swedish Migration Board. - We have been told that our asylum-application cases are to be reviewed, says Aida Najafi, an Iranian Asylum-seekers who have reside in Sweden since 2005.
Göteborgs-Posten 31 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0Ntma0Ep

Tobias Billström in disagreement with Amnesty International: Roma are not mistreated
Amnesty International has criticized the Swedish authorities for their poor treatment of Roma asylum-seekers. The human right organization thinks it is unreasonable that the majority of the applications for asylum have been rejected without a thorough assessment. In opposition, Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, argues that Roma asylum-seekers are subjected to fair and effective asylum procedures. - Following an assessment by the Swedish Migration Board, one comes to the conclusion that there is no ground for asylum, he says. Therefore the verdict ought to be implemented immediately, he adds.
Sveriges Radio 31 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0Ntmb0Eq

Acute accommodation shortage for unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors
The accommodation deficiency for unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors is now acute. Approximately 550 housings facilities are needed to accommodate arriving children. The Swedish Migration Board is reviewing current housing requirements. Caroline Henjered, Head of the Reception Division at the Swedish Migration Board, is calling for a softer interpretation of the law. - What we have seen is that there are children with various backgrounds. In accordance to our legislation, many are regarded as children, however, numerous have lived and taken on the responsibility of an adult. Håkan Cederberg, Director at the National Board of Health and Welfare, argues that no changes will be made to the existing regulations.
Sveriges Radio 31 May 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0Ntmc0Er

Expelled Ethiopians look for help in Sweden
A group of 25 Ethiopians, who left Norway to Sweden after being rejected as asylum-seekers, are hoping for aid from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Stockholm. However, according to Hanne Mathisen, Spokesperson for UNHCR at the Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic countries, there is not much that can be done. - I have great understanding that they have lived in Norway for long, have found jobs and integrated well, but these types of humanitarian issues lie beyond our mandate".
Metro 1 June 2011 I: 20 (in Swedish)



UNHCR in the news

Smuggling incident leads to death of 10 persons
At least 10 people died from suffocation and exhaustion following a boat-journey from Somalia to the Republic of Yemen.  According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), a team of smugglers as well as Sub-Saharan Africans passengers were on board. For fear of being detected by the Yemeni coastguards, several persons were thrown at sea and consequently left to die. - We condemn the unscrupulous and inhumane treatment of refugees and others who are desperately trying to flee the violence and human rights abuses", says Erika Feller, Assistant High Commissioner at the UNHCR.
Jyllands-Posten 31 May 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrO60ZqnfK0aYE0Ntmd0Es

[Roope]

Thursday 2 June to Friday 3 June 2011

Denmark

Shorter waiting time
Recent figures from the Danish Immigration Service reveal that the average stay of asylum-seekers in reception centers has decreased with 58 per cent since 2007. The decline is primarily due to the increasing number of deported asylum-seekers and a reduced application assessment period. - Ultimately, we expect a further reduction of the time spent in asylum centers, says Anni Fode, Centre Director at the Danish Immigration Service. Signe Smith Nielsen, researcher for the Department of Public Health at the University of Copenhagen, argues that the shortened time is a step in the right direction, as an extended asylum process can be distressing. There are still adult and children, however, who continue to wait much longer than usual, she adds.
TVE 2 Nyhederne 2 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrd70ZqnfK0aYE0N1kz0ET
Berlingske 2 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrd70ZqnfK0aYE0N1k10EG
Jyllands-posten 2 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrd70ZqnfK0aYE0N1k20EH
DR 2 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrd70ZqnfK0aYE0N1k30EI

Sweden

Controversial proposal on health care to be implemented
Despite strong criticism from the Moderate Party and Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, on the subject of free health care for illegal immigrants as well as asylum-seekers, the Government and the Green Party's recent agreement concerning Sweden's migration policy will follow thru. - We have to jointly care for this agreement, both the Moderate Party and the Green Party, says Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. In the beginning of March 2011, the Government and the Green Party reached an accord in which it was proposed, among other things, that asylum-seekers without residence permit – or 'paperless' -should receive the right to free health care. It has, nevertheless, not been decided to which specific group the new rules should apply.
Sveriges Radio 1 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrd70ZqnfK0aYE0N1k40EJ

New support to Libya from Sweden
Sweden will give a further 55 million Swedish crowns for the humanitarian assistance in Libya after a decision of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). Most of the aid will go to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. According to Gunilla Carlson, the Minister for International Development Cooperation, the situation has gotten worse for Libyans, and she estimates that there are between 1.6 and 2 million people who need outside help.
Sveriges Radio 2 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrd70ZqnfK0aYE0N1k50EK



UNHCR in the news

Victim of rape forcibly returned to Libya
Qatar has forcibly returned a woman to Libya who accused soldiers of the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi of having raped her. Vincent Cochetel, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) representative in Washington, says Imam al-Obeidi was returned to Benghazi on a military plane on Thursday. Cochetel says she expressed fear of returning to Libya and that her fear is well founded. The authorities in Qatar ignored UNHCR's repeated requests to allow al-Obeidi a temporary stay. The fact that al-Obeidi had refugee status and was in the process of getting a residence as an asylum-seeker in another country was not enough to stop the deportation back to Libya. Al-Obeidi first attracted international media attention when she stormed into the Rixos hotel in Benghazi in March and threw open her coat to reveal the scars and bruises on her body.
TV 2 3 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrd70ZqnfK0aYE0N1k60EL
NRK 2 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDrd70ZqnfK0aYE0N1k70EM

[Roope]

Saturday 4 June to Wednesday 8 June 2011


Denmark

Mayors criticise immigration policy restrictions
New studies reveal that more than half of Denmark's Conservative and Liberal mayors have had enough of the Government's restrictive measures on immigration. - Enough is enough. There is no need for more tightening. We need labour. For that reason alone, it is very unfortunate if the politicians continue to use a negative language, says Johannes Hecht Johansen, Mayor of Helsingør. Marianne Jevled, Member of the Social Liberals, concurs and believes that the Government is dealing with immigration issues in an unrealistic manner. Karsten Lauritzen, Spokesperson for the Liberal Party, explains that the tightening of the immigration policy cannot be disregarded. Karsten Lauritzen argues that the mayors come from municipalities with few immigrants and therefore do not understand the problem.
Berlingske 7 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHsq0Ey
Politiken 7 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHsr0Ez
Information 6 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHss0E1

Former Minister warned about cases regarding stateless persons
According to new information, the former Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Bertel Haarder, was already in July 2003 informed about the mishandling of the cases regarding the stateless persons who were wrongfully denied Danish citizenship. Had this information been taken seriously already in 2003, the dismissal of the previous Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs Birthe Rønn Hornbech earlier this year, could have been avoided.
DR 3 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHst0E2
Information 2 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHsu0E3

Denmark fails to complete inquiry on statelessness
According to new information the Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs in Denmark received an electronic survey from the UN Refugee Agency in March 2003, on the subject of statelessness. The survey was to be submitted on May 2003. However, it was not handed in until August the same year, says Carol Batchelor, Senior Regional Legal Officer from UNHCR. Nevertheless, seven questions in the survey remained unanswered, including one on Denmark's compliance with the 1961Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
Information 4 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHsv0E4
Børsen 4 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHsw0E5

Medical clinic for illegal immigrants and rejected asylum-seekers
A medical clinic for illegal immigrants and rejected asylum-seekers will open 1 August 2011 in Copenhagen. The Danish Red Cross, Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Danish Medical Association are behind the initiative. Nearly 80 doctors, specialists, dentists, midwives and nurses have already signed up as volunteers at the clinic. Various reports estimate that there are between 1,000 and 5,000 illegal immigrants in the country. The main groups are rejected asylum-seekers and people who have been denied family reunification. Peter Skaarup, Integration Spokesperson for the Danish People's Party, argues that the initiative is problematic. Although, he acknowledges that the concerned people are in a vulnerable situation, he requested that the legal basis for the clinic should be investigated.
Berlingske 4 June 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHsx0E6
Berlingske 4 June 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHsy0E7
DR 4 June 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHsz0E8
DR 4 June 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHs10Eu
Politiken 8 June 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHs20Ev
Politiken 8 June 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHs30Ew
Information 4 June 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHs40Ex
Information 4 June 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHs50Ey
Jyllands-Posten 4 June 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHs60Ez
Jyllands-Posten 4 June 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHs70E1


Norway

Refugees from Libya will arrive in Norway in August
Norway will grant asylum to 250 refugees from North Africa. These are persons originating from Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan who are currently staying in the refugee camp in Shousha, on the border between Libya and Tunisia. Staff from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) will travel to Libya this month to interview applicants who have been selected by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Dagbladet 6 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHs80E2

Asylum-seekers to be denied pocket money
- Minors escaping from reception centres should be denied pocket money, says Pål Lønseth State Secretery. He believes this can be a possible solution to make them stay at the reception centres. According to Nikolas Dannevig Gaarder, who works at Hvalstad reception centre, there are minors with addiction problems who do not care about loosing the pocket money (500 NOK per month), hence it is not a solution. The minors can earn much more by selling drugs, says Gaarder. Some 1,200 asylum-seekers between 15–18 years of age stayed in reception centres during 2010. Of these, 103 persons disappeared from the centres.
Dagbladet 8 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHtA0ED
NRK 8 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHtB0EE

More asylum-seekers should be able to work
A working group that has investigated the asylum-process in Norway presents its recommendations. - Asylum-seekers should have the possibility to receive a temporary work permit, says Gunnar Berge, head of the working group. According to Berge this is a way to integrate asylum-seekers and involve them in the Norwegian society. The working group supports the current model, but suggests some changes. Among other things, the working group states that health investigation should be strengthened to detect persons with special needs as a result of torture or abuse.
Dagbladet 6 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHtC0EF

Immigration and integration costs 13,7 billion NOK
The state's costs for immigration and integration have more than doubled in four years, from 6,7 to 13,7 billion Norwegian crowns. Meanwhile, the number of asylum-seekers is increasing. In May, 859 persons applied for asylum. This is an increase of 33 per cent compared to the same period last year. - Most of the asylum-seekers originate from Somalia and Eritrea, says Ida Børresen, Director General at the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, has visited Norway to, among other things, encourage Norway to share the burden of the influx of refugees from North East Africa.
Aftenposten 7 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHtD0EG
Dagbladet 7 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHtE0EH
Dagsavisen 7 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHtF0EI


Sweden

Citizenship applications expected to increase
The Swedish Migration Board (SMB) has received 15,000 applications for citizenship this year. The number is expected to increase to 37,000. According to SMB's estimation the number 40,000 in 2012.
Sveriges Radio 7 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHtG0EJ

Fewer refugees to Lund
Lund municipality limits the number of refugees from 125 to 100 a year as a result of housing shortage. The new arrangement with the Swedish Migration Board will take effect in January 2012.
Sydnytt 3 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHtH0EK

Refugee trauma a problem for eldercare in the future
In 30 years, many of those who came to Sweden as refugees will need eldercare. According to the Red Cross around 100,000 of them suffer from post-traumatic stress. Most persons from countries such as Iraq, Iran, Ethiopia, Somalia and former Yugoslavia are now in the early middle age and will need eldercare in the future.  Kenneth Johansson, a Centre Party politician and chairman of the Committee on Health and Welfare for the Swedish Parliament, says there is a need for a different type of care, which takes into consideration refugees as well as persons from other immigration backgrounds. It is mainly a responsibility of individual municipalities, but action needs to be taken on a national level as well, Johansson continues.
Svenska Dagbladet 6 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHtI0EL



UNHCR in the news

Bodies found after a boat accident
According to Carole Laleve from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) about 150 bodies have been discovered in the sea near the coast of Tunisia. The persons are believed to be migrants from Africa who tried to reach Europe by sea earlier this week. The Tunisian coastguard and military have rescued around 570 migrants after their boats encountered bad weather on Tuesday.
DN 3 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHtJ0EM

Refugee boat tragedies no longer stir up emotions
News about refugees who have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea, while attempting to flee the current violence in Libya no longer stir up emotions.- It has become common occurrences, which we are now accustomed to and almost expect before we even open the newspaper, says the Italian writer Claudio Magris. The number of refugee boats trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea has increased this year. So far some 40,000 refugees have arrived on the Italian coast. It is estimated that five out of hundred boats will not complete the journey. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has recently updated the official figure for refugees who have died while trying to reach Europe since 1988, to 17,627 people.
Information 6 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsLV0ZqnfK0aYE0OHtK0EN

[Roope]

Thursday 9 June to Friday 10 June 2011


Denmark

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees visited Sandholm asylum centre
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres visited Sandholm asylum centre during his stay in Denmark 7 June. Anders Ladekarl, Secretary General at the Danish Red Cross, wanted to show the High Commissioner a good example of an asylum centre. Guterres was impressed by the good treatment of asylum-seekers. However, he stressed that being a refugee is always complicated.
Allerødnyt 8 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://alleroed.lokalavisen.dk/fns-flygtningechef-antónio-guterres-besoegte-center-sandholm-/20110608/artikler/110609444/1008
Frederiksborg Amts Avis 8 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOF30E1

Finland

Finland to tighten requirements for family reunification
Finland might tighten the requirements for family reunification of Somalis. Sweden recently started requesting identity documents from Somali citizens to process applications for reunification. In practice this has brought reunification of Somali families to an end since Somali citizens rarely have certificated identity documents, caused by the lack of a functioning government in the country during the last 20 years. Heikki Taskinen from the Finnish Immigration Service says stricter identity documentation requirements most probably will come into force in Finland as well. Starting next year, the family reunification application needs to be handed in by the person living outside Finland, as opposed to the family members in Finland. Which additional restrictions will be applied depends on the future Government.
YLE 9 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOF40E2
YLE 9 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOF50E3

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees appeals to Finland
While visiting Finland on Thursday 9 June, the UN's High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres expressed concern about the influx of refugees from Syria to Turkey. During the last 24 hours, more than 1,000 people have fled over the Turkish border. The events have a political impact since the UN's Security Council is preparing a resolution against Syria, which Russia opposes. Furthermore the situation in Syria is very difficult for aid agencies, since Syria has received thousands of refugees from surrounding countries. The UN Refugee Agency will do everything facilitate the aid operations in the area. – Of course the present situation is a huge humanitarian concern, Guterres states. Furthermore he pleads with Europeans. – Many people have nowhere to go. I have faith in the solidarity of Europeans and I am convinced Finns share it as well. The UN hopes that EU countries will take a greater role in the Libyan crisis. – Finland has one of Europe's most qualified resettlement systems, but there are problems in some local authorities, but we hope that even they can be hospitable under these circumstances.
YLE 9 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOF60E4
YLE 9 June 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOF70E5

Lithuania

Lithuania is ready to accept refugees currently residing in Malta
Lithuania's Government met on Wednesday to decide whether Lithuania should participate in the EU relocation of refugees from Malta (EUREMA). The issue was originally raised in Brussels in mid-May, and after the meeting the Minister of Home Affairs Raimundas Palaitis announced that the Government is ready to accept up to 6 persons. The first time Lithuania participated in resettlement projects was in 2007 when 2 families, total of 6 persons, were relocated from Malta. Both families now live individually without state help. According to Palaitis the relocation of refugees is largely financed by European Union funds, and a majority of the EU countries participate in the project.
Delfi 8 June 2011 (in Lithuanian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOF80E6
Alfa 7 June 2011 (in Lithuanian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOGA0EH
Respublika 8 June 2011 (in Lithuanian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOGB0EI
Balsas 7 June 2011 (in Lithuanian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOGC0EJ

Norway

Climate change leads to increased displacement
- Norway contributes to climate change which leads to forced displacement, says Eric Solheim, Minister of the Environment and International Development. The statement was made during the opening of the "Nansen Conference on Climate Change and Displacement in the 21st Century" in Oslo 6 June. One of the main speakers at the event was the UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres. He underlined that environmental degradation and climate change will force people to move to other countries, from one continent to another.
ABC Nyheter 6 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOGD0EK

Sweden

Romania and Bulgaria still closed off from Schengen
The decision whether to include Romania and Bulgaria to the list of Schengen countries has been postponed until September. The possibility of temporarily requesting visas from certain countries that have recently been freed from visa requirements has also been introduced. After given an exemption from visa requirements last year, more than 6,300 Serbs sought asylum in Sweden. Moreover the majority of Serbs and other nationalities from Western Balkans travelled visa-free without applying for an asylum. The criteria now proposed by the EU Commission in theory means the visa-requirement would be re-introduced for Serbia.  – I personally have no problem with people who come looking for work. The problem is with the asylum-seekers who have no grounds whatsoever for their applications, says Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy.
SVT Rapport 9 June 2011 (in Swedish) http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOGE0EL

UNHCR concerned about Syrian refugees and deportation of Iraqis
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is worried about the growing number of Syrian refugees fleeing to Turkey. - It's hard to predict what will happen, but we are very concerned, says António Guterres, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees during his visit to Sweden 8 June. UNHCR has reinforced its staff capacity and strengthened its cooperation with the Government of Lebanon and Turkey's equivalent of the Red Cross. The High Commissioner explains that the Syrian regime has always been refugee-friendly. There are currently up to one million Iraqi as well as Palestinian refugees in the country. A different protection approach is therefore needed, as they are unable to return to their home country. During a meeting with Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, the High Commissioner also raised concern regarding the deportation of Iraqi asylum-seekers. The Swedish authorities were urged to not deport vulnerable minority groups, as for instance Christians, to Iraq. Despite strong criticisms from UNHCR, Sweden has continued to forcibly return rejected Christian Iraqi asylum-seekers to their homeland. - We will continue to be critical of such deportations, says António Guterres.
Sveriges Radio 9 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOGF0EM
Dagens Nyheter 9 June 2011 I: 13 (in Swedish)

Sweden prolongs its involvement in Libya
The Swedish Government has decided to extend its involvement in the Libya operation by providing aerial reconnaissance services, and increase its humanitarian assistance through, among others, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Svenska Dagbladet 8 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOGG0EN
UNT 8 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOGH0EO

Sweden says no to European Border control
The European Border Agency Frontex's resources are often insufficient for dealing with immigration influx to the European Union (EU). All EU member states agree that more needs to be done with regard to border control.  Opinions differ on whether border control should fall under the responsibility of Frontex or respective EU member states. The Swedish Government does not want a European border control. - Border control is the responsibility of each member state. We think it is an important principle to preserve. We do not want a European border monitoring force, it is a concern for each member state, says Beatrice Ask Minister of Justice.
Sveriges Radio 8 Juni 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDsbj0ZqnfK0aYE0OOGI0EP

[Roope]

Saturday 11 June to Monday 13 June 2011

Denmark

Repatriation instead of employment
It will be difficult for the Government and the Danish People's Party to get employment offices to promote voluntary repatriation to foreign job seekers. Many Danish authorities consider the idea inappropriate and harmful for integration and employment measures. - It is very problematic if we are required to mention repatriation as an opportunity for anyone with a foreign background. What we can and need to do is assist people in finding employment, not help them to leave the country, says Niels Gangsted, director at an employment agency in Copenhagen. Peter Skaarup, Integration Spokesperson for the Danish People's Party, dismisses the criticism and explains that the proposal also includes suggestions regarding how to integrate immigrants into the labour market. If unsuccessful, the Danish Repatriation Scheme might be the best option, he adds.
Information 9 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDszA0ZqnfK0aYE0OWlR0E1

Sweden

Lions Sweden assists UNHCR's work in Libya
In order to help refugees who have fled the violence in Libya, Lions Sweden has provided the UN Refugee Agency (UNCHR) with three hundred tents as well as nine hospital tents.
Helsingborgs Dagblad 9 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDszA0ZqnfK0aYE0OWlS0E2

Malmo under the surface
The city of Malmo conceals an underground labour market that no one wants to acknowledge but everyone is part of. Taking advantage of paperless asylum-seekers as cheap labour is most common among small businesses, but there is evidence that it is occurring in some of Malmo's fastest growing companies. Several rejected asylum-seekers reluctantly choose to go underground and work under precarious conditions, for fear of being forced to return to their home country. One of the persons interviewed is from Iraq. Despite strong criticism from Amnesty International, the Council of Europe and UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), forced deportations to Iraq have nearly doubled in recent years.
Sydsvenskan 12 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDszA0ZqnfK0aYE0OWlT0E3

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors in Sweden
In relation to other European countries, Sweden receives the highest number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors. Last year 2,395 unaccompanied minors sought for asylum in Sweden, this represents 20 per cent of all unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors who came to Europe. The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR has interviewed minors about their journey to Sweden. - During their journey, they risk their lives. Young people are completely at the mercy of rumours and smugglers, who sometimes keep them locked up. When they arrive here they are often unaware of which country they are in, says Hanne Mathisen, Senior Regional External Relations Officer at UNHCR in Stockholm. For most of the unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors, the possibility to obtain a residence permit depends on whether they have turned 18 years or not. The Swedish Migration Board is therefore critical about the Government's reluctance to adopt an age determination method.
DN 13 June 2011 I:9 (in Swedish)
DN 12 June 2011 I:9 (in Swedish)



UNHCR in the news

Battles intensify in Syria, many arrested
Fierce fighting between the military and the armed demonstrators has taken place in the city of Jisr al-Shughour in Syria. A small number of persons have reportedly been killed, and many demonstrators have been arrested. Over 5,000 have fled from the city located next to the Turkish boarder, and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is preparing for a further 2,500 refugees. According to UNHCR, more than 3,000 Syrians have now fled to Turkey. The UN Security Council is currently preparing a resolution against Syria, but it is believed that China and Russia will use their right of veto to prevent the resolution from coming into force, as they do not want to interfere in Syria's internal matters. Neither country participated in the meeting organized to discuss the matter on Saturday.
Berlingske 10 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDszA0ZqnfK0aYE0OWlU0E4
Folketidende 10 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDszA0ZqnfK0aYE0OWlV0E5
TV2 10 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDszA0ZqnfK0aYE0OWlW0E6
YLE 13 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDszA0ZqnfK0aYE0OWlX0E7

More refugees from Libya flee to Italy
In the last days, 660 boats have crossed over from Libya to the Italian island of Lampedusa and more boats are expected. There are many explanations to why there currently are so many refugees from Libya, but according to the UN Refugee Agency it is mainly due to the weather. – After ten days of bad weather it is now safer to cross over again. Thousands of refugees have already come to the small Italian island, but the situation is under control, states Laura Boldrini spokesperson for UNHCR in Italy. – The most important thing is to relocate the refugees from here, as Lampedusa is just a place where the refugees can rest before their onward journey, says Boldrini. The Italian authorities have introduced a rotation system of ferries to transport refugees from the island to other refugee centres in the country. However, according to Boldrini the system does not function well enough.
Sveriges Radio 11 June 2011 (in Swedish) http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDszA0ZqnfK0aYE0OWlY0E8

Billström: The security situation in Iraq is better
According to UNHCR Sweden is the only country in the European Union (EU) to forcibly return Christian Iraqis. However, Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, explains that all asylum applications are individually assessed and no collective decisions are taken. Those who are found with no grounds for asylum are thus rejected. Hanne Mathisen, spokesperson for UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic Countries, argues that decisions are made on an individual basis in all other countries as well; however, no Christian Iraqis have been deported. Contrary to for example France and Germany, the Swedish authorities believe that it is safe for Christian Iraqis to return to Iraq.
TV4 10 June 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDszA0ZqnfK0aYE0OWlZ0EA
TV4 10 June 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDszA0ZqnfK0aYE0OWla0EH

[Roope]

Tuesday 14 June to Wednesday 15 June 2011


Finland

Drop in number of asylum-seekers in Finland
Between January and April 2011 some 913 people sought asylum in Finland. This is a decrease by 39 per cent compared to the same time period the previous year. Unless the trend changes, the total number of asylum-seekers at the end of this year will reach 3,000 compared to 4,018 last year. The majority of asylum-seekers come from Iraq, Somalia, Russia and Afghanistan. The most significant difference to last year's statistics is the drop in the number of applications from EU countries, which can in part be explained by the pilot fast track approach adopted by the police and the Finnish Immigration Service relating to EU asylum-seekers.  Overall about one third of the applicants are allowed to stay in the country.
YLE 14 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMo0ES
Kauppalehti 14 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMp0ET
Uusi Suomi 14 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMq0EU
YLE 14 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMr0EV
Kauppalehti 14 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMs0EW
YLE 14 June 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMt0EX


Norway

Taking the "Norwegian glasses" off child welfare
The Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, Audun Lysbakken, wants the Child Welfare Services to have better understanding of other cultures. However, this does not mean that physical abuse of immigrant children should be accepted, says Lysbakken. He wants to improve the multicultural competence in Child Welfare Services and the dialogue with immigrants. Currently immigrant children are over-represented in child welfare. Several families with immigration background have lately criticized the Child Welfare Services, saying their children are taken into care due to cultural and language misunderstandings. In most cases these decisions are taken due to domestic violence against the child or that parents suffer from mental illness. According to several studies, factors such as different understandings on what is good care have also had an impact.
Dagsavisen 13 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMu0EY


Sweden

Protest against forced deportation to Iraq
Several activists from the organization Action Against Deportation gathered on 14 June outside the Swedish Migration Board's detention centre for asylum-seekers in Märsta, Stockholm. The demonstrators were trying to prevent the deportation of rejected Iraqi asylum-seekers.
Sveriges Radio 16 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMv0EZ
UNT 14 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMw0Ea
Dagens Nyheter 14 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMx0Eb

Parental leave traps immigrant women in poverty
According to new studies from the Expert Group for Public Economics (ESO) parental leave constitutes a poverty trap for newly arrived foreign-born women with children, as it hampers their entrance into the Swedish labour market. ESO suggests that the parental and child care allowances should be tied to the age of the child. Erik Ullenhag, Minister for Integration, is positive to the idea and explains that he will look further into the matter.
Svenska Dagbladet 14 Juni 2011 I:10 (in Swedish)
Svenska Dagbladet 13 Juni 2011 I:5 (in Swedish)
Svenska Dagbladet 13 Juni 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMy0Ec
Sydsvenskan 13 Juni 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeMz0Ed
Sveriges Radio 13 Juni 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeM10EQ

Exploitation of asylum-seekers raises strong criticism
A recent reportage on how rejected asylum-seekers are being used as black labour in Malmö, has raised strong reactions. Amnesty International and Individual Relief (IM) require an increase in asylum-seekers allowance. - This is a blatant discrimination against people who are given different working hours and remuneration, just because they do not have residence permits. This demonstrates a lack of respect for human rights, says Madelaine Seidlitz, lawyer at Amnesty International. The Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy Tobas Billström has announced that the daily allowance for asylum-seekers will not be increased. Employers who exploit asylum-seekers will, however, be punished more severely, he adds.
Sydsvenskan 15 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeM20ER
Sydsvenskan 14 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeM30ES

Restrictive refugee policy
Sweden has been restrictive in recognizing asylum-seekers as refugees, but generous in providing asylum for other reasons. In fact, during the last fifteen years, less than three per cent of all asylum-seekers have received refugee-status, in comparison to fourteen per cent in Europe as a whole. Gregor Noll, Professor of Public International Law at Lund University, argues that Sweden's restrictive approach is a consequence of a bureaucratic system in which a flexible interpretation of who is categorized as a refugee has been beneficial to the Government in place. Liv Feijen, Senior Legal Officer for UNHCR at the Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic countries, explains that the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees remains the only internationally binding document. It does not only define who a refugee is, it also accounts for their specific rights, she adds.
UR Play 14 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeM40ET



UNHCR in the news

Increasing complexity of conflicts makes helping refugees more difficult
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres the complexity of new conflicts has made the work of UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations considerably more difficult. Today conflicts are not merely about governments and rebels, but there are also many international parties involved. Furthermore it can be the governments themselves making humanitarian work more difficult by denying international organizations entry into the country. – They do not want us to see what is really going on, Guterres says. – Every country has the right to have individual procedures concerning economic migration. But it is a different matter, if a person is forced to leave a country – these persons need protection despite the kinds of immigration policies the country in question has in place, Guterres continues. He also expresses concern about the fact that development countries host 80 per cent of the world's refugees, and emphasizes the need for the industrial countries to get more involved.
Kehitysyteistyön palvelukeskus Kepa ry 13 June 2011 (in Finnish) http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeM50EU

Hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people in Côte d'Ivoire
There are still around 300,000 internally displaced persons in the country following the violence earlier this year. According to the UN Refugee Agency the evaluation of the situation is ongoing and they estimate the number of refugees to be higher. The troubles started at the end of the year 2010 when the ex-president Laurent Gbagbo refused to step down after loosing the elections. After his arrest in April the situation has started to stabilize, but according to UNHCR it is still instable especially in the Southwestern parts of the country.
Helsingin Sanomat 15 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeM60EV
Iltalehti 14 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeM70EW
Ilta-Sanomat 14 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeM80EX
Svenska Dagbladet 14 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeNA0Eh

Effects of the conflict in Libya
The armed conflict in Libya has had a strong impact on women in particular. Libyan aid organizations have reported that they have received information about cases of rape and honour killing in the more conservative parts of the country. - When a rape occurs in Libya, it is like a whole village or town has been dishonoured, "said Arafat Jamal, Deputy Representative at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Dagens Nyheter 14 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtIC0ZqnfK0aYE0OeNB0Ei

[Roope]

Thursday 16 June Friday 17 June 2011

Denmark

Most Christian Iraqis are granted asylum
According to the Refugee Appeals Board, the vast majority of Christian Iraqi asylum-seekers are granted residency permit in Denmark. In fact, between 2007 and 2010, approximately 90 per cent of all asylum applications were approved on grounds of persecution upon return.
DR 15 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJa0Ef

Søren Pind: North African asylum-seekers are not genuine refugees
According to the Conservatives, many of the North African asylum-seekers are not genuine refugees but criminals who should be deported. The Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs Søren Pind agrees and argues that foreigners who come to Denmark to commit acts of crime have nothing to do in the country, and ought to be deported rapidly.
Jyllands-Posten 16 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJb0Eg
Information 16 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJc0Eh

Protest against deportation of Iraqi asylum-seekers
Several activists gathered outside the Swedish Embassy in Copenhagen on 16 June, to protest against the forced deportation of Iraqi asylum-seekers. Despite harsh criticism from Amnesty International as well as the UN Refugee Agency, Swedish authorities have continued to forcibly deport rejected Iraqi asylum-seekers.
Modkraft 16 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJd0Ei

Finland

Police to concentrate the asylum investigation to four localities
Police wants to concentrate the asylum investigation to the cities of Lappeenranta, Turku, Oulu and Helsinki. This would require a change in the law, as at the moment applications for asylum can be made anywhere in Finland. However the change is believed to benefit the rights of the asylum-seekers, as well as make the process faster and cheaper. Police has worked in cooperation with the Finnish Immigration service, and according to plans the piloting of the project would start during the autumn 2011 in Oulu.
YLE Etelä-Karjala 17 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJe0Ej

Kuopio will take Myanmaries next
The city of Kuopio has taken around 40 quota refugees yearly in recent years, although according to a council decision the number could be 65. This summer seven Myanmaries arrive from refugee camps in Thailand in addition to the 11 who arrived earlier this year. During the autumn Kuopio will furthermore take 20 quota refugees from Iraq. Overall the number of asylum applications has been on the decline both in Kuopio and in Finland in general. The law about the integration of refugees is changing this September, and more attention will be paid into language teaching and employment.
Savon Sanomat 15 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJf0Ek

Upper-Savo considers taking quota refugees
Migration manager Lisbeth Mattson from the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment visited the Iisalmi cultural centre with the aim to tell local politicians about immigration. The emphasis was on the possibility of municipalities to take quota refugees. – We still tend to confuse the terms immigrant, refugee, quota refugee and asylum-seeker, she states.
Iisalmen Sanomat 16 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJg0El

An asylum-seeker can get a job, but not a bank account
Asylum-seekers without passports cannot open a bank account because of the strict interpretation of the Finnish law. To open a bank account, the applicant must have a piece of identification – something many asylum-seekers lack due to the chaotic situation in their home country. This puts asylum-seekers in the risk of drifting into the grey market. Päivi Keskitalo from the office of the Ombudsman of Minorities sees this as problematic as employment of the asylum-seekers is beneficial the society.
Pohjalainen 15 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJh0Em

Ombudsman for minorities: Evicting Roma will not solve the problem
The attitudes towards foreigners have hardened according to the Ombudsman of Minorities Eva Biaudet. She is also concerned about the recent changes in immigration policy, which have had an effect on the asylum-seekers right to family reunification, for example. According to Biaudet the breaking up of the Roma camps in Helsinki displays this hardening of attitudes and the tightening of the legislation.
YLE 16 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJi0En
YLE 16 June 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJj0Eo

Sweden

Little change following Aliens Act amendment
Recent amendments made to the Aliens Act in order to facilitate family reunification have had little effect. In fact, only a few have benefited from the changes. Many find themselves obliged to seek asylum from their home country, due to invalid passports.
Sveriges Radio 16 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJk0Ep

Expulsions increase
Following a new police strategy in the province of Scania, forced deportations of rejected asylum-seekers have increased with 40 per cent compared to last year.
DN 16 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJl0Eq

Tougher control of asylum-seekers
Last year, 800 asylum-seekers were under investigation by the Swedish Security Service (SÄPO), for possible espionage on refugees in Sweden.  In several cases, SÄPO made sure that the Swedish Migration Board suspended the visas of people suspected to be intelligence agents.
Sydsvenskan 17 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJm0Er

Deportation order revoked
Throughout 2010, 878 rejected asylum-seekers have been granted residence permit, after having their deportation order revoked by the Swedish Migration Board. Hanne Mathisen, Spokesperson for the UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic countries, argues that the varying quality of the legal aid is a challenge.  - Lawyers must have knowledge of the Swedish aliens law, international refugee and humanitarian law and asylum law at a European level. Often asylum-seekers are not given enough time to prepare with their lawyers, she says.
Efterarbetet 17 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJn0Es



UNHCR in the news

Turkey continues to help Syrian refugees
The Turkish Red Crescent has set up more tents near the Syrian border, in order to help those who are fleeing the violence.  - We will not close the door to our Syrian brothers. We are, however, hoping for a reform process that will prevent the increasing wave of refugees, says Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. According to a Turkish diplomat, Hollywood actress and UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) ambassador Angelina Jolie has expressed a wish to visit the newly established refugee camps and will pay a visit during the month of June 2011. UNHCR has, additionally, reiterated its demand to the Syrian authorities to allow independent observers into the country, so as to investigate allegations of human rights violations.
Syd-Österbotten 17 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJo0Et
JV 16 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJp0Eu
Sydvsvenskan 15 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDtYI0ZqnfK0aYE0OmJq0Ev

[Roope]

Saturday 18 June to Wednesday 22 June 2009


Denmark

Decreasing number of applications for family reunification
The number of family reunification applications have decreased significantly from about 500 - 600 in 2010 to 300 this year, following the Government's tougher immigration policy.
Berlingske 22 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Iq0Ee
Politiken 22 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Ir0Ef

All none-Danish criminals should be deported
The Danish People's Party wants to deport all none-Danish citizens who have committed criminal offences regardless of their sentences. Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, explains that the aim is to increase the number of deportations even if there is a risk of violating international conventions.
Information 21 June 2011:1 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Is0Eg
Information 21 June 2011:2 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4It0Eh
DR 21 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Iu0Ei
Berlingske 21 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Iv0Ej
Jyllands-Posten 21 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Iw0Ek
NB. This story was also covered in Sweden
Sveriges Radio 21 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Ix0El


Finland

Refugee policies not widely debated at the True Finns party meeting
The anti-immigration critics were quite silent about the immigration policies at the True Finns party meeting during the weekend. Only Lasse Lehtinen, a True Finns party representative from the city of Kannus, warned that in connection with family reunification, one municipality had received 100 refugees instead of the 20 they had agreed on.
Helsingin Sanomat 19 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Iy0Em
Kaleva 19 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Iz0En

Räsänen: Christian refugees integrate better
Confirming expectations the party leader of Finland's Christian Union Päivi Räsänen was appointed Minister of the Interior. She will therefore be in charge of immigration issues. She has caused an outrage in the past by implying Christian refugees should be preferred over Muslims. - It is evident that cultural integration is an important factor when selecting quota refugees, Räsänen states. - I am not putting religions in order, but the fact is that Finland is culturally a Christian country, and most Finns are Christians. There are bad examples of persons falling outside the society in Europe. We need to help the ones in need, but we cannot help everyone, so we should be able to choose which groups we take in, says Räsänen. According to Räsänen Sudanese Christians and refugees from Vietnam, for example, integrate well into Finland.
Iltalehti 10 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4I10Ea
Helsingin Sanomat 18 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4I20Eb
YLE Häme 18 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4I30Ec
Uusi Suomi 18 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4I40Ed
Helsinki Times 21 June 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4I50Ee
Newsroom Finland 21 June 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4I60Ef
YLE 20 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4I70Eg

World Refugee Day: A Muslim is no less a refugee than a Christian
The World Refugee Day was celebrated on 20 June 2011. The program in Helsinki included theatre, speeches and music, and agencies and organizations such as Amnesty, The Finnish Refugee Council, The Refugee Advice Centre and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) were present. According to Reetta Helander, spokesperson for the Refugee Advice Centre, the word asylum-seeker has suffered inflation. – Asylum-seeker no longer refers to a person who needs safety, but has become to mean something suspicious in itself. – A Muslim refugee is no less a refugee than a Christian one, Helander continues, referring to the previous comments by the new Minister of the Interior Päivi Räsänen. – Finland has always helped the ones most in need, she emphasizes, and reminds the asylum-process in Finland is extremely refined.
Kauppalehti 21 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4I80Eh

Refugee woman of the year: Refugee integration has improved in Finland
Integration of refugees has improved according to the Refugee woman of 2011, Saido Mohamed, who has lived in Finland over half of her life. Although the situation has improved, Mohamed reminds that especially minors need a lot of support with their integration, and that refugees have fled their countries because they had to. – They did not leave voluntarily, and now they want to build their lives here, live in peace, study and work, she emphasizes. – A large part of the refugees living in Finland help other refugees with the same cultural background by doing voluntary work. Mohamed herself has worked with youth for over 10 years and furthermore helped to improve the position of girls and women in Finnish society.
YLE 20 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JA0Er
YLE 20 June 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JB0Es


Norway

One twin is rejected, the other can stay
Two Afghan twins (20) applied for asylum in Norway. One has been granted a residence permit while the other is to be forcibly returned to Afghanistan in one month. Active members in the twins' support group cannot understand how two brothers with the same background can get different verdicts. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) has decided that one of the twins (Mohsen) does not have protection needs and therefore he will be sent back to Kabul. Bjørn Lyster, spokesperson of the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) says that having a brother in Norway is not a strong enough reason to get to stay. Meisam, the brother who can stay, says that if his twin brother is deported, he will return with him to Afghanistan.
Dagbladet 20 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JC0Et

Dagsavisen focuses on refugees
More than 43 million persons flee war and conflict. Last weekend the newspaper Dagsavisen focused on refugees to give their readers a good insight in the current refugee situation in the world. Part of the newspaper's campaign is to donate money to the Norwegian Refugee Council. The money will go to emergency packages used in the field, says Elisabeth Rasmusson, Secretary General for the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Dagsavisen 17 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JD0Eu

One of five immigrants from Iraq and Somalia caught for breaking the law
Immigrants from certain countries are heavily overrepresented in crime statistics, although 85 per cent of the perpetrators are of Norwegian origin. For the first time Statistics Norway publishes a comprehensive overview of crimes committed by immigrants, this time the country of origin is included. The crime statistics show big differences between the immigrants. Researcher Torbjørn Skardhamar says this might nuance the picture of who commits crime in Norway. Concerning accusations, convictions and imprisonments, persons originating from African countries, Kosovo, Iraq and Iran are highly represented. Also Norwegian born persons with two immigrant parents are overrepresented compared to other Norwegians. The researchers do not want to speculate about the reasons for the overrepresentation, but say it might be due to the police controlling certain groups of people more than others.
Dagbladet 17 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JE0Ev

Progress Party urges to fight against criminal immigrants
The Progress Party (FrP) wants to change the Government's asylum and integration policy. During the election campaign last Sunday, Siv Jensen, leader of the Progress Party, criticises the Supreme Court of Norway for not being strict enough against criminal asylum-seekers.  – If an asylum-seeker commits a crime, the person is to be deported and should not be granted residence permit, says Jensen. The Party's Deputy Leader, Per Sandberg, criticised the Government's integration policy, stressing that immigrants and asylum-seekers have too many rights. Also the politician Carl I. Hagen mentioned the immigration policy in his speech. They all stressed the importance to include the issue of immigration in the Progress Party's election campaign. – We are primarily interested in satisfying the needs of our own people, not everybody else's, says Carl I. Hagen. NGOs welcome the discussion, but think politicians should concentrate on facts and they criticise Jensen for stigmatising asylum-seekers.
Aftenposten 19 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JF0Ew
Dagsavisen 20 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JG0Ex
NRK 20 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JH0Ey

Number of asylum-seekers dropped 50 per cent in two years
The Government's tightening of the asylum legislation has made the number of applicants drop by 50 per cent during the last two years. In autumn 2008 the Government made changes to deport rejected asylum-seekers who can receive refuge in safe parts of their country of origin. As a result the number of asylum-seekers originating from Afghanistan dropped by 80 per cent in two years. State Secretary at the Ministry of Justice and the Police, Pål K. Lønseth, says they are satisfied with the decrease of asylum applicants, adding it is important is to give protection to those in need.
NRK 21 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JI0Ez


Sweden

Shorter parental leave for immigrants
Centre Party leader Maud Olofsson wants newly arrived foreign-born adults with small children to have a shorter parental leave. The aim is to speed up immigrant women's entrance into the Swedish labour market.
Svenska Dagbladet 18 June 2011:1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JJ0E1
Svenska Dagbladet 18 June 2011:2 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JK0E2

Swedish Migration Board makes it easier for Libyan asylum-seekers
The Swedish Migration Board has come to the conclusion that Libya is experiencing an internal armed conflict. The decision will make it easier for Libyan asylum-seekers to obtain residence permit in Sweden. Mikael Ribbenvik, Director for Legal Affairs of the Swedish Migration Board, explains that persons from the war torn areas will have a greater chance of staying in Sweden.
Dagens Nyheter 17 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JL0E3
Sydsvenskan 17 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JM0E4

Increasing number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors
The number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors who come to Sweden has increased from approximately 400 to 2,400 in merely five years.
Sveriges Radio 21 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JN0E5

Easier to find employment in Stockholm
New studies show that refugees who reside in Stockholm have a greater opportunity to find employment and thus integrate into society, in comparison to other parts of Sweden.
SVT 20 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JO0E6
Dagens Nyheter 20 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JP0E7

Women at risk should be protected
Following the deportation of a woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who suffered physical abuse from her husband, a Member of the Liberal Party, Lennart Gabrielsson, has requested a governmental change of law that ought to protect immigrant women at risk.
SVT 20 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JQ0E8

Action Against Deportation critical to Swedish authorities
The organization Action Against Deportation is critical to how the Swedish authorities handle asylum applications and argues that they do not regard the human person behind every case.
SVT 17 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JR0EA

No use of handcuffs on rejected asylum-seekers
The Swedish Migration Board is critical to the Government's proposal concerning the use of handcuffs in detention centres. It is, nevertheless, positive to the Government's suggestion to have a mandatory trial before putting an asylum-seeker in detention.
Dagens Nyheter 21 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JS0EB

World Refugee Day at Stockholm's Central Station
A miniature refugee camp was set up at the Central Station in Stockholm on 20 June 2011, in order to commemorate World Refugee Day. - The refugee camp may be small, but nevertheless, it attracts attention of the commuters, says Hanne Mathisen, Spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). In the camp people could for example taste emergency food, read the latest refugee statistics and support UNHCR. The by-passers were also asked to answer questions about what they would bring in case they were forced to flee and where they would go. Many said they would bring ID-documents. Hanne Mathisen says, however, that the reality for those who are forced to flee is much different, as most of them do not have a passport. In an interview at the Central Station Hanne Mathisen mentioned that 80 per cent of the world's refugees are hosted by the poorest countries in the world. – However, when you listen to the debate in Europe you get the feeling that it is Europe who bears the burden, and that there is a wave of refugees who come here. But that is not true at all. It is a skewed picture. Less than 2 per cent of those who have fled from Libya have come to Europe, Mathisen added.
Sveriges Radio 20 June 2011: 1 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JT0EC
Sveriges Radio 20 June 2011: 2 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JU0ED
Sveriges Radio 20 June 2011:3 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JV0EE
Sveriges Radio 20 June 2011: 4 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JW0EF
Sveriges Radio 20 June 2011: 5 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JX0EG
Metro 21 June 2011 I:2
Svenska Dagbladet 21 June 2011 I:6
Dagens Nyheter 20 June 2011 Kultur I:20
TV4 Play 20 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JY0EH



UNHCR in the news

UNHCR: Most of the refugees live in poor developing countries
Developing countries host most of the world's 43,7 million refugees. According to UNHCR's Global Trends report, published on World Refugee Day 20 June, this is the largest number of displaced persons in 15 years. Pakistan, Iran and Syria have the largest refugee populations, and Pakistan also experiences the biggest economic impact with 710 refugees for each dollar of its per capita GDP (PPP). – Fears about supposed floods of refugees in industrialized countries are being vastly overblown or mistakenly conflated with issues of migration. Meanwhile the poorer countries are left to pick up the burden, states António Guterres, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Of particular concern are the 15,500 unaccompanied or separated children seeking asylum. These children are mainly from Somalia and Afghanistan. – One refugee without hope is too many. Developing countries cannot continue to bear this burden alone, the High Commissioner continues and urges the European countries to take more responsibility for the world's refugees.
Turun Sanomat 20 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4JZ0EI
YLE 20 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Ja0EP
Aamulehti 20 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jb0EQ
Kouvolan Sanomat 20 June 2011 (in Finnish) http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jc0ER
Satakunnan kansa 20 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jd0ES
Sisu-uutiset 20 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Je0ET
Pohjalainen 20 June 2011
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jf0EU
Delfi 20 June 2011 (in Estonian) http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jg0EV
Politiken 22 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jh0EW
U-landsnyt 21 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Ji0EX
Dagens Arena 20 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jj0EY
Kyrkans Tidning 20 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jk0EZ
Nyheter 24 20 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jl0Ea
Ystads Allehanda 21 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jm0Eb
Skånskan 20 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jn0Ec
Sydsvenskan 20 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jo0Ed
Dagens Nyheter 20 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jp0Ee

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees visits Lampedusa
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie visited the Italian island of Lampedusa to learn more about the situation of the over 40,000 refugees currently on the island. Thousands of refugees have also been sent to camps on the mainland. The amount of paperless refugees has caused concerns among other European countries. According to the European Union Agency Frontex, the island has become the main route for paperless persons coming to Europe.
Iltalehti 19 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jq0Ef
Nyheter24 21 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jr0Eg
TV2 20 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Js0Eh

Goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie visits refugees from Syria
Last Friday the Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie visited the Hatay province in Turkey, on the border to Syria. Currently, up to 10,000 refugees live in refugee camps in the province. – Persons living in these camps have fled in fear for their lives. Many have told me they are concerned about the safety of their loved ones who are still in Syria, Jolie said. She reminded that every year thousands of people have to flee and said that even one refugee growing up in a camp is too many. Jolie said she is grateful that Turkey lets refugees from Syria enter the country and provides them a safe haven. Meanwhile, the unrest continues in Syria. Some hours before Jolie's visit on Friday, 19 demonstrators were killed by the Syrian security forces.
Elisa 18 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jt0Ei
Mesta 18 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Ju0Ej
NRK 18 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jv0Ek
NRK 19 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jw0El

UN staff visits Syria
The villages on the Syrian side of the border are empty according to the UNHCR. – This indicates a significant displacement, reports UNHCR after a visit by it's staff. According to UNHCR there are no signs of people working in the fields. The area is deserted and most shops closed and locked. Recently, an influx of refugees has arrived in Turkey. Half of the camps' population consists of women who have arrived alone with their children. UNHCR expresses it's concern, saying a high number of refugees is traumatized. The UN staff says refugees told them about targeted killings, assaults, torture and humiliation by the Syrian army. The extent of the atrocities against civilians in Syria is difficult to ascertain. Almost no journalists and humanitarian organizations are allowed to enter into the country.
Berlingske 21 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jx0Em
B.T. 21 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jy0En
Folketidende 21 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4Jz0Eo
Børsen 21 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4J10Eb

Thousands of Ethiopian Anyuaks have fled to Sudan
Ethiopian Anyuaks, fleeing persecution and violence by the Ethiopian authorities, are one of the forgotten refugee groups in the world. The tribe is spread around different camps in the surrounding countries, but the world seems to pay no attention to their despair, although their plight has continued for seven years. However, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has been distributing food aid to Anyuaks for years, and has furthermore provided some building materials. According to Anyuaks the situation in Ethiopia is too dangerous for them to return home.
YLE 20 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4J20Ec

UNHCR: Do not return Haitian asylum-seekers
According to the UN, the situation in Haiti remains so dangerous and uncertain eighteen months after the earthquake, that Governments worldwide are strongly advised not to return Haitian asylum-seekers. - Despite elections and reconstruction efforts, Haiti is not yet able to provide adequate security - especially for vulnerable groups, says Adrian Edwards, Spokesperson for UNHCR.
U-landsnytt 21 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDuFH0ZqnfK0aYE0O4J30Ed

[Roope]

Thursday 23 June to Monday 27 June 2011


Denmark

New proposal receives criticism
The Government's new proposal to deport all none-Danish citizens who have committed criminal offences, regardless of their sentences, has received severe criticism from amongst others the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and the UN Refugee Agency. UNHCR has expressed concern regarding the risk of persecution of returned refugees.
Information 23 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuS0EN
Jyllands-Posten 24 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuT0EO
Politiken 24 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuU0EP

Immigrants bring money
A new report from the Rockwool Foundation reveals that first and second generation immigrants contributed with around 1.7 billion Danish Crowns (DKK) surplus in state revenues, during the period 2004-2008. The figures do not include refugees and can therefore not be compared to previous studies which claim that non-Western immigrants and their descendants cost Denmark about 16 billion DKK.
Berlingske 23 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuV0EQ

Pind: statelessness convention puts Denmark in a dilemma
Søren Pind, Minister for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, says he has been faced with a dilemma in connection to a specific case concerning statelessness. The Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons indicates that stateless foreigners, even those who constitute a danger to (Danish) society, have the right to demand citizenship. Pind says this is a danger to national security. During a press conference on Thursday, he gave no further details about the particular case that had raised the dilemma. Pind has now asked all parties in the Danish Parliament to give their views.
Information 23 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuW0ER
Berlingske 23 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuX0ES


Finland

More than half of Finland's asylum-seekers have experienced torture
The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is being observed on 26 June. Refugees and asylum-seekers account for most torture victims in Finland, according to the Centre for Torture Survivors at the Helsinki Deaconess Institute. More than half of the asylum-seekers have experienced torture. This means thousands of persons suffer from for example traumas, change in personality and depression. Torture is still used in 98 countries, and can affect many generations indirectly. One-third of the asylum-seeking children in Finland is seriously traumatized and suffers more than usual from mental problems. The treatment of the tortured is made more difficult by memory lapses and the unwillingness to talk about what has happened. Several international agreements and conventions forbid torture, but not even all the UN member states have ratified the United Nations Convention against Torture, which entered into force 24 years ago.
Koillissanomat 22 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuY0ET
Verkkouutiset 22 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuZ0EU
Sisu-uutiset 22 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLua0Eb
YLE 26 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLub0Ec
YLE 26 June 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuc0Ed
YLE 26 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLud0Ee

Being tortured is not enough to be granted asylum or a residence permit
The director of the Centre for Torture Survivors Pekka Tuomola accuses the Finnish Immigration Service for turning down refugee and asylum applications against the United Nations Convention against Torture. – We make a well-grounded assessment of whether someone has been tortured or not, and write it in our statement. According to the UN convention, torture victims should not be returned to the country where they experienced torture, Tuomola continues. Juha Similä from the Finnish Immigration Service responds that sometimes the threat of being tortured has ceased to exist and no one is returned if it is well-grounded that torture will continue. – The problem is that the Finnish Immigration Service does not always believe us or they disregard our statements, Pekka Tuomola further explains. According to him the deported rejected asylum-seeker has sometimes even started treatment in Finland, and he adds that this is traumatic to the therapist as well. Sending someone back is almost like signing their death sentence.
YLE 23 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLue0Ef
YLE 22 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuf0Eg
YLE 22 June 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLug0Eh
Kauppalehti 23 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuh0Ei

Finnish Immigration Service cuts the number of places for asylum-seekers
Since the numbers of refugees has fallen by 40 per cent from last year, the Finnish Immigration Service is reducing the places for refugees by 550. Currently, 600 out of the 3,600 existing places are vacant. Most of these places are in the reception centres of Joutseno and Helsinki, both which will reduce 100 beds. Other centres will cut 150 beds starting in September, and a further reduction of 200 beds will be decided on later during the autumn. The cut will furthermore have an influence on the group homes for minors, as the beds are reduced by 67. This will cause the shut-down of the centres in Rovaniemi and Kotka's Laajakoski. According to the Immigration Service, however, the number of beds can be quickly increased if needed.
Turun Sanomat 22 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLui0Ej
Aamulehti 22 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuj0Ek
YLE 22 June 2011(in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuk0El
Kouvolan Sanomat 22 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLul0Em
MTV3 22 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLum0En
Uusi Suomi 22 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLun0Eo
Etelä-Saimaa 22 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuo0Ep
YLE 22 June 2011(in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLup0Eq



UNHCR in the news

More Somalis flee to Kenya
Over the past two weeks more than 20,000 refugees have fled from Somalia to Kenya, announces the UN Refugee Agency. UNHCR considers the increase to be dramatic, and most people arriving to the Kenyan refugee camps are in a very bad condition and suffer from exhaustion and malnourishment. The refugee camp in Dadaab in Kenya is built for 90,000 refugees but currently hosts approximately 360,000 persons. The violence in Somalia has caused 750,000 people to flee the country, and there are close to 1.5 million internally displaced persons.
Helsingin Sanomat 26 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLuq0Er
YLE 26 June 2011 (in Finnish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLur0Es

Special UN force sent to DRC
According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) a special UN force with for example trauma experts has been sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to assist 170 women and girls who have been victims of rape. The women and girls were raped by rebel soldiers in Nyakiele and Abala in the eastern parts of DRC between 10 and 12 June.
Sydsvenskan 26 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLus0Et
Skånskan 26 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDutZ0ZqnfK0aYE0PLut0Eu

[Roope]

Thuesday 28 June to Wednesday 29 June 2011

Denmark

Victims of human trafficking are being returned
Women who have been trafficked to Denmark are sent back to their home country following the Government's new action plan on human trafficking, despite the risk of being re-trafficked. Between 2007 and 2010, merely 2 out of 127 trafficking victims were granted asylum in Denmark. Jonas Christoffersen, Director of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, believes that human trafficking is a big dilemma for the authorities as there is little information about the victims' living situation upon return. One must face significant risk of abuse, in order to be granted residence permit, he explains.
Information 26 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBB0Ey

Danish Refugee Council in Libya
Tents are being set up by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) near the Libyan border, in order to help those who are fleeing ongoing violence. - We are preparing to move into Libya. There is an enormous need for humanitarian assistance in several areas, especially in the western part of the country. A minimum level of security is, however, needed before we can start to work there, says Lone Bildsøe Lassen, Head of the Middle East Desk at the DRC. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) more than a million people are in need of assistance. Sub-Saharan Africans are particularly vulnerable, as they are believed to be part of the Gaddafi regime. Both the DRC and UNHCR have received many reports of violence against Sub-Saharan Africans.
U-landsnyt 28 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBC0Ez

Finland

Security at the heart of the new immigration policy
According to the new Minister of the Interior Päivi Räsänen, the Finnish immigration policy will shift emphasis towards safeguarding security in society. – We need to take basic human rights into account in immigration policy, but another important point is the security and sustainability of the society, she states. On issues such as family reunification, the new policy will aim to be more in line with other Nordic countries. According to the current law, holders of a Finnish residence permit can bring their families into the country, whereas in Sweden family members need proper identification from the country of origin. – In family reunification cases there are many foster children involved, and it is not always easy to know whether they are real family members or domestic workers. And of course there have been problems with bogus claims, she continues.
YLE 27 June 2011 (in Finnish) http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBD0E1
YLE 29 June 2011 (in English)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBE0E2

Norway

Norway selecting Libyan refugees
Norwegian authorities are in Tunisia to select 250 Libyan refugees will get refugee status in Norway. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has already picked a number of persons with the most urgent needs from the refugee camp in Choucha near the Libya-Tunisia border. These persons will be interviewed by staff from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration and the Directorate of Integration and Diversity (IMDi). Norway follows certain requirements when selecting quota refugees. For example persons with a criminal background or strong addiction problems will not be selected. Earlier this year, UNHCR appealed to European countries to receive refugees fleeing from Libya. So far, European countries have agreed to resettle a total of one thousand persons.
NRK 28 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBF0E3

Easier to imprison illegal immigrants
The Norwegian Government wants to make it easier to imprison illegal immigrants by decreasing the burden of proof. A reasonable suspicion that someone is for example lying about his/her identity should be enough for imprisonment. Knut Storberget, Minister of Justice and the Police, says some asylum-seekers lie about their identity or refuse to leave the country after being rejected asylum. According to Storberget some asylum-seekers use the system to come to Norway to commit criminal acts. Storberget suggests that asylum-seekers who commit crimes or stay in Norway illegally should be required to stay at a certain reception centre and only reside in the municipality where the reception centre is located.
Dagsavisen 24 June 2011 (in Norwegian)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBG0E4

Sweden

Additional compensation for unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors
How much state compensation should the Swedish municipalities receive for supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors? This question is currently being tried by the administrative court of appeal in the case of Gothenburg that has applied for extra money. The administrative court has previously denied this request, with the motivation that the regular compensation should cover the costs.
Sveriges Radio 28 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBH0E5
Svt 27 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBI0E6

The Parliamentary Ombudsman criticizes the Stockholm Police
The criticism arises from the decision made by the Police last year to send beggars back to their home countries. Most of them were Roma people from Rumania and Bulgaria. Begging is not illegal in Sweden and being EU-citizens they are allowed to stay for three months. An investigation was initiated by the Parliamentary Ombudsman, Hans-Gunnar Axberger, as the basic legal security of these people was affected. One of the outcomes of the case was that the Police did not have legal grounds to send them back as no crimes were committed.
Sveriges Radio 28 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBJ0E7
Sveriges Radio 28 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBK0E8

Sweden Democrats want increased border control
During a recent parliamentary meeting on the subject of free movement within the European Union (EU), the Sweden Democrats (SD) called for increased border control in the EU. According to their Secretary for International Affairs, Kent Ekeroth, only criminals benefit from the absence of border control. He claims, in fact, that the Police in Malmo has given up the fight against refugee smugglers. Therefore, random control of people "who do not belong here" ought to be carried out. Illegal immigrants should be seen as criminals, he adds.
Dagens Nyheter 29 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBL0EA
Göteborgs-Posten 28 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBM0EB
Sydsvenskan 28 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBN0EC
Nb. This story was also covered in Denmark
Information 28 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBO0ED
Jyllands-Posten 28 June 2011 (in Danish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBP0EE
Politiken 28 June 2011 (in Denmark)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBQ0EF

The problem of apathetic children still exist
Even though the number of apathetic asylum-seeking minors has decreased since 2009, the phenomena still exists. Per Sörensen, Head of the Swedish Migration Board's Unit for Children and Youth and Henry Ascher, paediatrician and researcher explain that it is essential to deliver a decision for asylum in a timely manner as the symptoms for apathy develop during the application process.
Sveriges Radio 28 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBR0EG

Liberal Party increasingly negative towards immigration
New studies show that supporters of the Liberal Party (FP) are becoming increasingly negative towards receiving more asylum-seekers. In 2009, merely 25 per cent of those who voted for the Liberal Party claimed that Sweden should accept fewer asylum-seekers. Last year, that number rose to 41 per cent. However, the general attitude towards immigration in Sweden is more positive now compared to previous years.
SVT 28 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBS0EH
Svenska Dagbladet 28 June 2011 (in Swedish)
http://balticnordic.unhcr.se/cgi-bin2/DM/t/eDvBt0ZqnfK0aYE0PTBT0EI