DARFURI ASYLUM SEEKERS IN THE UK

Early day motion 2023, tabled 14 July 2008 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 29 members.

That this House is greatly concerned at the Home Office's recent decision to resume the removal of Darfuri asylum seekers from the UK and return them to Khartoum; recalls that in 2007 the Home Office suspended the deportations in order to investigate further accusations of torture in the region by Sudanese authorities, but concluded that the accusations were not confirmed; notes that this conclusion failed to take into consideration the UN High Commissioner for Refugees' position against the return of Darfuris to Khartoum, which stated that they would be subjected to torture and even death; further notes that upon lifting the ban on deporting Darfuri asylum-seekers the Home Office failed publicly to disclose its change in policy; and therefore urges the Home Office immediately to reverse its decision in order to honour the Government's international human rights obligations.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 7, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1.