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Specific asylum policy for Iran
18-10-2006
Specific policy for homosexuals; decision and deportation moratorium of Christians extended.
Immigration and Integration Minister Verdonk has decided to develop a specific policy in respect of Iranian homosexuals who may be admitted for urgent humanitarian reasons. This means that homosexual asylum seekers who fear persecution or the risk of inhuman treatment upon their return to Iran are eligible for a residence permit (further to an application for asylum). Moreover, the Minister has decided to extend the decision and deportation moratorium in respect of Iranian Christians until 19 May 2007. The decision and deportation moratorium in respect of Iranian homosexuals and Christians who applied for asylum was valid until 2 October 2006.
Iranian homosexualsThe latest official country report from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, published on 30 August 2006, refers to an unpublished report from Human Rights Watch (HRW), which states that homosexuals are systematically persecuted in Iran. A letter received on 5 October 2006 from HRW shows that homosexual Iranians interviewed by HRW largely confirm that Iran is a society in which homosexuals are seriously stigmatized. As a consequence, homosexuals in Iran are a vulnerable group running a higher risk of violation of their human rights. Under normal circumstances, the mere punishability of homosexuality or homosexual conduct in a country do not automatically result in the conclusion that a homosexual from such country is a refugee. The asylum seeker must make a plausible case for personally having serious reason of fear for persecution. As for Iranian homosexuals, Minister Verdonk has decided to introduce a specific policy. This means that Iranian nationals, whose identity, nationality and the fact that they are homosexual have been ascertained on a case-to-case basis, and for whom there are no contraindications, will not be forced to return to Iran. The effects of the specific policy will be monitored closely, so that any residence permit granted under that policy can be withdrawn if the policy is abused.
Iranian Christians As for Iranian Christians, Minister Verdonk has decided to extend the decision and deportation moratorium. The new official country report from the Minster of Foreign Affairs has not really revealed any new facts, albeit that some issues have become clearer, such as the fact that converting people is actually liable to punishment. The situation of Christians, however, is not clear enough. It is, for example, not totally clear whether converted ex-Muslims who do not actively try to convert others, run the risk of being persecuted. It cannot be ruled out that later official country reports provide more clarity. On that basis, the Minister has decided to extend the decision and deportation moratorium until 19 May 2007.
Specific asylum policy for Iran
18-10-2006
Specific policy for homosexuals; decision and deportation moratorium of Christians extended.
Immigration and Integration Minister Verdonk has decided to develop a specific policy in respect of Iranian homosexuals who may be admitted for urgent humanitarian reasons. This means that homosexual asylum seekers who fear persecution or the risk of inhuman treatment upon their return to Iran are eligible for a residence permit (further to an application for asylum). Moreover, the Minister has decided to extend the decision and deportation moratorium in respect of Iranian Christians until 19 May 2007. The decision and deportation moratorium in respect of Iranian homosexuals and Christians who applied for asylum was valid until 2 October 2006.
Iranian homosexualsThe latest official country report from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, published on 30 August 2006, refers to an unpublished report from Human Rights Watch (HRW), which states that homosexuals are systematically persecuted in Iran. A letter received on 5 October 2006 from HRW shows that homosexual Iranians interviewed by HRW largely confirm that Iran is a society in which homosexuals are seriously stigmatized. As a consequence, homosexuals in Iran are a vulnerable group running a higher risk of violation of their human rights. Under normal circumstances, the mere punishability of homosexuality or homosexual conduct in a country do not automatically result in the conclusion that a homosexual from such country is a refugee. The asylum seeker must make a plausible case for personally having serious reason of fear for persecution. As for Iranian homosexuals, Minister Verdonk has decided to introduce a specific policy. This means that Iranian nationals, whose identity, nationality and the fact that they are homosexual have been ascertained on a case-to-case basis, and for whom there are no contraindications, will not be forced to return to Iran. The effects of the specific policy will be monitored closely, so that any residence permit granted under that policy can be withdrawn if the policy is abused.
Iranian Christians As for Iranian Christians, Minister Verdonk has decided to extend the decision and deportation moratorium. The new official country report from the Minster of Foreign Affairs has not really revealed any new facts, albeit that some issues have become clearer, such as the fact that converting people is actually liable to punishment. The situation of Christians, however, is not clear enough. It is, for example, not totally clear whether converted ex-Muslims who do not actively try to convert others, run the risk of being persecuted. It cannot be ruled out that later official country reports provide more clarity. On that basis, the Minister has decided to extend the decision and deportation moratorium until 19 May 2007.
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