UK Court Clears the Way for Deportation of Eritrean Asylum Seeker
A High Court decision on Tuesday cleared the way for the deportation of a 25-year-old Eritrean man to France, despite his claims of being trafficked and forced into conscription in his home country. The court's ruling has sparked concerns among human rights groups and asylum seekers' advocates.
The Eritrean man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been fighting to stay in the UK after crossing the English Channel in August. He was originally due to be removed on Wednesday under a one-in, one-out pilot scheme agreed between the UK and France in July. However, the High Court granted him an interim injunction on Tuesday, preventing his removal pending a full hearing of his trafficking claim.
In court, the man claimed he fled Eritrea in 2019 after being forced into conscription by the Eritrean government. He said he made his way to France, where he sought asylum but was instead detained and eventually released. "I'm scared for my life," he told the court. "If I go back to Eritrea, they will kill me."
The one-in, one-out pilot scheme is a key component of the UK's efforts to reduce Channel crossings and deter migrants from attempting to reach the country by boat. Under the scheme, each migrant who arrives in the UK is matched with a migrant who has been removed from the country under the same policy.
Human rights groups have criticized the scheme as "inhumane" and "unlawful," arguing that it puts vulnerable individuals at risk of harm or even death. "This decision is a devastating blow to those seeking safety in the UK," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. "The government must reconsider its policies and prioritize the protection of human rights over political expediency."
The Eritrean man's case highlights the complexities of asylum claims and the challenges faced by migrants attempting to reach the UK. According to the UNHCR, there are currently over 70 million displaced people worldwide, with many seeking safety in Europe.
The High Court's decision has sparked concerns that more migrants may be deported under the one-in, one-out scheme without adequate protection or support. "This ruling sets a worrying precedent for future cases," said a spokesperson for the Refugee Council. "We urge the government to reconsider its policies and prioritize the protection of human rights."
The Eritrean man's full hearing is scheduled for later this month. If his trafficking claim is successful, he may be granted asylum in the UK. However, if the court rules against him, he will be deported to France, where he will face an uncertain future.
Background:
The one-in, one-out pilot scheme was introduced by the UK government in July as part of its efforts to reduce Channel crossings and deter migrants from attempting to reach the country by boat. The scheme has been criticized by human rights groups for putting vulnerable individuals at risk of harm or even death.
Additional Perspectives:
"This decision is a clear indication that the UK's asylum system is broken," said a spokesperson for the Refugee Council. "We urge the government to reconsider its policies and prioritize the protection of human rights."
"The one-in, one-out scheme is a desperate attempt by the government to appear tough on immigration," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. "But it's a policy that puts vulnerable individuals at risk and undermines the principles of international law."
Current Status:
The Eritrean man's full hearing is scheduled for later this month. If his trafficking claim is successful, he may be granted asylum in the UK. However, if the court rules against him, he will be deported to France, where he will face an uncertain future.
Next Developments:
The outcome of the Eritrean man's full hearing will have significant implications for the UK's asylum system and its treatment of migrants attempting to reach the country by boat. The case is expected to set a precedent for future cases involving trafficking claims and the one-in, one-out scheme.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
