The Equality Rights Group GGR have written to the Chief Minister Peter Caruana asking for clarification on provisions with regard to refugees and asylum seekers.
This is a copy of the letter sent on the 8th November 2006, which was also copied to Amnesty International, a body working to protect Human Rights worldwide. A full report of a press statement that accompanied this letter can be seen here.
Peter Caruana, QC
Chief Minister
6 Convent Place
Gibraltar
8th November 2006
Dear Chief Minister,
REFUGEES & ASYLUM SEEKERS
Further to:
the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951,
the Immigration Control Ordinance 1962 (and further pertinent Amendments thereto), and
the Temporary Protection Ordinance 2005
It is our understanding that persons admitted to Gibraltar as refugees/asylum seekers are to be supported with regard to housing, employment and social security.
I should be grateful if you could kindly advise me of the following:
-
The current total number of persons in Gibraltar with refugee/asylum seeker status
The nationality of said persons
The employment status of said persons
Whether any said persons have been provided with Government housing or been given allowances to meet their housing needs
Whether any said persons have sought and obtained employment
This organisation is clearly interested in the rights of such persons, but is particularly concerned that national and international provisions be met in order to ensure that, during their presence in Gibraltar, their situation does not degenerate into financial precariousness so as to constitute an element of instability and thus avoid the possibility of conditions being created which might lead to socially undesirable activities for the community.
Yours faithfully,
Felix Alvarez
Chairman
Cc: Amnesty International
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Patrons: John Bowis, MEP; Michael Cashman, MEP; Alan Duncan, MP;
Rt Hon Simon Hughes, MP; Rt Hon Graham Watson, MEP