Home Secretary Statement On Zones Of Protection

Home Office press release March 27th 2003

Commenting on the UK's proposals for zones of protection which will be discussed tomorrow at the Justice and Home Affairs Council, Home Secretary David Blunkett said:

"The European Union cannot carry on pursuing old solutions to the asylum problem that do not work, and do not tackle the root causes of migration flows and refugee displacement. My vision is of a refugee protection and asylum processing system that is fit for the 21st century.

"We need to be able to show our citizens at home that European asylum policy is not simply a gateway for uncontrolled migration, but rather a firm and fair procedure for those who genuinely need refuge.

"The common European asylum package to bring in common minimum standards is good as far as it goes, but we need a radically new approach to delivering the reduction of asylum seeker numbers that we need. We cannot let the people traffickers and the organised criminals go on profiting from this evil trade and we must take radical steps to actively deter abusive applications too.

"We have now put proposals to our EU partners for zones of protection which involve working with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

"The UK's proposals have two strands, firstly regional protection zones which address the issue of asylum claims arising from regional conflicts or natural disasters. We could look at developing protection zones near areas of conflict building on existing UNHCR efforts to provide effective protection nearby for those fleeing conflict or persecution and help to resettle in their home regions at the appropriate time.

"Secondly, transit zones in co-operation with the UNHCR, would process asylum claims without people travelling to the countries in which they want to seek asylum. They would be safe and decently treated while their claims were being looked at fairly, and if their claims fail, returning home.

"There is a lot of work to be done but I think that EU countries by working together with the UNHCR can make real, lasting progress to benefit asylum- seekers, their home countries and the European Union.

"I am confident that working together with UNHCR and the Commission, we shall produce workable options for us to take forward. At the same time we should also give priority to the political and financial resources we need to get in place effective agreements on returns.

"The UK would be prepared to take a leading role in helping develop these proposals and making them happen."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Home Secretary sent a letter to EU colleagues this week to encourage discussion and progress on zones of protection as a better way to deal with asylum seekers applications.

2. The Justice and Home Affairs Council takes place in Veria, Greece from 27 to 28 March.

Source for this page:    Home Office press release March 27th 2003

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