Uproar at EU asylum plans

AMNESTY International, the UN and a host of other organisations have warned that EU proposals on asylum seekers could breach international law.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell will chair what is expected to be a very difficult meeting in Brussels today to decide on the contentious draft directives.

The Irish presidency must finalise the policy by May 1 after which it will be put into place across the EU.

One section in particular is causing concern among international groups working with refugees. This proposes drawing up a list of countries considered safe and to which asylum seekers can be returned automatically. As a result people coming from countries on the list cannot be classified as asylum seekers because, by definition, none of its citizens can be considered under threat.

Part two, safe third countries, means refugees can be returned to countries they passed through on their way to EU. However Amnesty warns that such countries can then return the asylum seekers to their own country even through they might face abuse there.

The proposals before the Justice Ministers do not guarantee asylum seekers the right to remain in the EU while they appeal.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Rudd Lubbers, has written to Taoiseach Ahern, as holder of the EU presidency, warning about the effects of the proposed new directive.