Written question asked by Baroness Cox (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Thursday, 22 June 2006.

Immigration: Involuntary Returns

Question: Which nation states are currently defined as unsuitable destinations on grounds of human rights abuses for the involuntary return of deportees.

Answer: Asylum claims from all nationalities are considered on a case-by-case basis. We fully recognise that the political and human rights situation in many countries are such that there are individuals who are able to demonstrate a need for international protection. We do not however consider that each and every national from a country with a poor political and/or human rights record who applies for asylum is in need of international protection. Individual claimants who have been found by both the Home Office and the independent appeals process not to be in need of international protection are expected to return to their country of origin voluntarily. Those who do not avail themselves of the opportunity to return voluntarily may have their return enforced. We would of course not seek to remove nationals of any countries who have been found to be in need of international protection.

Secondary information