In response to the government announcement that they will resume forcible returns of refused asylum seekers to Zimbabwe, Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said:

“We are concerned the government plans to resume forcibly returning Zimbabwean asylum seekers to their country, however, it is encouraging that they recognise each individual case needs to be carefully considered before deciding whether to send them back. The government must ensure there is substantive evidence to prove these individuals will not be under personal threat of persecution or human rights abuses if returned to Zimbabwe. Moreover it is imperative the government offers support to the people they have returned and to monitor their safety, so they can be sure they are not sending people to further harm.”

ENDS