§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy towards the forced repatriation of certain refugees to Kosovo on the ground that they have been guilty of a crime in the past, even when their sentences may have been long since completed; and what representations they are making to governments which pursue such a policy. [HL3857]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe Government's policy in respect of the repatriation of those persons recognised as refugees in the United Kingdom, whatever their nationality or country of habitual residence, is in accordance with the provisions of the 1951 convention and the 1967 protocol relating to the status of refugees.
Article 1F(b) of the convention provides that the provisions of the convention shall not apply to any person with respect to whom there are serious reasons for considering that they have committed a serious non-political crime outside the country of refuge prior to admission to that country as a refugee.
8WAArticle 33 of the convention, which prohibits the expulsion or return of those recognised as refugees, provides that the benefit of the prohibition may not, however, be claimed by a refugee whom there are reasonable grounds for regarding as a danger to the security of the country in which he is, or who, having been convicted of a final judgement of a particularly serious crime, constitutes a danger to the community of that country.
Each case is considered on its individual merits taking into account the provisions of the convention and relevant United Kingdom legislation.
No representations are being made to other governments in this respect.