YUGOSLAVIAN REFUGEES AND ETHNIC MINORITIES

HL Deb 15 July 1992 vol 539 cc23-4WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that European governments are justified in refusing entry or in demanding visas from genuine war refugees from the former Yugoslavia; and what measures are being taken to prevent the expulsion of ethnic minorities within that country.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

It is not for HMG to comment on the entry or visa requirements of other countries. Nationals of the former Yugoslav republics do not require visas for the United Kingdom. Applications from any who seek to be recognised by the UK as refugees are considered case by case under the 1951 UN Convention. We fully support the efforts of the UN, the EC and Lord Carrington's Conference to protect ethnic minorities. We regularly raise the question of minorities' rights with the Serbian authorities.