HC Deb 22 June 2004 vol 422 cc1379-80W
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress in seeking the implementation of concerted pan-European policies of active assistance to refugees in or near the countries of origin. [177899]

Mr. Browne

In spring 2003, the UK tabled proposals for the 20–21 March Brussels European Council that were designed to achieve better management of the asylum system globally. In response, the European Commission tabled a Communication "Towards more accessible, equitable and managed asylum systems" (COM(2003)315 final, 3 June 2003), which endorsed the UK's analysis of the problem and recommended a stage-by-stage approach to developing possible solutions. The Thessaloniki European Council on 19–20 June 2003 invited the Commission to present a comprehensive report, by June 2004, suggesting measures to ensure a more orderly and managed entry into the EU of persons in need of international protection and to enhance the protection capacity in the regions of origin.

In response to its mandate from the European Council, the Commission has now tabled a Communication "On the managed entry in the EU of persons in need of international protection and the enhancement of the protection capacity of the regions of origin: Improving access to durable solutions" (COM(2004)410 final, 4 June 2004). The Government welcome this Communication and support the broad purpose of the outline proposals it contains for the development of EU Regional Protection Programmes and the setting up of an EU Resettlement Scheme. The Communication was the subject of a preliminary discussion at the Justice and Hone Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on 8 June 2004. We now look forward to engaging in constructive discussions with the Commission and member states as these ideas are considered in more detail over the coming months.

In conjunction with some other member states and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, we are supporting two preparatory projects which are being funded principally by the EU. One will look at building effective protection capacities in four African countries (Tanzania, Kenya, Burkino Faso, Benin). The other concerns preparatory activities for a comprehensive plan for Somali refugees.

Mr. Love

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what community organisations or initiatives in Edmonton have benefited from the Government's Challenge Fund aimed at helping female refugees gain access to training and education courses. [178908]

Mr. Browne

In 2003–04 almost £2 million was allocated under the Refugee Challenge Fund to 43 projects throughout the United Kingdom. None of these projects, however, was based in Edmonton.

The successful projects for 2004–05 will be announced shortly.