Italy: Gov't, U.N. refugee agency spar over immigration policy
May 18, 2009
(ANSA) - Rome, May 18 - The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR on Monday rebuffed an Italian minister's attack against its representatives in Italy, calling his remarks unacceptable and unmotivated.
''Unmotivated personal attacks are unacceptable and will not swerve the UNHCR's commitment in carrying out its mandate and humanitarian missions,'' said High Commissioner Antonio Guterres, referring to a row over Italy's new policy of returning to Libya boat people rescued in the Mediterranean.
Under the controversial policy, which sees a key part of a landmark accord with Libya implemented for the first time, migrants are rescued in international waters and taken back to Libya where humanitarian organisations can vet their asylum claims.
ANSA.it
The U.N. refugee agency has rebuked the Italian defense minister for making a verbal attack against the agency and its spokeswoman over Italy's new immigration policy.
The U.N. agency says Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa's comments are 'unacceptable.'
La Russia said Saturday that the UNHCR was not worth much and that its Italian spokeswoman was either inhuman or criminal for criticizing Italy's new policy of turning back migrants before screening them for asylum.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres says La Russa's 'baseless personal attacks' would not deter the agency from helping refugees.
The Associated Press
More Immigration Stories From Italy
Italy: Gov't, U.N. refugee agency spar over immigration policy
May 18, 2009
(ANSA) - Rome, May 18 - The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR on Monday rebuffed an Italian minister's attack against its representatives in Italy, calling his remarks unacceptable and unmotivated. ''Unmotivated personal attacks are unacceptable and will not swerve the...
Continue Reading
Italy: President warns against growing xenophobia
May 15, 2009
President Giorgio Napolitano warned Thursday that intolerance and xenophobia posed a danger for Italy as the lower house of Parliament approved wide-ranging security legislation that includes measures toughening Italian immigration policies. Speaking at a conference in Rome, Mr. Napolitano warned...
Continue Reading
Italy: MPs vote to fine illegals, jail those who harbor them
May 15, 2009
Italian MPs have voted to fine 'illegal' immigrants up to 10,000 euros (£8,977) and jail people who house them. The legislation, which was approved on Wednesday by 316 ballots to 258 in the lower house of parliament, also lengthens the...
Continue Reading
Italy: Foreign Min. says asylum seekers can apply before arrival
May 15, 2009
Illegal immigrants could apply for asylum in Europe from their consulates in North African transit countries or their initial requests could be handled by the captains of patrol vessels that intercept people smuggling boats in the Mediterranean, according to Italy's...
Continue Reading
Italy: U.N. refugee agency requests halt to return of migrants
May 15, 2009
ROME (AP) - The U.N. refugee agency called on Italy on Friday to stop returning migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to Libya because some might deserve asylum. But Premier Silvio Berlusconi's government vowed to go ahead with the crackdown on...
Continue Reading
More Immigration Stories From World
Canada: M.P.'s case focuses attention on nanny program
May 18, 2009
OTTAWA - If there's a silver lining in the Ruby Dhalla affair, it may be for the organizations who have long sought better protection for thousands of Filipinas who come to Canada each year to work as nannies and caregivers....
Continue Reading
Canada: Imm. Minister weighs options in case of released killer
May 18, 2009
The Canadian Immigration Minister's office is looking at all options to get a convicted Bosnian murderer back into custody. Elvir Pobric was convicted of the execution-style shooting of two men in Bosnia back in 1992. He served 3 years of...
Continue Reading
Jamaica: Gay men often driven to pursue asylum
May 18, 2009
Lisa Biagiotti is reporting on HIV/AIDS, sexuality and young gay men in Jamaica. Her interest in the subject began when she met Alex Brown* 18 months ago. The story below is his - of a gay Jamaican who received asylum...
Continue Reading
U.K.: Home Office rules take aim at shady immigration advisers
May 18, 2009
The UK Home Office is proposing tough new rules to tackle rogue immigration advisers. Historically, many immigrants have suffered at the hands of unscrupulous and dishonest immigration advisors. The proposals would give greater powers to the Office of the Immigration...
Continue Reading
U.K.: New points-based system affects student visas
May 18, 2009
The UK Border Agency has issued a reminder to would-be student visa applicants to check their UK visa letters before submitting their applications. Foreign nationals who want to study in the UK must apply for a visa under Tier 4...
Continue Reading