International Law - Refugees

[Pas de Quatre]

As there seem to be people with knowledge of the law who have commented on the Sub Judice thread, perhaps someone could confirm the position of refugees.  I understand that under International Law, refugees should ask for Asylum in the first safe country they reach.  If this is so, then I am confused as to why the camps in Calais and other places along the Channel coast actually exist. Surely everyone there has already passed through several safe countries?

 

Edited for typo

Edited June 22, 2016 by Pas de Quatre

[taxi4ballet]

I shall ask my nephew, he and his wife are lawyers with an interest in human rights.

[Jan McNulty]

Could I just remind everyone to stick to the facts on this thread and not to indulge in political debate.

[taxi4ballet]

I am about the least political person I know, so no danger of that   and my relative is currently in rural Argentina so I won't see him for a few weeks. 

Edited June 22, 2016 by taxi4ballet

[MAB]

I think you are referring to rules laid out in the Dublin Agreement.  I imagine if you google it you will find details on line.

[alison]

In my - admittedly limited - experience, I'd say that a lot of potential refugees are unaware of the fact - or, for example, that they have to apply for asylum virtually immediately.  I dare say that if you are having to flee your home such legal niceties probably pass you by entirely.

 

But yes, Pas de Quatre, I too had wondered this.

[bangorballetboy]

Can't we just leave this forum for dance?  I'm a qualified lawyer but I'd rather leave my job where it is and discuss dance on this forum.

[Melody]

Are you suggesting shutting down the Not Dance section, BBB?

 

Some members do seem to enjoy exchanges about non-dance topics, and there's certainly no compulsion for anyone to provide information even if they do have specialist knowledge. But if people feel their expertise is being taken advantage of when other members ask for information, advice, or help about something, or that chatting about backyard birds or the latest quirks of the London transport system is detrimental to the forum, maybe we should have a vote on the usefulness of this part of the site, or on the scope of the topics allowed?

Edited June 23, 2016 by Melody

[Lisa O`Brien]

From what I can understand about the attraction of the UK, apart from obvious ones, I think it is a language one. If people from the Middle East or African countries only have English as their language,or first language, I can understand them not wanting to go and live in say, Germany or France. But they should definately be claiming asylum in the first country they reach. 

[LinMM]

Nobody has to contribute to any thread they don't want whatever their qualification.

[LinMM]

Sorry posted too soon .....was going to add that I think some refugees want to seek asylum in countries where they already have relatives. I don't know what the Law says on this of course......but it does seem reasonable to want to be with other members of your family who may be able to help you once there ...rather than seeking asylum in a country where you know nobody.

[Huddsballetmum]

Please don't remove Not Dance.  I love a forum where you can chat about dance and also other topics.  If it goes to a vote I vote to keep it!