Filed under: Global
In the annals of official stupidity, a report is today’s Times that the Home Office has, over the last month, been deporting asylum seekers to Zimbabwe of all places, and is due to deport many more over the next few weeks, deserves a page all of its own.
Worse still is this particularly asimine example of offical doublethink from the Home Office which is reported as having said:
“Regular country assessments are carried out in order to ascertain the current country situation and ensure the safety of returning people to their country of origin who have no legal basis of stay in the United Kingdom.
“In light of this we would not remove anyone to a country where their lives would be in danger. We are returning people to Zimbabwe where it is found to be safe to do so.�
Safe to do so? For fuck’s sake… WAKE UP!
At least pay attention to the advice of your colleagues in the Foreign Office…
In recent weeks the authorities have embarked on a violent “clean up� campaign in urban areas. This has resulted in the destruction of the homes and small businesses of tens of thousands of people and some displacement to the rural areas. Urban areas are currently tense, and the situation could deteriorate quickly, without warning. Visitors should avoid going to “high density� (low-income) urban areas.
You should avoid engaging in overtly partisan political activity, or in activities which could be construed as such, including political discussions in public places or criticism of the President. You should also be aware that an open hand is the political symbol of the main opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change, and a friendly wave may therefore be misinterpreted as a provocative gesture. The carrying of the main independent newspapers (the Financial Gazette, the Independent and the Standard) and books by banned authors can provoke a hostile reaction from ZANU (PF) supporters.
In the event of increased political tension, visitors and British nationals resident in Zimbabwe should keep a low profile, exercise caution, stay away from areas where demonstrations may be held, and avoid unnecessary travel in all urban areas. If a demonstration or disturbance is taking place, you should leave the area as quickly as possible. You should not stay to watch or attempt to photograph it, even from a distance, or use a mobile phone.
And that’s just the advice to British tourists.
Which bit of ‘not safe’ does the Home Office not get?
What does it take for them to accept that returning asylum seekers, any asylum seekers, to Zimbabwe may be just pushing the envelope a bit too far when it comes to their personal safety? A personally signed note from to each returnee from Robert Mugabe reminding them to be sure to pick up a body bag and shackles on their way through customs?
This is a no-brainer. No one goes back, not while Mugabe remains in power. It’s NOT safe.
Now how difficult was that?