Two Afghan asylum seekers have been on hunger strike in Helsinki from the
10th of September. For the first two weeks there were three hunger
strikers. By going on hunger strike they are opposing their deportation to
Afghanistan, for they have reason to believe that their lives are in
danger there.
The Finnish Immigration Service has refused to grant asylum to them. The
hunger striking men have appealed to the Administrative Court of Helsinki
about the negative response to their asylum claims but fear that the
appeal will be rejected.
The hunger striking men are prosecuted in Afghanistan because of political
activity. One of them has been tortured. Their close relatives have been
murdered recently. The background of their individual prosecution in
Afghanistan is the war that has been going on in the country for years and
the dysfunction of the current government. Ordinary people have no way of
getting protection neither against prosecution carried out by the Taliban
nor against that carried out by state officials.
The men have demonstrated and camped in front of the Finnish Parliament
for over five weeks now. Their health condition is relatively good at the
moment but is worsening all the time. They have both suffered of acute
pains and occasional attacks of illness.
The hunger strikers’ protest has gained attention and many responses. A
group of Lutheran priests as well as the Occupy Finland –movement have
demonstrated on their behalf. A few MP’s have pled for them. Many Afghan
and Iranian asylum seekers and residents have offered their support or
willingness to join the protest camp.
Grassroots activists from the Vapaa liikkuvuus (Free Movement) –network
and other individuals have supported the men in practical issues and in
spreading word about their struggle. We have made sure that two supporters
stay overnight at the protest camp every night in case of emergency.
During the days we spend a lot of time at the tents discussing together
and monitoring the men’s health condition. In addition we get needed
supplies and try to arrange proper health care for the strikers.
Our common goal is to broaden the struggle and to affect the rights of all
asylum seekers.
The Free Movement –network demands that international protection to be
granted to the men. The Finnish migration authorities have made a wrong
decision and they must right it immediately.
The hunger strikers have had to live in inhumane circumstances in Europe
for many years. They have entered the EU via Greece which doesn’t have
even the most basic asylum system.
Finland does not send asylum seekers back to Greece. It does, however,
deport tens of asylum seekers to Afghanistan each year to areas that have
been labelled safe.
These are the hunger strikers’ demands:
Stop deportations to Afghanistan – The country is not safe and refugees
coming from there must be granted protection in Europe.
An end to years of waiting – Asylum requests have to be processed quickly
and justly.
No to the Dublin treaty – Deportations inside the EU must be stopped and
asylum seekers must be granted the right to choose in which country they
request asylum.
We are thankful for any information on your country’s policies regarding
Afghan asylum seekers as well as on the asylum seekers’ struggles for
their rights. We are also willing to work on international action to end
deportations to Afghanistan and other means of co-operation.
In solidarity,
the Free Movement –network, Helsinki
www.vapaaliikkuvuus.net
Contact us via:
vapaaliikkuvuus(at)gmail.com
Media coverage in English:
http://yle.fi/uutiset/afghani_asylum_seekers_continue_hunger_strike/6305034
Bron : shishak@riseup.net
shishak@riseup.net
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