Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ACCRA751
2008-06-11 16:13:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Accra
Cable title:
June 9 Darfuri Asylum Seekers: Ambassador's Meeting with
how-toVZCZCXRO6783 RR RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHAR #0751 1631613 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 111613Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY ACCRA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6603 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0411
UNCLAS ACCRA 000751
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/W, AND PRM
GENEVA FOR RMA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PREL SU GH
SUBJECT: June 9 Darfuri Asylum Seekers: Ambassador's Meeting with
Ghana Refugee Board Chair
Ref: Accra 477
UNCLAS ACCRA 000751
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/W, AND PRM
GENEVA FOR RMA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PREL SU GH
SUBJECT: June 9 Darfuri Asylum Seekers: Ambassador's Meeting with
Ghana Refugee Board Chair
Ref: Accra 477
1. (SBU) On June 9, the Ambassador met with Ghana Refugee Board
(GRB) Chair Emmanuel Bentil Owusu, GRB Secretary Mummuni Abdulai
Bawumia, UNHCR Accra Representative Aida Haile Mariam, UNHCR
Protection Officer Paulette Dadey, and UNHCR Durable Solutions
Officer Senai Terrefe to discuss the situation of a group of twelve
Darfuri asylum seekers, some of whose claims had been rejected by
the GRB on February 28, 2008. The Ambassador noted the USG concern
regarding the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and interest in ensuring
that Darfuri refugees receive appropriate protection in the
countries of asylum.
2. (SBU) The GRB discussed concerns about Sudanese asylum seekers
in general, including the 480 Darfuri refugees in the Krisan Refugee
Settlement. The GRB expressed their belief that Darfuri are coming
to seek resettlement, that some Chadians are posing as Sudanese, and
that traffickers have been involved in assisting Sudanese enter
Ghana. The GRB did not have any information that these twelve had
fraudulent identities or false persecution claims, but believed
their transit through other countries without requesting asylum
indicated they did not need international protection. The GRB noted
that rejected asylum seekers are not required to leave Ghana;
therefore rejection should not be a concern. They also noted the
refugees have filed appeals and anticipates the Minister of the
Interior will make a determination on the appeals within the next
couple weeks. Regarding the asylum seekers' welfare, the GRB noted
that they have listed mosques as their point of contact and
residence. The GRB indicated that the twelve are receiving medical
and education assistance and skills training. UNHCR Representative
Mariam added her plea that Ghana would continue its gracious policy
of positively reviewing legitimate claims for asylum and not let
misrepresentation by some asylum seekers unduly influence this
process.
BRIDGEWATER
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/W, AND PRM
GENEVA FOR RMA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PREL SU GH
SUBJECT: June 9 Darfuri Asylum Seekers: Ambassador's Meeting with
Ghana Refugee Board Chair
Ref: Accra 477
1. (SBU) On June 9, the Ambassador met with Ghana Refugee Board
(GRB) Chair Emmanuel Bentil Owusu, GRB Secretary Mummuni Abdulai
Bawumia, UNHCR Accra Representative Aida Haile Mariam, UNHCR
Protection Officer Paulette Dadey, and UNHCR Durable Solutions
Officer Senai Terrefe to discuss the situation of a group of twelve
Darfuri asylum seekers, some of whose claims had been rejected by
the GRB on February 28, 2008. The Ambassador noted the USG concern
regarding the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and interest in ensuring
that Darfuri refugees receive appropriate protection in the
countries of asylum.
2. (SBU) The GRB discussed concerns about Sudanese asylum seekers
in general, including the 480 Darfuri refugees in the Krisan Refugee
Settlement. The GRB expressed their belief that Darfuri are coming
to seek resettlement, that some Chadians are posing as Sudanese, and
that traffickers have been involved in assisting Sudanese enter
Ghana. The GRB did not have any information that these twelve had
fraudulent identities or false persecution claims, but believed
their transit through other countries without requesting asylum
indicated they did not need international protection. The GRB noted
that rejected asylum seekers are not required to leave Ghana;
therefore rejection should not be a concern. They also noted the
refugees have filed appeals and anticipates the Minister of the
Interior will make a determination on the appeals within the next
couple weeks. Regarding the asylum seekers' welfare, the GRB noted
that they have listed mosques as their point of contact and
residence. The GRB indicated that the twelve are receiving medical
and education assistance and skills training. UNHCR Representative
Mariam added her plea that Ghana would continue its gracious policy
of positively reviewing legitimate claims for asylum and not let
misrepresentation by some asylum seekers unduly influence this
process.
BRIDGEWATER