Our Videos

April 1, 11

NEWS / Draft asylum law in Austria sparks concern from UN refugee agency


1 April 2011 – The United Nations refugee agency voiced concern today about a proposed law in Austria that it said would further restrict the rights of asylum-seekers in the Central European nation.

The draft changes to the Austrian Asylum Act are set to be discussed in the country’s Parliament next week and could be adopted later this month, according to Andrej Mahecic, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

“Of particular concern to us are provisions that would require all new asylum-seekers to stay in a reception centre for up to seven days, with possible detention for anyone who breaks this rule,” Mr. Mahecic told journalists in a briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Geneva.

“This would in our view constitute an unjustified restriction on freedom of movement. It could also prevent new asylum-seekers from being able to get freely chosen legal advice or support. Even a child awaiting the outcome of an asylum application and whose parents already reside legally in Austria would be affected by this new law. Families could be separated for up to a week.”

Mr. Mahecic said the detention of children was a particularly worrying aspect of the draft law.

“While children below the age of 14 are not affected by this, those between the ages of 14 and 18 may be subject to being detained.”

He called on Austrian parliamentarians to give priority to the best interests of the child when considering the bill, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=37970&Cr=UNHCR&Cr1=

 




Testimonials

John Beacleay

Just wanted to say thanks again for all your help Anton. I mean it's really amazing to me that yo...
Read More »
Niranjan Sujay
I recently used LOGOS INTERNATIONAL for the translation of my bachelor’s certificate, and I couldn’t...
Read More »
Katia Nagata

As a foreigner, I needed a certified translation, so I called the DOE to give me a list of the ce...
Read More »
AnnaMaria Realbuto
Thank you for all your assistance and efficiency...
Read More »




FAQ

Do the periods of pre-completion OPT count against the available periods of post-completion OPT?
Read More »
Where can I find advice on mortgage issues?
Read More »
When must a student apply for an OPT extension?
Read More »
How is the cap gap Form I-20 endorsed to indicate employment authorization?
Read More »






News

July 3, 25
TX woman arrested after convincing pastor to certify fake marriage certificate
Read More »
July 1, 25
South Carolina woman accused of altering sister’s death certificate to commit insurance fraud
Read More »
June 26, 25
Jefferson Davis Hospital birth certificate errors persist; causing headaches for many
Read More »
June 19, 25
Iowa man whose body was found after home explosion died of suicide – death certificate
Read More »