Vol. 533 No. 2
66 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the reports that the Lebanese authorities are forcibly returning people to countries where they may be tortured and killed, in violation of international law. [8378/01]
I am aware of reports that the Government of Lebanon decided last August that all foreign residents in Lebanon would have to seek permission to stay in the country. This applied to refugees, asylum seekers and other foreign residents alike. Failure to seek such permission would lead to detention and deportation.
The deadline for seeking such permission was extended on several occasions, but has now passed. The local UNHCR office has received information that in recent days a large number of people have been detained, many in temporary localities, former car parks, and that the Lebanese authorities have started deporting people who are thus unlawfully in the country.
Following consultation, the EU Presidency formally raised the serious issues involved with the Lebanese Government. A positive response is awaited.
67 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the reports that activists from the Organizacion Femenina Popular, Women's Popular Organisation, have been attacked and threatened by paramilitaries as they organised a celebration of International Women's Day. [8379/01]
The Organizacion Feminina Popular, or Women's Popular Organisation, works for the advancement of young people in Colombia, with special focus on the plight of those displaced by the conflict in that country. The OFP is based in the city of Barrancabermeja, an area where violence is particularly intense.
