21-01-2012

Release of Somali migrants who went on strike at Temporary Holding Facility in the village of Zhuravychi, Volyn, is impossible at the present moment. It was announce about by director of Refugee Department of State Border Service Nataliya Naymenko.

Recall, on January 18, 2012 it became known about the hunger strike of some tens of Somalis at THF in Zhuravychi, who demand release and issue of documents for staying in Ukraine. Rebellious mood of Somalis was confirmed by the direction of the centre. However, the deputy director of regimen of THF of MOI of Ukraine in Volyn region Oleksandr Luschak marked “there is no hunger strike as such” as illegal migrants eat biscuits, tea and “Mivina” (macaroni).

Naumenko informed that Somalis receive packets with food and they refused to get meals from dining room. “On my point of view, this hunger strike is mostly a play to audience. The story starts from the moment when persons learned about the fact that they will be hold in such a centre not six months but a year in accordance to new legislation, which came into force on December 25,2011”, – reported Naumenko.

Migration Service informed that first they have to establish if detainees are really Somalis. “If the fact that migrants arrived fromSomaliais established, so long-term decisions will be made on each case separately. But they will not be expelled toSomaliain no any wise.” – Naumenko explained. She stated that release of the Somali migrants is impossible.

At the present moment there are 58 migrants from Somalia under arrest at THF “Zhuravychi” waiting for deportation.

State Migration Service convince of the fact that Ukraine keeps all resolutions of UNO as to citizens declaring their arrival from Somalia.
In its letter to Minister of Interior of Ukraine, organization Amnesty International appealed to  Ukrainian authorities to implement all their obligations guaranteeing Somalis’ access to just procedure of refugee status and subsidiary protection granting in case they cannot be recognized as refugees.
Amnesty International states that there are probably children among the third part of detainees. However, Naumenko assured that all persons placed to centres are adult.

Source: http://www.volynpost.com/news/1264-somalijci-goloduyut-na-publiku–migracijna-sluzhba