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UK: "Safe" countries

01 March 1996

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Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania were designated safe countries by Home Secretary Michael Howard at the beginning of March. They join Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Poland and Romania, designated earlier in the year. The Bill to which the designation attaches - the Asylum and Immigration Bill - is still making its way through the Lords, and the designations have no legal effect until it is in force. Of the three new countries, Kenya is severely condemned by all Britain's EU partners for the repressive measures, including torture and extra-judicial killings of opponents, used by the dictatorial regime of Daniel Arap Moi. British companies have investments in Kenya worth several million pounds, and arms are sold there. Ethiopia's human rights record has improved since the overthrow of the Mengistu regime but minority groups such as the Amhara and the Oromo claim persecution. To coincide with the designation, visa requirements were imposed on Kenyan nationals (Tanzanians have required visas since January 1996 and Ethiopian citizens have always required visas). Independent, 8.3.96; Home Office Press release, 4.1.96.

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