Swedish Opposition Pushes for Evacuation of Deported Teenagers in Danger
Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Sweden's Green Party and Left Party propose allowing deported teenagers to apply for a change of status from within Sweden.
- They also advocate for the possibility of evacuation or return for teenagers already deported, citing cases like the sisters deported to Iran.
- The proposal aims to pressure the government, which is already reviewing the policy on deporting young people.
The Green Party and the Left Party are intensifying their pressure on the current Swedish government regarding the controversial deportations of teenagers. Their new proposal, submitted to the social affairs committee, seeks to create a pathway for these young individuals to apply for a change in their deportation status without having to leave Sweden. This initiative is directly inspired by the plight of sisters Donya and Darya, who were deported to Iran and subsequently denied a return to Sweden, highlighting the severe risks they face. The parties argue that the government's current pause on future deportations is insufficient, as it does not address the cases of those already sent away, leaving them in 'terrible situations.'
There are those who are in mortal danger due to deportations that the government itself has said it considers wrong.
Annika Hirvonen, the Green Party's spokesperson on migration policy, has been vocal in criticizing the government's approach. She points out the 'cynical' nature of halting future deportations while offering no recourse to those already deported, emphasizing that their stories were the catalyst for the initial pause. The proposal aims to provide a 'vent' in the legislation, allowing for reconsideration of cases where individuals are in danger due to their deportation. This move is intended to force the government's hand, especially as a new legislative proposal on the matter is expected by May.
They are in a terrible situation. All young people who, just like these sisters, have been deported from Sweden must be given a chance to return.
The opposition parties hope to unite the parliamentary opposition behind this initiative, aiming to exert maximum political pressure on the government to adopt more humane migration policies. The proposal specifically addresses the need for a mechanism to 'fetch home' deported youths, reflecting a strong humanitarian concern for their safety and well-being. The parties believe that simply stopping future deportations is not enough; a comprehensive solution must include provisions for those already affected by the policy.
It is not enough to be content with no one else being rejected. We must also ensure that those who have already received rejections are allowed to stay and truly stop the deportation of teenagers.
Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.