COUNTRY UPDATE 2006 FOR NORWAY 1. Figures and facts about asylum Main countries of origin of asylum seekers year 2006 Place Country Number of asylum applicants 1 Iraq 1,002 2 Somalia 632 3 Russia 548 4 Serbia and Montenegro 369 5 Eritrea 316 6 Palestine 250 7 Afghanistan 220 8 Iran 220 9 Ethiopia 180 10 Burundi 150 Evolution of the number of asylum applications 2005 2006 Difference +/- First applications 5,400 5,300-100 Rejections 3,997 2,279-1,718 Removals 1,500 1,400-100 Recognitions 2,480 2,200-280 Proportion of recognitions of all the decisions (%) 45 % 57 % + 26 % (+ 12 percentage points) Voluntary returns 560 400-160 Number of Dublin cases sent 1,300 700 back - 600 Number of Dublin cases 1,200 800 received - 400 Population: 4.6 million Immigrant population: 415,318 = 8.9 % 2005 2006 De facto refugees 940 992 Family reunification 13,000 14,000 Unaccompanied minors 320 349 Reception centres 75 66
2. Political and legal developments concerning migration issues Political changes (policy programmes, guidelines, Issue Short description Remarks (RC responses, problems related to these issues, Unaccompa nied minors, under the age of 15 The responsibility for care and accommodation for this group has moved from the ordinary reception system to special care institutions, where trained staff provides intensive support to meet their needs. The local Red Cross branch recruits volunteers from minors living there. Legal changes (laws, regulations, A new law adopted by parliament (2007) Change in the legal framework concerning unaccompanied minors. Standards of care are now the same as for Norwegian children living in institutions. Asylum seekers /migrants related issues raised by media, authorities, NGOs, etc. Hunger strike summer 2006 Forced return to Somalia Debate concerning undocumen ted migrants 100 asylum seekers from Afghanistan whose applications had been turned down went on a hunger strike to protest against being returned. Protest from several NGOs at Somalis being returned to Somalia. Norwegian Red Cross is lobbying the government to provide advice, recognition and basic support for undocumented migrants. Some were returned to areas UNHCR said were safe, but the majority were granted residence. Returns to Somalia were temporarily stopped.
3. Red Cross activities in the field of migration Target Group Type of Activity Short Description of Activity Provider of activity within RC (National Headquarter, regional / local Branch, Asylum Seekers Activities in Reception centres A number of activities take place both within the centres and together with the local communities: trips to cinema, swimming pool, sports etc. Local Branches, Red Cross Youth and Norwegian lessons for children and adults in the centres. Local Branches and Refugees Refugee orientation Refugees are offered a refugee guide shortly after arriving in a municipality. The guide will help the refugee build a social network, learn the language, access the local community, look for a job, and access services. Local Branches and volunteers, in conjunction with districts and. Information service For all migrants approaching us for help and guidance on immigration law, family reunification, and welfare. local Branches. Unaccompanied minors Refugee orientation after being settled in a municipality. in collaboration with local Branches and Role-play On the run for members of the host communities A role-play in which participants learn, what it is like to be a refugee. Red Cross Youth, with Local branches, districts and.
Helpline and counselling for forced marriage Attitudes and values Prevention and information Advice on where to obtain help to avoid a forced marriage and assistance for people who have already been forced into one. Calls can be anonymous and the people working for the helpline keep information confidential. We can offer temporary accommodation to youths who are afraid of being forced into a marriage by their parents. Several training activities to combat racism in the community, and to work towards equality, respect and a nondiscriminatory society. Diversity and Dialogue, training courses. The White Busses to Auschwitz, information about the second world war and the Holocaust. From Auschwitz to Rwanda, training courses for teachers and school classes. Local branch in Oslo, in collaboration with. Red Cross Youth with local Branches. local Branches. Educational Facilities in four Resource Centres We are managing four Resources Centres, were minority youth are offered assistance with homework and the content of the curriculum, computer training as well as general support and counselling. The first project was started in one of the largest Mosques in Oslo. Local RC Branch in Oslo, and There is a wide range of activities. We also provide counselling in cases of forced marriage, and mediation in family conflicts.
Red Cross International Centre Financial support to European NS Tracing Offers several activities such as assistance with homework and the content of the curriculum, counselling and activities on how to respect each other and how to prevent misunderstandings. Several excursions: Skiing in winter and other summer activities for minority children and youth. NRC supports several other National Societies working with victims of trafficking. Tracing family members internationally where the family has been separated and has lost contact due to war or disasters. Local RC Branch in Oslo and Undocumented Migrants Administrative assistance Information about immigration issues, how the Norwegian welfare system works and where to get support. local Branches Detention Monitoring 2006 first meeting with detainees and authorities, planning a regularly visit schedule in 2007. Other Migrants (e.g. migrants who have moved to country due to marriage or studies and thus cannot be considered as labour migrants) local Branches Name and coordinates of the contact person for migration matters within Norwegian Red Cross: Ruth Øydegard + 47 22054000 ruth.oydegard@redcross.no