PUBLIC AI Index: EUR 43/005/2008

26 March 2008

Further information on UA 63/08 (EUR 43/001/2008, 7 March 2008) and follow-up – Fear of forcible return

SWITZERLAND Anatole Zali (m), aged 18, Cameroonian national

On 19 March, the Swiss Migration Office permitted a request from Cameroonian national Anatole Zali to re-examine his asylum claim. He was released from detention at Zurich airport, and is staying in Switzerland until the authorities decide on his asylum claim.

Anatole Zali, who identifies himself as gay, arrived in Switzerland from Cameroon on 3 February. He claimed asylum on the grounds that he had been threatened because of his sexual orientation, and was at risk of imprisonment if he stayed in Cameroon. On 14 February, the Swiss Migration Office ruled that Anatole Zali should be returned to Cameroon. He was given five days to appeal against this decision. He did not have access to state-funded representation and he had to submit his appeal himself. His appeal was rejected.

Following international pressure, including by Amnesty International members, the Migration Office agreed to reconsider Anatole Zali's asylum claim, on the basis that he had not had access to a fair and satisfactory asylum procedure. His request for the reconsideration of his asylum claim was supported by Amnesty International, which also noted that international law prohibits the return of anyone to a country where they would be at risk of serious human rights violations.

No further action from the UA network is required at present. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.