Iraqi LGBTs can seek asylum in the Netherlands

The Dutch government has decided to change their immigration policies to ensure the safety of people seeking asylum due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

 

The Dutch government has decided to change its laws and provide asylum for Iraqi LGBTs seeking refugee in the European country. Geert Leers, the Dutch minister of immigration, stated that Iraq is not a safe place for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender individuals, and therefore Holland will respond accordingly.

 

Leers had already announced a temporal suspension on the deportation of Iraqi LGBTs from the country after a warning from the Ministry of External Affairs. The minister of the latest emphasized the fact that it was almost impossible to be openly queer in the Middle Eastern country without being at risk.

 

Koen van Dijk, representative of COC Netherlands, described the announcement as a major victory for Iraqi nationals who escaped their country due to sexual persecution. According to Van Dijk, Iraq has become the most dangerous country in the world to be gay with almost 750 people murdered due to this reason since 2003.

 

Before a petition can be accepted, asylum seekers must demonstrate their condition to the authorities. “It is not clear yet how this will be performed since people would have to proof something that they have repressed all their lives due to fear. It is a very delicate situation and the immigration officers in charge of the interrogations will have to go through special training”, Mr. Van Dijk stated.