Sweden is gathering support among EU member states for a proposal that would make rape a sufficient ground for deporting refugees, according to Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell. The initiative was presented during a meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels on Thursday.
Forssell hopes to achieve a reinterpretation or amendment of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention this spring, arguing that rape should always be considered a serious enough crime to warrant deportation. "We want it established that rape should always be a sufficiently serious crime for a person to be deported," Forssell said during the EU meeting.
Sweden wants new guidelines to allow the 'small number' of refugees who commit such crimes to be returned to their home countries
The Swedish minister reported strong support from Nordic neighbors and several EU colleagues, noting that while it has long been said these conventions cannot be changed, "when I listen around the table, there are very many who nod in agreement."
During the same meeting, Forssell addressed concerns about potential refugee flows from Middle East conflicts, stating there are currently "no signs" of an imminent surge but acknowledging that "things can change very quickly." He emphasized that Europe cannot have a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis, though he noted the EU is now better prepared with the 2023 Migration Pact due for implementation in June.
describing a recent Swedish case where a court blocked the deportation of a convicted rapist as 'outrageous'
The Swedish proposal specifically targets what Forssell described as a "small number" of refugees who commit serious crimes, arguing that such cases threaten public support for asylum systems and negatively affect law-abiding refugees.
there are currently 'no signs' of an imminent refugee surge to Europe
the EU must avoid a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis
advocated for helping displaced people 'on the spot or in the immediate area' rather than allowing them to reach Europe