The Russian human rights activist threatened with extradition from Italy was told the British embassy could not assist UK residents with refugee status (Refugee wins last-minute extradition reprieve after trying to return from holiday, 29 August). This is a violation of the UK’s obligations under one of the Geneva conventions, the 1951 refugee convention.
Article 25 of that convention states that, when a refugee cannot access a right from his home government – for example, consular assistance – then his state of residence “shall arrange such assistance be afforded to him” by its own authorities – such as its ambassador.
The UK should educate its ambassadors and consular staff about the government’s obligations as signatories to the refugee convention. No human rights activist should have to fear death because the UK fails to honour its international legal commitments.
Emily E Arnold-Fernández
Oxford
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