Unprofessional behaviour by the Chairperson

Concerning Mr. A.O.H.A Vs Denmark for the violation of articles 6, 7 and 13 (or 14) of CCPR.

The author lived in Mogadishu, Somalia, and because of a conflict with another clan and with Al-Shabaab, he was forced to flee Somalia in 2011. The applicant’s uncle had been in Mogadishu because he thought there was peace now but his uncle was killed, and the applicant is concerned that the same will happen to him. Thus the applicant entered Denmark and applied for asylum. During the board hearing, the chairperson was very unprofessional. The author tried desperately to explain his points, but he was attacked over and over again by the Chairperson. Consequently, the author was more or less in shock during the remaining part of the hearing, when the attorney was again allowed to ask the prepared questions. If this had been a police investigation, it may have been professional conduct, but as a judge who is in charge of making the decision whether the author should live or die, this was extremely unprofessional behaviour.

Concerning Mr. A.O.H.A Vs Denmark for the violation of articles 6, 7 and 13 (or 14) of CCPR.

Consequently, right after the Board hearing, a written complaint was filed to the president of the Refugee Board. On December 19 and December 31, the Attorney asked for a response to the complaint. Not until 9 January 2014 a reply was forwarded, and the Attorney was given a short deadline to respond. On 14 January the response was forwarded and on 28 January, the president made the decision that nothing was wrong. Furthermore on 3 February, the president stated that the author still has to leave the country. Thus a complaint was sent to CCPR.

At its meeting on 24 March 2022, the Human Rights Committee decided to discontinue consideration of communication No. 2563/2015, because contact had been lost with the author.

5. July 2023

CCPR 2563/2015
Comm: Human Rights