Amnesty International considers that forced returns to south and central Somalia amount to a violation of international law. Amnesty International is seriously concerned about continued attempts by the Dutch government to effect such forced returns. The Dutch government’s position is that, under certain circumstances, Somalis can be returned to areas under the control of al-Shabaab, an Islamist armed group with links to Al-Qaeda. Amnesty International considers it dangerous, irresponsible and in violation of international law to attempt to return, or compel Somalis to return, to areas under al-Shabaab control.