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Independent Asylum Commission: says asylum system is 'shameful'

27 March 2008

The Independent Asylum Commission has found that the asylum system is still ‘not fit for purpose’, and denies sanctuary to some who genuinely need it.

In response to the findings Sandy Buchan, Chief Executive of Refugee Action, said:

“We urge the Home Office to take on board the findings of this Commission and make reforms to ensure the asylum system is both humane and effective.  

“The commission has found that a ‘culture of disbelief’ exists among asylum decision-makers, that there is a lack of legal advice for applicants and that the treatment of asylum seekers ‘falls seriously below the standards to be expected of a humane and civilised society’. The commission also drew serious attention to the enforced destitution of thousands of refused asylum seekers, calling the policy ‘indefensible’, and criticises the ‘over-use’ of detention.

“It is our duty to ensure that all asylum seekers have a full and fair hearing and that they are treated humanely throughout their time in the UK. While there is a need for enforcement in the system, this must not be at the expense of justice and humanity.”

For more information please contact Julia Ravenscroft, press officer at Refugee Action, on 0161 233 1956 or 07771 748 159.

Ends

• The Independent Asylum Commission collected evidence from across the UK for an impartial citizens’ enquiry into the UK asylum system. For a full list of commissioners and to see the full interim report go to www.independentasylumcommission.org.uk. To contact the Independent Asylum Commission contact Jonathan Cox on 07919 484 066.

• Refugee Action is an independent, national charity working to enable refugees to build new lives in the UK.  We provide practical advice and assistance for newly arrived asylum seekers and long-term commitment to their settlement through community development work, and received 30,000 visits from asylum seekers last year.  As one of the country’s leading agencies in the field, Refugee Action has more than 25 years’ experience in pioneering innovative work in partnership with refugees.

 

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