Asylum
"The UK's treatment of asylum seekers falls seriously below the standards of a civilised society. We need an end to the policy of enforced destitution." Independent Asylum Commission / March 08 [ www.independentasylumcommission.org.uk ]
Quick Facts
- About 24,000 people seek asylum in the UK each year.
- In the 4th quarter of 2007, 20 % of applicants were granted asylum, 9 % were granted either humanitarian protection or discretionary leave, and 70 % were refused.
- Most asylum seekers come from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Eritrean and Zimbabwean - countries of insecurity and where human rights are routinely violated.
- The numbers of destitute failed asylum seekers in Leeds rose 180 % to 331 in the last 18 months.
- The number of destitute children seeking asylum increased nearly four fold in the same period.
- The adversarial nature of the asylum process stacks the odds against asylum seekers especially those who are emotionally vulnerable and lack good English.