A leading UK charity for lesbian and gay asylum seekers published a
study this week which highlights disproportionate levels of rejection
for homosexual applicants.
The UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group - a charity promoting
equality and dignity through supporting lesbian and gay people who are
seeking asylum in the UK - conducted a study of 50 Home Office Reason
for Refusal letters issued from 2005 to 2009 to claimants from 19
different countries who claimed asylum on the basis of their sexual
identity.
Entitled Failing The Grade, the report looks at the decisions of UK
Border Agency at interview stage. They found that although refusal at
this stage is high for all asylum applicants – 73% in 2009 – refusal of
lesbian and gay applicants between 2004 and 2009 was 98-99%.
UKLGIG patron Angela Mason, CBE, - who was joined by barrister S.
Chelvan and author of the report, Laura Milliken Gray, at its launch at
London's Mitre House Chambers - told DIVA that the issue was a live
one.
"It seems clear that case owners making decisions about lesbian and
gay asylum claims do not have training on the particular issues arising
from persecution based on sexual orientation or identity.
They are also relying on out of date information on countries of
origin and too often ignoring the UNHCR Guidance Note on Refugee Claims
Relating to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. The result is that
lesbian and gay asylum seekers who are already experiencing persecution
may also face discrimination in our own country."
The full report can be found at www.uklgig.org.uk.