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Asylum-seekers - right of appeal? (1)

01 January 1991

Asylum-seekers - right of appeal?
artdoc August=1991

The Home Secretary intends to create a statutory right of appeal
for asylum-seekers who are refused refugee status, to preempt
criticism from the European Court of Human Rights on the lack of
such an appeal right. For years, refugee groups have campaigned
for a right of appeal before the rejected asylum-seeker is sent
home. But the Refugee Forum was sceptical about the proposals.
A spokesperson said, `Of course, refugees will welcome anything
which makes the system fairer, but we have been told that the
system Kenneth Baker is setting up is designed to expel people
as quickly as possible unless they can prove they have a well-
founded fear of persecution. How can we have faith in a system
whose aim is not to secure justice for those now denied asylum,
but simply to turn them round faster? The definition of refugee
must be broadened to include victims of war, civil war and
natural disaster, if refugees are to be treated justly.'
Guardian, 15.6.1991.

Statewatch no 3 July/August 1991