The Independent Asylum Commission Website

The Independent Asylum Commission has conducted a nationwide citizen's review of the UK asylum system. It has published interim findings in Fit For Purpose Yet? and conclusions and recommendations in Saving Sanctuary.

Key findings in Fit for Purpose Yet?:

• There is almost universal acceptance of the principle that there must be an asylum system, and that it must be applied fairly, firmly and humanely. These criteria must be fulfilled for the UK system to be ‘fit for purpose'.
• The UK asylum system is improved and improving, but is not yet fit for purpose. The system still denies sanctuary to some who genuinely need it and ought to be entitled to it; is not firm enough in returning those whose claims are refused; and is marred by inhumanity in its treatment of the vulnerable.

Some key findings in Saving Sanctuary:

• There is grave misunderstanding in the public mind about the term ‘asylum' which if not
  addressed threatens to undermine support for the UK's proud tradition of providing sanctuary to those fleeing persecution
• There is a mainstream consensus on the five key values that should be foundation principles on which policy relating to those seeking sanctuary should be based.

Find out more

Related Articles

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Topic Area

1. UK legislation, 3. Contemporary debates

Education

Citizenship, Early Years and Key Stages, Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

Type of Resource

Research, Websites

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