‘Asylum reforms must uphold rule of law’
The England-and-Wales Law Society has responded to the British Home Office announcement that refugee status will become temporary and subject to review every 30 months for all adults claiming asylum from today
“British government asylum reforms must uphold the rule of law, including international law commitments, and access to justice,” said Law Society of England and Wales president Mark Evans.
Treated fairly
“We all benefit from being treated fairly. But the rules announced today will create prolonged uncertainty for people who want to live free from danger and have been recognised by the government as needing protection.
“The changes stand in tension with article 34 of the Refugee Convention, under which Britain has agreed to facilitate as far as possible the assimilation and naturalisation of refugees.
“Having to repeat applications requires increased legal advice and representation at a time when severe legal aid deserts for asylum advice exist and the tribunal system is already overstretched. In November, the government announced early legal advice would be a core part of the asylum reforms: we await further details of these measures.”