European asylum system needs overhaul (Newham Borough Liberal Democrats)

Newham Borough Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

European asylum system needs overhaul

March 9, 2009 2:10 PM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP

The European Parliament is set to adopt a report on the future of European Union asylum policy. The aim is to have by 2012 a genuinely 'Common European Asylum System' with a single common procedure for assessing refugee claims and uniform status for refugees, and increased cooperation between national governments.

Since 1999 EU countries have agreed minimum rules but there have been too many opt-outs and variations to secure a true level playing-field with equal standards of protection. This means both that asylum-seekers may have an incentive to seek protection in one country rather than another and that standards are way too low in some EU states.

London MEP Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman, said:

"EU asylum policy at present seems to achieve the worst of all worlds. It is not efficient in terms of processing, there is too little coordination, and many claimants have their human rights trampled on by poor treatment, or not being able to put in claims or be assessed fairly."

"Access for those in need of protection must be guaranteed. The Tories wanted to impose a quota on refugees, but that is an absurd concept since under the UN convention every claim must be evaluated. Europe must set an example."

"Recognition rates vary hugely for people from the same country of origin. A European Asylum Support Office will help in harmonising country information and providing practical assistance for decisions on asylum applications"

"Only a common system can bring an end both to pass-the-parcel between governments and shopping around by claimants. But there should be no transfers of asylum applicants to EU countries where adequate standards of protection cannot be guaranteed."