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Policy and campaigns

 Asylum Aid believes in a fairer asylum system that

  • guarantees all asylum seekers have access to high-quality legal advice at all stages of the asylum process
  • prioritises the quality and sustainability of asylum decisions, rather than their speed and toughness
  • is sensitive to the particular needs of women seeking asylum, and the gender-specific issues that may arise in their asylum claims

This fairer system can be realised through sensible and practical reforms, and Asylum Aid works to influence asylum policy across a range of areas. 

The Women's Project at Asylum Aid has long campaigned to improve the treatment of women seeking asylum in the UK and across Europe.  And Asylum Aid's policy briefings outline in detail our central goals, and the work being done to achieve them. 

How we campaign

What we say is grounded in what we do.  Our policy and campaigns work is directly based on our experience providing legal advice and representation to asylum seekers.  We look to influence both Government policy and public opinion, so that asylum seekers are treated fairly and the UK upholds it human rights obligations.

Our research, policy consultations and public campaigns all contribute to Asylum Aid's work, in addition to our advocacy with senior officials, Members of Parliament, the media and the public.

In order to implement our recommendations, we work closely with the Home Office, the Legal Services Commission, and the Independent Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency.  We also work with legal representatives, academics, the UN Refugee Agency and other organisations in the asylum sector and beyond.

In addition, we lobby for change as active members of a number of coalitions and umbrella organisations, including

Still Human Still Here
Asylum Rights Campaign
Detention Forum
Women's Resource Centre
End Violence Against Women
Justice for All

Asylum Aid was also involved in setting up the Independent Asylum Commission between 2006 and 2008, which comprehensively reviewed the UK asylum system.  In addition, we often participate in work with the think-tank Policy Network, and advised on the recommendations for asylum reform published by the Centre for Social Justice.

Refugee Legal Group 

Asylum Aid co-ordinates the Refugee Legal Group, an online forum to which more more that 800 asylum lawyers, advisers and advocates are already signed-up.