Gender guidance campaign
The Home Office adopted gender guidance for dealing with gender issues in asylum claims in March 2004, after extensive lobbying by campaigners, including the Refugee Women's Resource Project at Asylum Aid (RWRP).
RWRP's research report ‘Lip service' or implementation? The Home Office Gender Guidance and women's asylum claims in the UK shows that the Home Office is failing to adhere to its own gender guidance. The research concludes with a number of recommendations for action by the Home Office to ensure that the UK Government meets its obligations regarding the protection needs of women fleeing persecution.
However, we don't believe that leaving this to the Home Office is enough.
If you are an immigration lawyer or caseworker: Please take note of the Guidance and advocate on behalf of your female clients by reminding Home Office officials to follow the Guidance in their cases.
View the Home Office Asylum Policy Instruction, Gender issues in the asylum claim, and a summary produced by RWRP
If you are a woman seeking asylum: You have rights when you claim asylum. We have useful resources available here.
Listen to the Home Office Minister responding to our campaign on Woman's Hour