A court has ruled that Eritreans who have fled the country face real danger on return.

The ruling directly contradicts the UK Government’s view that many Eritreans arriving in the UK are not in need of international protection.

Since last summer, the Home Office has been refusing the majority of asylum claims made by Eritreans, leaving them to rely on the courts to provide them with the protection they need with a startling 9 out of 10 appeals made by Eritreans being successful.

In its judgment, the Upper Tribunal ruled that Eritreans who evaded military service and/or left the country illegally continue to face ‘a real risk of persecution, serious harm or ill-treatment’ if they are sent back to Eritrea.

The Home Office has subsequently withdrawn its guidelines for assessing asylum claims made by Eritreans.

Refugee Council Policy Manager Judith Dennis said: “This ruling has confirmed that the Government’s treatment of Eritreans who’ve sought refuge here is both dangerous and unjustifiable. It’s vital that the Home Office now focuses on protecting Eritreans who’ve fled here in fear of their lives rather than putting them at further risk.”