Experts from across the asylum field are coming together on Wednesday 7 March to lead a conference outlining the latest developments in asylum legislation.
The conference will address practitioners working with asylum seekers and refugees and will examine the latest policy developments and legislative changes over the past year. These include new provisions under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, and policies around destitution, the New Asylum Model, detention and legal advice.
It will take a particular look at issues including return and forcible removal, asylum policy developments at European Union level, and the New Asylum Model due to be rolled out across the country this week.
Anna Reisenberger, acting Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said:
“Changes in asylum legislation happen extremely quickly and there have been many over the past year. The implications of these changes are often widespread and significant. By organising this conference, we aim to help all those working with asylum seekers and refugees understand the latest developments in asylum policy, to ensure people seeking sanctuary here are supported in the best possible way.
“Ultimately, the asylum system should be there to ensure people fleeing persecution are protected. Everyone at this conference has a part to play in that.”
The conference will be addressed by Lin Homer, Director General of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND), who will discuss the operational changes currently taking place in IND, and Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty.
Shami Chakrabarti said:
“ ‘Asylum’ is a dirty word in modern Britain. Our politicians weep hot tears for the victims of famine and oppression in other parts of the world, but where are the tears for those who end up here?
We have adopted a ‘lock them out or lock them up’ approach to these vulnerable people. Have we forgotten the victims of the Holocaust and the Refugee Convention once built in their name?”
Ends
- The conference takes place on Wednesday 7 March in Regent’s College, Regent’s Park, Inner Circle, London NW1 4NS, from 9.30am to 5.30pm
- Authoritative, comprehensive and inspiring, the Refugee Council’s conferences are renowned as a one-stop shop for the latest discussion on the ever-changing issue of asylum policy and legislation. Aimed at journalists, government, the police and professionals in the legal, health, social services and community sectors, the conferences raise topics and demand answers on imperative questions.
- Media welcome. To attend, please contact Hannah Ward on 020 7346 1213.
