In response to the launch of the first public hearing held by the Independent Asylum Commission (IAC) Anna Reisenberger, Acting Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said:
“We very much welcome the launch of this important new independent enquiry into the workings of the asylum system. The asylum process has been under severe pressure in the past few years; now is a great opportunity to make a fresh assessment of whether the current practices are meeting the needs of people seeking safety in the UK. The Refugee Council is preparing our evidence to the Commission, based on our years of working with people seeking asylum.”
“The first hearing focuses on the decision making process; the current system is badly flawed, with far too many initial decisions shown to be wrong. We look to the IAC to pinpoint how the Government can bring confidence back to the process.”
The manager of the Refugee Council West Midlands office, Phillip Williams, will be giving evidence to the Hearing in Birmingham.
Ends.
Notes to editors:
- The Independent Asylum Commission is conducting a nationwide review of the UK asylum system.
- The West Midlands Public Hearing begins at St Anne’s Roman Catholic Church in Digbeth at 14:30 on 31st January
- Refugee Council managers will be available for interview during the Hearing. Please contact Bob Deffee on 020 7346 1213 for details
