UNHCR calls for fair, efficient UK asylum system rooted in international cooperation and rights

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling on the new Government of the United Kingdom (UK) to take measures to uphold the right to seek asylum and better protect refugees in the UK and globally. In a paper released today, the agency outlines five priority actions rooted in regional and international cooperation, to enable the principled and effective management of refugee movements.

‘In recent years, arrivals across the Channel have generated a perception of crisis, often obscuring the desperation driving these journeys, as refugees move in search of safety and stability. While the challenges of addressing irregular movements of refugees and migrants are real, practical solutions are at hand that work for states and refugees,’ said Vicky Tennant, UNHCR’s Representative to the UK. ‘With increased forced displacement globally, working together to address common challenges is vital.’

Making the UK asylum system work is key to managing irregular arrivals. Fair and efficient asylum processes mean people fleeing war, violence and persecution have quick and managed access to safety, allowing them to integrate and contribute to their new communities. It also inspires public confidence, including by enabling the return home of those who are found not to be in need of protection or to have a basis for legal stay.

‘The UK has a key role in promoting international refugee law. This starts with leading by example at home, restoring and ensuring access to asylum for those seeking safety at the UK’s shores,’ added Vicky Tennant. ‘UNHCR is encouraged by the steps already taken by the new Government towards a principled, effective approach to asylum.  Approaches relying primarily on deterrence, or pushing the problem elsewhere, can never be a solution.’

UNHCR is calling on the UK Government to use its global standing to help steer multilateral action in partnership with European and other states, along the routes on which refugees and migrants travel. This comprehensive, ‘route-based’ approach involves addressing the crises forcing people to flee and supporting countries hosting large numbers of refugees through humanitarian and development action. It also entails providing refugees with real and managed alternatives to dangerous onwards journeys, including by strengthening protection and support in transit countries and facilitating access to regular pathways for both refugees and migrants. UNHCR continues to advocate that the Government works towards an annual resettlement commitment of 10,000 places, delivered in partnership with local authorities, and expands access to refugee family reunification.

International cooperation is contingent on a global, clear and unequivocal commitment to and consistent application of international refugee law. Without this, there can be no common baseline for protection. The 1951 Refugee Convention, to which the UK is an original signatory, has helped save tens of millions of lives throughout decades. This is through its prohibition on refoulement and its framework for practical cooperation and responsibility-sharing between states, based on shared principles and standards.

UNHCR stands ready to support the UK Government in its steps towards a rights-based and well-managed asylum system, as well as with wider efforts that promote international refugee law, global responsibility-sharing and safety for refugees.

Read the recommendations.

For more information, contact: 

• Maeve Patterson, [email protected], +44 7880 230985
• James Bulman, [email protected], +44 7772 925815