Procedures Directive
Refugee Council response to UK Implementation of Council Directive 2005/85/EC of 1 December 2005 laying down minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status [October 2007]
The Directive, known as the “Procedures Directive” outlines how the UK will implement into domestic law standards on asylum procedures agreed by EU Member States. Refugee Council has serious concerns with regard to the Directive itself as it permits the use of concepts such as ‘safe’ countries of origin and ‘safe’ third countries in asylum procedures as well as non-suspensive appeal procedures. The Refugee Council believes that the imposition of stringent procedures can render an asylum system meaningless and deprive the state of the opportunity to identify protection needs and avoid refoulement. We recommend the UK implement higher standards in order to ensure applicants (including separated children) are provided with legal representation throughout the asylum procedure. We urge the UK to abandon detained fast track procedures as these render an individual’s ability to properly make an asylum claim almost impossible. We request provisions for asylum claims to be lodged regionally and make further recommendations to ensure individuals are able to exercise their right to seek asylum. Published in October 2007 |
