UK is failing those most in need
16.06.05

A report published today by the European Commissioner for Human Rights has made stinging attacks on the UK government’s treatment of asylum seekers.

Mr Alvaro Gil-Robles, the EU Commissioner for Human Rights, visited the United Kingdom in November 2004 and has written his report for the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly. He met with many individuals and groups including David Blunkett MP, the then Home Secretary.

In his report published today Mr Gil-Robles said that Britain’s approach to asylum seekers is not particularly humane and ‘…a society that loses its sensitivity to the suffering of foreigners has lost something very precious indeed…’

Commenting on the report, the Chief Executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, Kate Green OBE said,

'This report shows how poorly treated asylum seeker families with children are in Britain today.

'For someone in Mr Gil-Robles’ position to state that no child should be detained for a length of time sufficient to make access to education an issue at all shows how much more the Government needs to do for this very vulnerable group,' she said.

'He is right to criticise legislation which allows for the removal of basic support for asylum seekers which has a direct effect on their families. The traumatic experience children of asylum seekers face is only made worse by their family often being left destitute.'

Mr Gil-Robles added in his report that analysis of recent changes to the UK asylum system does not yield pleasant conclusions.

For further comment or a copy of the report:
Ashley Riley
Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216
Mobile 07811 324339
Email ariley@cpag.org.uk