Gay asylum seekers being denied justice

There are said to be over 76 countries around the world with criminal laws against homosexuals, with some of these countries like Iran giving death penalties.

In many cases, homosexuals have received violent abuse, and due to cultural and religious reasons, a large number of countries implement ‘draconian’ laws in place such as Uganda’s life imprisonment for "aggravated homosexuality".

Not surprisingly as a consequence of disposing of any semblance of human rights, many homosexuals flee their nations to those in the West where they can seek asylum.

Sadly, however, many of those looking for sanctuary and protection here in Britain are once again finding themselves in a place where their human rights are not being respected. According to a confidential Home Office document that was leaked to the Observer, revealed  that a bisexual asylum seeker was asked a number of inappropriate questions about sexual acts.

The Home Office has argued that the staff were "not permitted to ask inappropriate or intrusive questions", and have argued that attempts to determine an individual's sexual orientation were conducted "as sensitively as possible".

S Chelvan, a barrister and expert in asylum claims based on sexuality, said that the interview was "shockingly degrading". She argued that the questions were horrific, and that the interview was more like an interrogation.

Key figures like Keith Vaz, Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, has raised his concern on the issue, arguing that he was still “shocked” that interviews like this were still taking place by the Home Office.

Immigration barrister Colin Yeo criticised the Home Office’s interview practices, and argued that their abusive questions, especially in cases where homosexuality is involved was unacceptable. He said that,

“The underlying problem is that officials believe everyone is a liar. It leads to a fundamental lack of respect for the people they are dealing with."

Groups like Stonewall have also raised questions on the UK’s asylum system arguing that,

“Valuable time and resources are spent attempting to 'prove' a claimant is gay rather than establishing whether they have a legitimate fear of persecution."

The Home Office has argued that they do not deport or deny asylum just based on one’s sexuality, but campaigners have argued that the general approach by the Home Office and border officials is unacceptable, and that a radical rethink is needed to avoid what many perceive to be further homophobic abuse.

Roshni Verkereya