EpsiLon – UK findings May 9, 2017 | PRESIDENT HOTEL Rosa Heimer, Equalities Projects Coordinator (IARS International Institute PARTNER’S LOGO This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein.

Literature Review – UK Findings Since 1999 the UK recognizes ‘homosexuals’ as a particular social group under the 1952 Refuge Convention; Inconsistent official data on refusal claims for LGBTI asylum claims in the UK, 98-99% refusal rate for LGB asylum claims (UKLGIG, 2013); Claims disproportionally refused on discretion grounds until 2010 Supreme Court decision; Subsequently, credibility has been the major ground of refusal leading to a ‘culture of disbelief’ and intrusive questioning;

Literature Review – UK Findings In response to UNHCR issued guidelines, the UK government offered training to immigration officers on sexual identity sensitivity; Training proved ineffective with prevailing stereotypical assumptions and overly intrusive questioning Concerns over violation of human rights to dignity and private family life: questions about sexual practices and “tests” to confirms one’s sexual orientation are forbidden by EU court of justice. Indiscriminate and unlimited use of detention: LGBT migrants often bullied, harassed or physically attacked by both, fellow detainees and staff at immigration detention centers. LGBT migrants are often discriminated and excluded from both diaspora migrant communities as well as LGBT scene .

Field Research – UK Findings 11 open ended interviews with both professionals and LGBT migrants Concerns over UK Visa and Immigration’s treatment of LGBT migrants: Jurisprudence poorly applied Failure to assess second pair of eyes policy Inaccurate Home Office Country information Culture of disbelief Outdated stereotypical views of homosexuality Sending people back to unsafe countries Uncertainty of asylum process leaving claimants in a stressful limbo Use of detention

Field Research – UK Findings Cultural and Integration issues: Need of support to reconcile potentially conflicting identities Concerns over racism and classism of LGBT scene Need for ESOL support Service delivery concerns: Discrimination within asylum specialist services Skill level of LGBT organizations

Policy & Practical Recommendations Better equalities awareness within the LGBTI scene to improve migrant integration LGBTI groups should receive immigration training Immigration support organisations and immigration solicitors should receive training to increase their LGBTI sensitivity Revise the way LGBTI Asylum claims are processed Quicker decision making Review and amend country information Invest in ESOL Invest in Identity Support