Working on the improvement of the “Common European Asylum System” An ILGA-Europe perspective Joël Le Déroff – Policy & Programmes Officer – 28 October 2011

Reminder: the importance of EU law

1. A successful lobbying strategy The qualification directive – first EU directive to explicitly mention « gender identity » Recital 29: Article 10 (d):

1. A successful lobbying strategy A strategy for the European Parliament to introduce amendments Using the Parliament’s political influence in negotiating with the Council of the EU (Member States) A strategy to engage with Member States in Brussels (permanent representations) Finding champions among Member States to take the lead and avoid misunderstandings…

2. More efforts needed The procedure directive and the reception conditions directive Better address training issues within asylum authorities, and consultation of competent experts (procedure directive) Address the situation of LGBTI asylum seekers, including prevention of violence (reception conditions directive) Provide the two directives with a consistent identification mechanism/process as regards “special needs” of asylum seekers Get the Parliament and the Council to work together on these issues

3. Advocacy for best practices dissemination Some of the missions of the EASO, according to its creating regulation: - “pooling of good practice […] between Member States” - “activities relating to information on countries of origin” - “establish and develop training for members of all national administrations and courts, and national services responsible for asylum matters in the Member States” A coalition strategy to engage: ILGA-Europe, EWL and END FGM Amnesty International’s “En-gendering” recommendations to the EASO - Dialogue established with the Agency’s director - National stakeholders engaging with management board members

Thank you for your attention!