1. EpsiLon – UK findings
May 9, 2017 | PRESIDENT HOTEL
Rosa Heimer, Equalities Projects Coordinator (IARS International Institute
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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.

2. 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 Supreme Court decision;
Subsequently, credibility has been the major ground of refusal leading to a ‘culture of disbelief’ and intrusive questioning;

3. 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 .

4. 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Outdated stereotypical views of homosexuality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

5. 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

6. 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