Asylum- a Place of Sanctuary and Protection?

These are the main points of a presentation by Branch member John Cross, taken directly from the Deane-Cum-Heaton Labour Party's Branch minutes.

  The Problem

    Asylum seekers do not understand their rights and entitlements.
    Officials of central and local government do not understand the increasing complexity of the law and issues that effect asylum seekers.

  The Result

    Some of the most vulnerable people suffer considerable hardships because their rights are denied e.g. benefits and advice/assistance.
    They find it difficult to find employment (lack of documentation, cannot obtain driving licences, etc.).
    They are housed in unsuitable accommodation and they are frequently lonely and isolated.
    Delays in making decision on the application.
    Loss and inaccuracy of Home Office documentation.
    Being dispersed to areas where accommodation is cheaper or where there is an immigrant population.
    Unable to secure work.

The Cause

    The government is committed to the basic tenets of human rights.
It is also committed to eliminating social exclusion (this usually means employment but could include education, housing, etc.).
    However, the above commitments are often in conflict with the policies, which are designed to eliminate benefit fraud and illegal working.
    The effect of constant changes in the legal and regulatory framework, together with the enormous workload, has created huge problems for the central and local government bureaucracy and these problems have been exaggerated by the dispersal of asylum seekers to areas like Bolton through:

1.   Ill trained and inexperienced staff.
2.   Insufficient staffing levels.
3.   The lack of proper coordination between various agencies.
4.   The attitudes of the staff to asylum seekers.

  The People Affected

    Historically black and Asian people have been given prejudicial treatment by all governments, partly this can be attributed to racial prejudice and partially to the effects of cultural and language difficulties.

  What Should We Do About The Problem?

    Is it right that a country, which has the fourth largest economy should deny basic human rights to such a large and vulnerable group of people?
    If not, what should we do about the situation?
    Should we mount our own campaign, and if so should we concentrate our efforts on national matters such as the voucher system?
    Or should we concentrate on local matters such has the way in which Bolton Council (and other bodies, e.g. the Health Authority) treats asylum seekers?
    Or should we conduct both National and Local campaigns?

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