over not out research report & greenwich declaration of human rights for lgbti asylum seekers

8/4/2019 Over Not Out Research Report & Greenwich Declaration of Human Rights for LGBTI asylum seekers

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Fleeing HomophobiaConference:Over Not Out Research Report & Greenwich

Declaration of Human Rights for LGBTI asylum seekers

Michael BellDirector MBARC

5th - 6th September 2011


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Presentation Overview

Overview of 2009 research Over Not

Out and follow-up project with The

Metro Centre/Praxis

Overview of Greenwich Declaration of

Human Rights for LGBTI asylum seekers

Proposed Action Plan for Declaration


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Over Not Out Report - Contexthttp://www.mbarc.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/reports/report-uploads/Over%20Not%20Out1302724376.pdf

First national study into issues specific to LGBT

asylum seekers in the UK

MST - one of the largest social landlords (working

with over 2,000 refugees and asylum seekers)

Objectives: to undertake research to provide an

evidence base that informs policy and serviceprovision and also informs, shapes and changesgovernment asylum policy
http://www.mbarc.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/reports/report-uploads/Over%20Not%20Out1302724376.pdfhttp://www.mbarc.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/reports/report-uploads/Over%20Not%20Out1302724376.pdf


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About the Research Process

Desk based review

Stake holder engagement

Training community researchers 40 face-to-face interviews

Testing findings and developing

recommendations Final Report A call for Action


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The numbers game & the data

challenge A total of 25,670 asylum applications (excluding

dependents) were made in 2008.

No systematic collection of data on sexuality/gender

identity.

Estimated 1,284 to 1,797 lesbian, gay, or bisexual asylum

seekers in 2008.

2 -3 transgendered people per month (20 to 30 a year)

>30,000 LGBT asylum seekers over the past 10 years. Impact of changes in countries of origin figures may

underestimate the total significantly.


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Key Findings

The asylum process

Access to legal support

Detention

Accommodation Dispersal and the pull of London

Exploitation

Safety

Health Support networks and

Double Jeopardy


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The Call for Action31 targeted recommendations, including those for:

FCO and DfID

UKBA & Home Office

Detention Centres

Health commissioners and providers Local authorities

Landlords and accommodation providers

RCOs and LGBT organisations

Charitable trusts and third sector support capacity

builders


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Foundations for Change

1. FCO and DfID

2. UKBA & Home Office3. Health commissioners and providers

4. Landlords and accommodation providers

5. RCOs and LGBT organisations & charitable trusts andthird sector support capacity builders

6. Rwanda case has placed this on the agenda7. Significant progress on stopping deportations and

commitment to review protocols and guidance

8. Recognition of issue in HIV prevention work

9. Significant change in MST10. Interest from some trusts and openings in the LondonFunders group


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The Metro Centre/Praxis Project

Follow on work from Over Not Out, in collaboration with TheMetro Centre and Praxis Community Projects funded by Trust

for London Addressing strategic shortfalls in the voluntary sector identified

in the report

Action Research to:

- create a cohort of LBGT refugees and migrants who can support

and challenge VCOs to develop more responsive services;- develop road-tested guidance for community organisations to

ensure more responsive and welcoming services for LGBT peoplefrom their communities and that LGBT VCOs can serve migrantsand refugees who are also LGBT;

- develop guidance for funders of services to ensure that servicesthey fund can provide quality services that deal with thediversity within communities in relation to sexuality, genderidentity, ethnicity and immigration status.


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Greenwich Declaration of Human

Rights for LGBTI asylum seekers

In July 2010 a group of refugees, lawyers, academics,activists and health professionals from around the world

met at the University of Greenwich to discuss the

experiences of asylum seekers and refugees fleeing

persecution as a result of their sexual orientation or

gender identity. The Declaration is a call for action to generate change for

those fleeing persecution on the basis of sexual

orientation or gender identity.

The following set of principles (with accompanying callsfor action) were agreed by the delegates at the

conference...


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1. The right to live in freedom and dignity is a universalright that all people in the world are entitled to and

therefore all nation states should use all their

diplomatic measures to challenge and eradicate

trans/homophobia across the world.

2. Everyone has the right to seek asylum from

persecution, including persecution on the basis of

sexual orientation or gender identity

3. Everyone seeking asylum has the right to have their

claim considered in a non-discriminatory way with

respect to their personal dignity and worth.


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4. Everyone seeking asylum has the right to a fair assessmentof their claim.

5. Everyone has a right to live free from discrimination and

oppression whilst awaiting assessment of their asylum

application and following acceptance of refugee status.

6. Everyone has the right to access healthcare without

discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender

identity.

7. LGBTI people are entitled to the protection of the

international community even if they are unable to reacha safe country.


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Action Plan

Document and consultation process launched at Amsterdam

Conference, and International Steering Group established

(Sept 2011)

International Consultation via online survey (October 2011)

Analysis of consultation responses (November 2011)

International Steering Group consider consultation responses

and finalise document (December 2011)

Second Greenwich Conference plus associated events, timed

to coincide with World Pride 2012 in London (23rd June 8th

July).


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Greenwich Declaration of

Human Rights for LGBTIasylum seekers contactsMBARC Practice Director:

[email protected]

MBARC Researcher:[email protected]

Dr Greg Ussher

[email protected]

Dr Berhanu Kassayie

[email protected]:

www.mbarc.co.uk
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.mbarc.co.uk/http://www.mbarc.co.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

over not out research report & greenwich declaration of human rights for lgbti asylum seekers

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