Below are resources, practical tools and official guidelines presented in an accessible way to help women fight their asylum and immigration case.
Report : Up from Destitution, Women and children escaping persecution, war and ecological devastation have a right to asylum and support.
Refuge from Rape and Destitution contributed its expertise to this 2021 research on the destitution suffered by some asylum seekers and refugees. The survey found that 48% of women had no income at all, over two thirds (73%) were survivors of domestic abuse and 44% were rape survivors. The research includes a set of comprehensive recommendations to address the hardship, homelessness, exploitation and abuse that results from government imposed destitution.
Legal Action for Women’s Self-Help Guide against detention and deportation
This vital resource provides detailed advice on how to claim the right to stay in the UK. Along with our self-help tools, we use this guide in our sessions, and beyond, to support women in understanding, pursuing and winning their cases.
How to do a case summary
A brief explanation of the danger women fear in the country they fled, and why their cases haven’t yet had a fair hearing in the UK, has helped them get legal aid lawyers, support from other professionals, specialist organisations and Members of Parliament.
Making your case as a victim of rape
Government information fails to explain how rape and domestic violence can be grounds for asylum. Victims can also make a human rights application because they are dependent on specialist resources and a place of safety to be able to recover. See how your case fits into the legal framework of the Refugee Convention and the Human Rights Act.
Using Home Office Policy Instructions on how it should treat women
The Home Office has its own policy on how officials should treat women’s claims, but this is routinely flouted. We use its “Gender Issues in the Asylum Claim” instructions to challenge refusals, drawing attention to how victims and their accounts are disbelieved and dismissed.
Getting help as a “Vulnerable Witness” in appeals
The Tribunal’s “Joint-Presidential Note No. 2: Vulnerable and Child Witnesses” establishes some useful principles for victims to challenge discrimination and help them participate more fully in their appeal hearings. WAR’s pioneering legal work with Ms YF in Yarl’s Wood established a key precedent which others are now using.
Article re Ms YF here
refugefromrapeanddestitution.blog 