The Independent Asylum Commission which contains a number of church leaders, will hail the Scottish Government’s interventions to improve the treatment of asylum seekers when it presents its three reports of conclusions and recommendations to a Scottish audience, including Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani, at a launch event tomorrow (Wednesday).
The Independent Asylum Commission’s inquiry – the longest of its kind on UK asylum policy – has made over 180 recommendations to restore public support for sanctuary, and improve the way we decide who needs sanctuary, how we treat them while they are here, and what happens when a person is refused sanctuary.
The Commission has called for an asylum system that makes better decisions and treats people with greater humanity and dignity.
The Commission, which sought evidence from individuals and organisations from across the UK (including three former Home Secretaries) also held a public hearing in Glasgow in June 2007. It is now publishing its findings and presenting its recommendations to ministers including the Scottish Government.
The Commission’s reports include a number of recommendations on issues on which the Scottish Government has already spoken out strongly in support, such as ending the detention of children, making the process of return more humane, and allowing asylum seekers to work. The Scottish Government has pressed the Home Office on these issues, which are reserved to Westminster. It has also progressed practical solutions such as the lead professional and is in discussion about alternatives to detention and guardianship for unaccompanied asylum seeking children.
Commissioner Canon Nick Sagovsky said: “The Scottish Government has seized the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of those seeking sanctuary and refugees where their devolved powers allow. Real political leadership within the UK is being driven not by Westminster, but from Scotland. In many respects – such as on the treatment of children, the use of detention and the conduct of forced removals – we would like to see the UK Government take a lead from Scotland, not the other way around.
“We cannot be complacent. While the Scottish Government’s One Scotland campaign has had an effect and research suggests that Scotland is more welcoming to refugees than elsewhere in the UK, our own extensive public attitudes research, which included focus groups in Glasgow, showed that leadership is not enough – there is still a need for a ‘hearts and minds’ campaign to win long-term public support. We hope that the Scottish Government will take on board our recommendations on public attitudes, and work with us to push for a fairer and more humane system of sanctuary in which we can all take pride.”