Asylum Seekers – Definition and Explanation

Understanding Asylum Seekers: Definition, Rights, and Global Impact

Asylum seekers play a vital role in the discourse of global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Understanding their status, rights, and challenges is essential for fostering a more inclusive society.

Definition:

Asylum seekers are individuals who flee their home countries due to persecution, violence, or the fear of such threats. They seek refuge in another country, hoping to be recognised as refugees and granted protection under international law. Asylum seekers differ from refugees in that they have not yet been granted official refugee status but are in the process of seeking it.

Rights of Asylum Seekers:

Despite not being officially recognised as refugees, asylum seekers are entitled to certain rights under international law. These include the right to seek asylum, protection from refoulement (being returned to a country where they face persecution), and access to fair and efficient asylum procedures. Additionally, asylum seekers have the right to basic human rights such as access to healthcare, education, and work, although the extent of these rights may vary depending on the country they are in.

Example:

One notable example illustrating the journey of asylum seekers is the Syrian refugee crisis. As conflict engulfed Syria, millions of people were forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Many of them became asylum seekers, undertaking perilous journeys across borders and seas to reach countries willing to offer refuge. This crisis highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation and support to address the plight of asylum seekers and refugees.

Conclusion:

Asylum seekers are individuals who have fled their home countries due to persecution or violence, seeking refuge in other nations. Understanding their status, rights, and challenges is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and equitable global community. By recognising and upholding the rights of asylum seekers, we can work towards creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to live free from fear and persecution.

References:

Robinson, V., & Segrott, J. (2002). Understanding the decision-making of asylum seekers (Vol. 12). Home Office, Research, Development and Statistics Directorate. https://www.embraceni.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/hors243.pdf

Phillips, J. (2013). Asylum seekers and refugees: what are the facts?. Canberra: Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliament of Australia. https://apo.org.au/node/32895

Burnett, A., & Peel, M. (2001). Asylum seekers and refugees in Britain: Health needs of asylum seekers and refugees. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 322(7285), 544. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1119741/

Robjant, K., Hassan, R., & Katona, C. (2009). Mental health implications of detaining asylum seekers: systematic review. The british journal of psychiatry, 194(4), 306-312. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/mental-health-implications-of-detaining-asylum-seekers-systematic-review/D5BE178EDE1219503F263C15BF5B57CE

Burnett, A., & Peel, M. (2001). What brings asylum seekers to the United Kingdom?. BMJ, 322(7284), 485-488. https://www.bmj.com/content/322/7284/485.1.full