NGOs' statement on reception standards for asylum seekers

NGO Statement: reception Standards for asylum seekers

This NGOs' statement, dating from 2001 analyses the relevant reception standards for asylum seekers, including the right to work of asylum seekers. The positions on the right to work of asylum seekers have been extracted from this Statement (see below). 

NGO STATEMENT: RECEPTION STANDARDS FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS

GLOBAL CONSULTATIONS ON INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION

Palais des Nations, Geneva, 27 - 28 September 2001

Point 19. It is now time to start a serious debate in relation to economic, social and cultural rights in the context of reception of asylum seekers, and recognise that these rights, including education, shelter, food and medical assistance, are integral to giving effect to all durable solutions: voluntary return; local integration and resettlement.

Point 20. Further, we must resist the notion that permission to work should be denied on the basis that it leads to alleged abuse of asylum procedures. Mechanisms to combat abuse of asylum procedures must include the development of realistic migration policies.

Point 36. ... Any recognition of economic, social and cultural rights, and in particular the right to work, should not be used as grounds for reducing assistance where, for example, a person granted permission to work is unable to do so. This can render the vulnerable even more vulnerable. 

For an in depth analysis of the relation between asylum seekers reception conditions and their right to work click here (in yellow the most relevant part for our analysis on the link between direct material support and the right to work within reception policy). 

This Statement has incorporated feedback provided by NGOs and receives input and feedback and/or specific endorsement from a number of NGOs, including:

Amnesty International British Refugee Council Canadian Council for Refugees European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) Jesuit Refugee Service Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), South Africa Lawyers Committee for Human Rights (LCHR) Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture Refugee Assistance in Japan, representing Working Group of PARinAC Japan Forum Refugee Children and Vulnerable Citizens, Tajikistan Refugee Council of Australia Society and Law, (Tajikistan) Victorian Foundation for the Survivors of Torture Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children