Identification of vulnerable asylum seekers

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2 The Norwegian Organisation for Asylum Seekers Identification of vulnerable asylum seekers Vulnerable migrants in Europe Health challenges and civil society response Oslo, June 22nd 2016 Solvei Skogstad 2

3 This is NOAS Norwegian Organisation for Asylum seekers Established in 1984 Independent membership organisation Advocating asylum policies based on humanitarian values, justice and International Law 3

4 NOAS work Information and guidance/councelling for asylum seekers Legal Assistance in individual cases Advocacy work NOAS offer information and guidance in arrival reception centres and at our main office The Immigration Regulation entitles all asylum seekers to an offer of individual guidance by an independent organisation. The Immigration Authorities (UDI) are responsible for providing access to information and individual guidance. 4

5 Vulnerable groups individual needs Minors, unaccompanied minors, Disabled people, elderly people Pregnant women or single parents with minor children Persons who have been subjected to torture, rape or other serious forms of psychological, physical or sexual violence Victims of human trafficing LGBTI 5

6 The importance of early identification of vulnerable individuals in the asylum process Access to medical or psychosocial help and/or adequate facilitation in reception centres Facilitated asylum interview Vulnerablities assosiated with the protection needs are informed in the asylum case Credibility

7 The system in place.. Health examination upon arrival primarily for detection of tuberculousis (compulsory) «When detected, special needs are being handled» Reccommended health examination within three months In principle: right to health services on par with other inhabitants in a municipality 7

8 NOAS observations: shortcomings Identification of vulnerable individuals is random Particular weakness when arrivals are high in numbers Unclear responsabilities for ensuring access to health services No clear routines or lines of communication of vulnerabilities relevant to the consideration of the asylum case Health problems and other vulnerabilites assosiated with the asylum case undetected and/or undocumented 8

9 NOAS observations: results Vulnerable individuals not identified are not given proper care/consideration Special needs in reception centres and in asylum interview not fulfilled Health problems worsened, vulnerabilities excaserbatet Vulnerabilities not considered in the asylum case, or given less weight (because undetected or undocumented) Credibility issues Risk of wrongful rejection The feeling of not being heard Difficulties in accepting the decision 9

10 Vulnerable groups undetected in 2015/16 Minors, unaccompanied minors Disabled people, elderly people Pregnant women or single parents with minor children Persons who have been subjected to torture, rape or other serious forms of psychological, physical or sexual violence LGBTI 10

11 Recommendations: Establish a mechanism for the systematic identification of vulnerable indivdiuals and special needs of asylum seekers upon arrival Compulsory for municipalities to offer health examination within three months Establish clear routines and communication lines for information on vulnerabilities to the relevant authorities Specify requirements competence of reception centre staff and health personnel in the municipalities Allocating resources for training and information work regarding special needs of asylum seekers and refugees Consider special needs of vulnerable indviduals upon rejection of asylum application and return 11

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