The UN refugee agency has welcomed aspects of the United Kingdom's proposed changes to its asylum system, while emphasising the importance of fair, efficient protection for those fleeing conflict and persecution.
The UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood formally announced the measures on Monday, aimed at tightening controls on irregular arrivals while maintaining the country's commitment to offering sanctuary.
She told the House of Commons that some families whose asylum claims have failed were not being removed "even when we know their home is perfectly safe."
The proposals include new rules to manage the assessment of asylum claims, provisions for safe and legal resettlement pathways, and mechanisms for the return of individuals found not to require international protection.
'Refugees are not migrants'
Commenting on the announcement, UNHCR 's UK Representative, Vicky Tennant, said: "Refugees are not migrants. They are people fleeing conflict, instability and human rights abuses - circumstances no one would willingly choose.
"Fair, efficient asylum systems are essential to swiftly identify refugees and provide the protection they need."
UNHCR welcomed the UK Government's dual focus on maintaining safety for those in need of protection while strengthening border management.
Ms. Tennant stressed that this approach should be coupled with well-managed migration pathways for those moving for economic reasons and effective mechanisms to return those without valid claims.
