asked Her Majesty's Government:
What assessment they have made of the evidence collected by Waging Peace that suggests that some Darfuri asylum seekers who were interviewed in the redocumentation interviews in March and April 2007 had an active asylum claim at that time. [HL5863]
I can confirm that all Darfuri asylum applicants interviewed for the purposes of redocumentation between March and April 2007 had received an initial adverse decision to their asylum application.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What constitutes a safe and secure environment for a redocumentation interview for asylum seekers, as mentioned in the letter of the chief executive of the UK Border Agency, Lin Homer, to Waging Peace on 26 September; and how they monitor the provision of such an environment. [HL5864]
When an applicant is interviewed by a representative from an embassy or high commission, the United Kingdom Border Agency will endeavour to ensure that interviews are conducted in a private and secure location. Whenever possible interviews are conducted in the presence of a United Kingdom Border Agency official and, when required, an independent interpreter.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What information was passed to the Sudanese official present in the redocumentation interviews of Darfuri asylum seekers in March and April 2007. [HL5865]
Disclosure of information during the period between March and April 2007 was limited to that necessary for the redocumentation process. This might include the transfer of basic information about the applicant’s identity as well as fingerprints, photographs and any other documentary evidence that supports identity and nationality.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What record was made of any disclaimers signed by Darfuri asylum seekers who were interviewed in the redocumentation interviews in March and April 2007, saying they agreed to be interviewed by the Sudanese official. [HL5866]
No disclaimers were signed by Sudanese nationals taking part in the redocumentation interviews between March and April 2007. The applicants did, however, sign forms that contained the bio-data details necessary for their redocumentation.