Recommendation 18

The introduction of a split and raised standard of proof for establishing a well- founded fear of persecution runs contrary to well-established interpretation of the Refugee Convention and creates unnecessary additional complexity in asylum decision-making. In light of the difficulties that genuine asylum seekers already face proving their claims, it would increase the risk of individuals being wrongly refused asylum and removed to face violations of fundamental human rights. It is important that a legitimate desire to ensure that refugee status is not given to individuals who do not meet the definition of refugee does not support a ‘culture of disbelief’ that puts genuine refugees at risk.