Community work ‘may breach rights’

The government’s proposal for some failed asylum seekers to do
community work in order to qualify for housing could breach the
European Convention on Human Rights, peers and MPs have
warned.

They say there is a “significant risk” that refusing or withdrawing
housing to a failed asylum seeker because they refuse to do
community work will be in breach of the convention. Article 3
states that no one should be subjected to inhuman or degrading
treatment.

The community work plan would apply only to those who cannot return
to their country of origin.

However, the proposal for refugees to be eligible for social
housing only in the areas to which they have been dispersed is
unlikely to breach their right to a private and family life if they
are also allowed to apply for housing in areas where they have
family associations.

The findings come in a report from the joint committee on human
rights which also criticises the government for tabling late
amendments to the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants
etc) Bill without adequate warning or a clear explanation of
ministers’ views on the human rights implications.

Peers passed both amendments in the first part of the bill’s
committee stage in the House of Lords last week. Further amendments
were due to be discussed as Community Care went to
press.

– Report from
www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt200304/jtselect/jtrights/130/13002.htm