UN rejects Suella Braverman's comments regarding asylum seekers

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has faced criticism after stating that the international asylum system is no longer effective. In a speech, she argued that being gay or a woman should not be sufficient grounds for refugee protection. However, the United Nations' refugee agency (UNHCR) rejected her calls for stricter regulations, stating that the 1951 Refugee Convention is a crucial life-saving tool. The agency emphasized the importance of offering safety and protection to individuals facing persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Various charities also condemned Braverman's comments, describing them as a direct attack on gender equality and human rights. The Refugee Convention was established after World War Two to prevent refugees from being sent back to dangerous situations. While Braverman's proposed reforms are unlikely to gain widespread support, her remarks underscore the government's tough stance on migration and efforts to curb Channel crossings. Critics argue that her statements scapegoat marginalized groups, while some within her own party see merit in reconsidering how international agreements on asylum function in the present day. Braverman also criticized multiculturalism, claiming it allows newcomers to live separate lives that could undermine societal stability and security. Her speech in Washington DC may be seen as an attempt to bolster her leadership ambitions. In 2022, there were 1,334 asylum applications in the UK based on sexual orientation, accounting for 1.5% of total claims. The main countries of origin were Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria, where consensual same-sex relationships are illegal and severely punished. However, it is unclear if sexual orientation was the sole basis of these asylum applications or if it influenced their outcomes.