UK Issues New Conduct Guide for Asylum Seekers on Consent and Respect
The Home Office booklet explains British laws on gender equality, domestic abuse, sexual consent and public harassment, warning that criminal conduct can affect asylum support and claims.
The UK Home Office has issued a new guide for asylum seekers that sets out expected standards of behaviour on gender equality, sexual consent, domestic abuse and public conduct.
The nine-page booklet, titled "Understanding behaviours and expectations in the UK," is aimed at people arriving in the country while their asylum claims are being considered.
It explains that men and women have equal rights under UK law and that women are free to work, study, travel, make decisions about their lives and choose whether or whom to marry.
The guide states that consent is required for sexual activity in every situation, including within marriage or a relationship.
It says a person who is asleep, intoxicated or unable to respond cannot consent, and warns against using threats, force or pressure for sexual contact.
It also makes clear that sexual activity with anyone under 16 is illegal.
A section on public behaviour tells recipients not to make sexual remarks, even if intended as a compliment, whistle or make kissing sounds at people, follow someone, block their path, make offensive gestures or abuse someone because of their gender, religion or appearance.
The booklet also defines domestic abuse broadly.
It includes physical violence, threats, controlling behaviour, emotional abuse and taking a person's documents.
It tells asylum seekers that they must not control a partner's choices, stop someone from working or studying, or restrict what they wear or where they go.
The Home Office says everyone who comes to the United Kingdom is expected to obey the law.
The guidance warns that criminal conduct may lead to police action, the loss of accommodation or financial support, damage to an asylum claim, or removal from the country where the legal conditions for removal are met.
The publication has prompted political debate.
Critics argue that the need for such guidance reflects a failure to control illegal migration and protect the public.
Others say a clear explanation of British laws, rights and consequences is a practical part of helping new arrivals understand the society in which they are living.
The guide does not state that asylum seekers as a group are more likely to commit crime.
Its purpose is to set out the law and expected behaviour in direct language, while also providing information for people who may themselves be victims of abuse or illegal conduct.
The document will now be distributed alongside related Home Office materials and posters.
Its practical test will be whether the rules are clearly communicated, consistently enforced and matched by effective decisions on asylum claims, integration and removal when people break the law.
The nine-page booklet, titled "Understanding behaviours and expectations in the UK," is aimed at people arriving in the country while their asylum claims are being considered.
It explains that men and women have equal rights under UK law and that women are free to work, study, travel, make decisions about their lives and choose whether or whom to marry.
The guide states that consent is required for sexual activity in every situation, including within marriage or a relationship.
It says a person who is asleep, intoxicated or unable to respond cannot consent, and warns against using threats, force or pressure for sexual contact.
It also makes clear that sexual activity with anyone under 16 is illegal.
A section on public behaviour tells recipients not to make sexual remarks, even if intended as a compliment, whistle or make kissing sounds at people, follow someone, block their path, make offensive gestures or abuse someone because of their gender, religion or appearance.
The booklet also defines domestic abuse broadly.
It includes physical violence, threats, controlling behaviour, emotional abuse and taking a person's documents.
It tells asylum seekers that they must not control a partner's choices, stop someone from working or studying, or restrict what they wear or where they go.
The Home Office says everyone who comes to the United Kingdom is expected to obey the law.
The guidance warns that criminal conduct may lead to police action, the loss of accommodation or financial support, damage to an asylum claim, or removal from the country where the legal conditions for removal are met.
The publication has prompted political debate.
Critics argue that the need for such guidance reflects a failure to control illegal migration and protect the public.
Others say a clear explanation of British laws, rights and consequences is a practical part of helping new arrivals understand the society in which they are living.
The guide does not state that asylum seekers as a group are more likely to commit crime.
Its purpose is to set out the law and expected behaviour in direct language, while also providing information for people who may themselves be victims of abuse or illegal conduct.
The document will now be distributed alongside related Home Office materials and posters.
Its practical test will be whether the rules are clearly communicated, consistently enforced and matched by effective decisions on asylum claims, integration and removal when people break the law.
