Introduction and Overview. What is this Document?

How This Document Can be Used to Advance A Gender-Sensitive Asylum Policy in Europe

Conclusions

General Recommendations

Following the entry into force of the Amsterdam Treaty and the adoption of the Conclusions of the Tampere Summit, the European Union institutions are expected to develop a number of asylum instruments which, when read together, should serve as the core of a common asylum system. It is hoped that the points contained in the Thematic Recommendations can be included in the relevant asylum instruments. These instruments will then need to be incorporated into the laws of and implemented in practice by individual Member States. Thus, as a result of the "communitarisation" of asylum policy in Europe, the gender issue can be mainstreamed into national policies and practices.

Simultaneously, States should be encouraged to adopt policies and practices which address the special needs of women refugees and asylum-seekers. Changes are needed throughout the asylum process - from the reception of women asylum-seekers, during the asylum procedure, through the identification of an appropriate durable solution — in European States.

The organisations listed below are hopeful that the enclosed Conclusions and Recommendations, which are now available in four languages, will contribute to the preparations by European Governments, international organisations and non governmental organisation for the June 2000 review conference on the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action adopted at the 1995 United Nations Fourth World Conference. The organisations also hope that the Conclusions and Recommendations will assist non governmental organisations and others in their advocacy/lobbying work oriented toward ensuring the adoption of policies, positions and guidelines by the European Union and by European governments which fully respect the rights of women asylum seekers and refugees.

• Dutch Council of women in Belgium (NVR)

• Netherlands Humanist Committee on Human Rights (HOM)

• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

• European Women’s Lobby (EWL)

With the financial support of the Heinrich Boell Foundation.