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<p>We are currently carefully considering the report and its recommendations. The
report acknowledges the progress made by the Home Office with regards to guidance
and training provided to its staff but highlighted the Group’s view that there were
some discrepancies between the Home Office policy and practice.</p><p>The Home Office
carefully considers all asylum claims on their individual merits and grants protection
for those who genuinely need it, in accordance with our international obligations
under the Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In
every asylum case the particular circumstances of the individual are considered in
light of published country information, which includes issues relating specifically
to religious freedoms.</p><p>Published guidance on the interviewing and consideration
of religious claims is regularly reviewed and takes into consideration the views of
religious groups and other stakeholders.</p><p>All asylum decision makers are currently
receiving credibility training. This course trains decision makers on how to assess
the evidential value of their interview questions (including when assessing religious
based claims and religious conversion), the various reasons why someone may not come
across as credible in an asylum interview and discusses issues such as speculation
and implausibility. The 5-week Foundation Training Programme (FTP) for new decision
makers trains staff on all aspects of the asylum decision making process, including
religious based claims and religious conversion has been endorsed by the UNHCR.</p>
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