Ferreira, ‘Portuguese report for the project “Fleeing Homophobia, Seeking Safety in Europe”‘, 2011

Nuno Ferreira, ‘Portuguese report for the project “Fleeing Homophobia, Seeking Safety in Europe: Best Practices on the (Legal) Position of LGBT Asylum Seekers in the EU Member States”‘, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2011

Introduction

Each year, thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people apply for asylum in the European Union. Although the EU Qualification Directive recognises that they might qualify for international protection (Article 10(1)(d)), it does not address the particular difficulties they are confronted with. As a result of this considerable differences exist in the ways in which applications of LGBTI asylum seekers are dealt with in the various EU Member States. Yet, data with respect to these issues are very scarce. Through this research project we hope to fill this data gap.

Your answers to this questionnaire (= the country reports) will supply the empirical data for the comprehensive, normative analysis we will draft. We will also make an inventory of statistical data, although our initial research shows that these are hardly available.

The data provided by the country reports will enable us to identify best practices regarding qualification for international protection and asylum procedures. We will draft a policy document, translating the best practices into policy recommendations for the EU and its Member States. We hope this will contribute to the development of a common European approach to address the specific needs of LGBTI asylum seekers and to a European practice of adequate protection for LGBTI asylum seekers.