The UN Convention on Refugees 1951 defines a refugee as someone "Owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion".

As the world continues to be plagued with conflict, the number of asylum seekers applying for refugee status around the globe is increasing. In the first quarter of 2009, 16% more asylum applications were received in the UK compared to 2008 and appeals also increased by 15%.

Are the Home Office and Judiciary dealing with the increase in claims in a fair and humane manner? Does the high number of refusals indicate that the system is, in fact, succeeding in eliminating unfounded claims? This website explores...

Decide whether or not the legal services and the judiciary are still delivering justice and if Post-Traumatic Stress can affect giving evidence.

Vote on whether or not there should be an amnesty for long-term illegal and irregular migrants.

Join the debates raging between lawyers, judges, ex-Home Office employees, doctors, politicians, lobby groups and asylum seeker and refugees themselves (What's the difference?), about the whole system by leaving your comments on the discussion board and survey.