Researchers investigate sexual orientation and gender identity asylum claims

A University of Liverpool law academic will produce the first ever comprehensive analysis of refugees seeking asylum across Europe on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Dr Nuno Ferreira , from Liverpool Law School , has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant totalling €1million to carry out the project over four years. Dr Ferreira said: "Every year, thousands of individuals claim asylum in Europe based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. "Existing studies indicate that these claims are often treated unfairly, based on inappropriate legal, cultural and social stereotypes. It is a situation made worse by the insufficient harmonisation of high standards across Europe. "There have been limited attempts of excellent academic quality to address this issue and this research will look to overcome this gap." "Existing studies indicate that these claims are often treated unfairly, based on inappropriate legal, cultural and social stereotypes. It is a situation made worse by the insufficient harmonisation of high standards across Europe” The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Claims of Asylum (SOGICA) project will produce the first ever theoretically and empirically-grounded comparative study of the legal experiences of asylum-seekers across Europe, who are claiming international protection on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.