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People fleeing generalised violence

Main problem: Persons fleeing generalized violence and also more targeted forms of violence are not granted protection in Denmark.

Main Reason: The application of the law: To gain protection, Danish practitioners insist that an asylum seeker has to prove "individualized persecution" - that the rifle is deliberately pointed at him/her.

This practice is without basis in International Conventions and the resulting rejections often in conflict with UNHCR recommendations on asylum-seekers' international protection needs.

Consequence: People are left dangling in legal limbo for years, neither granted asylum nor returned due to the situation in their home countries. From tough pasts, these people are now without basic rights and any perspective for the future. Severe mental illnesses and suicide attempts flourish in asylum centres.

Main groups affected: Iraqis, Somalis, Sri Lankan

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