About the project

The stories are based on interviews conducted during spring 2006 by refugee-assisting organisations in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the UK.

The project partners interviewed 120 asylum seekers, recognised refugees and refused applicants identified from among their own client groups or through contacts with refugee community organisations. The people who took part in the project did so voluntarily and in confidence. They signed consent forms and were assured that their stories would be presented anonymously and would have no bearing on their asylum case or current status. Very few of those interviewed were willing to speak publicly about their experiences or talk directly to the media, but many had strong opinions about the asylum system they had encountered.

Many different emotions were expressed, from distress at recalling traumatic experiences, to anger, frustration, disbelief at their treatment as asylum seekers to relief, contentment and gratitude towards their new societies. Each person has told his or her story in their own way – beginning in a different place – with their flight, arrival, or current situation. Some chose to tell their story chronologically, others focused on one defining moment or experience, especially those who had been detained. A number of people thanked the person interviewing them for hearing and listening to their story.

In editing the original interviews we have endeavoured to remain faithful to the voices of those who are telling their story. We have not tried to corroborate individual accounts with other sources, but have taken each person’s story at face value. We have added contextual details about relevant policy and legislation where we feel it helps to illuminate someone’s experience and with the intention of drawing attention to policy failings.