The focus for the event will be on how legal systems around the world have responded to the challenges brought about by COVID-19 for the asylum system with a particular emphasis on the impact on housing those claiming asylum and on the vulnerability of those whose claims have been rejected but who nevertheless may still be in need of protection.

The event which is to be co-ordinated from the UNHCR headquarters in Geneva and which will be delivered remotely takes place on 13 July.

Scott Blair of Terra Firma Chambers and solicitor Jen Ang of JustRightScotland will present a session on how Scots law has responded to the crisis.

Both Mr Blair and Ms Ang have been involved over the last year in litigation on the housing needs of asylum seekers and the last few months has seen them, in conjunction with a broad coalition of housing and asylum lawyers as well as organisations such as the British Red Cross and Scottish Refugee Council, engaged in advice and litigation around what many regard as a housing crisis in Glasgow.

Mr Blair said: “I was humbled to be asked to speak at this event. Sadly, members will be all too aware of recent number of tragic events in Glasgow in involving this community. Whatever the underlying causes, they are a reminder of the existence of a group of our fellow human beings who often have to face incredible challenges in accessing housing and the basic items needed to survive and which thankfully many of us cannot even begin to comprehend and where the existence of the pandemic brings additional stresses to people who are already struggling.

“Jen and myself, as part of a wider group of concerned lawyers, have been focussing on the use of the Human Rights Act and equality legislation in Scotland as a way of bringing a degree of relief for some of these people. I very much look forward to providing an overview of the current situation in Scotland and how our legal system has been able to respond. Historically, Scots lawyers have of course been very much open to absorbing ideas from other traditions and I also look forward to learning from lawyers around the world on how very different systems have responded.”

Jen Ang

Ms Ang said: “At JustRight Scotland, we are proud to have played a role over the past two years in bringing together a coalition of lawyers, charities and activists to tackle a pressing social justice issue in Glasgow – the destitution and homelessness built into the UK asylum system and the poor standards of housing for asylum seekers who live in Scotland.

“We believe that bringing lawyers together with non-lawyers to identify and explore these issues has benefitted us all – by increasing understanding of the law and use of the law by charities and activists, and also by challenging lawyers to bring fresh thinking to the pressing issues raised by charities working on the frontline. These issues have become even more pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am delighted, therefore, to be attending the UNHRC Strategic Litigation Roundtable, to share our positive experience coalition work in Scotland, as well as the opportunity to hear more about litigation strategies for protecting the rights of refugees throughout the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe.”

Register for the event here