Asylum Access

Asylum Access believes all refugees deserve a fair chance at a new life. All over the world, we challenge barriers that keep refugees from living safely, moving freely, working and attending school – because when refugees can rebuild their lives, nations thrive.

We believe that when refugees enjoy their human rights, they can access effective, lasting solutions.

We focus on the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America because most of the world’s refugees remain in these regions.

Asylum Access empowers refugees to become their own champions. By giving refugees the tools to advocate for themselves, and by encouraging host governments to expand refugees’ rights and opportunities, Asylum Access works toward a world where all refugees, everywhere, can rebuild their lives.

Asylum Access makes human rights a reality for refugees using three core strategies: Legal empowerment, policy reform and global systems change. Together, these strategies improve refugees’ lives today and build a better world for refugees tomorrow.

We are a team of committed and accomplished legal advocates and community empowerment experts who have helped millions of refugees find safety and rebuild their lives. Our international operations are all locally registered and locally led, and are staffed with members from the affected communities. This ensures we are able to reach as many refugees as possible, and we are able to focus on the specific needs of the refugee community.

We've reached thousands of refugees with direct legal aid or community empowerment programs, and have helped changed policies that effect over 2 million refugees.

For example, Asylum Access sustained advocacy has helped lead to the following policy changes:

New Refugee Legal System in Thailand (2019/2020)
Through our sustained engagement with the Thai government, Thailand is expected to finalize its new refugee legal status system. For the first time, thousands of refugees currently considered undocumented migrants will have legal status in Thailand.

Ending Child Detention in Thailand (2019)
Through our sustained advocacy, including engagement with the government, use of the UN Universal Periodic Review process, strategic litigation, and coalition building, the Thai government officially agreed to end the detention of refugee children in January 2019.

Ecuador Enshrines Refugee Work Rights in its National Constitution (2008)
Asylum Access brought a group of refugees to speak with legislators drafting Ecuador’s 2008 Constitution, sharing the importance of access to work. Ecuador’s constitution now includes equal work rights for refugees and nationals, enabling equitable labor market access.

Malaysian Government Rescues 7,000 Rohingya Refugees Stranded at Sea (2014)
Asylum Access Malaysia met with MPs and urged Malaysian parliament to allow abandoned boats carrying Rohingya refugees to dock on Malaysian soil. If they had not been allowed to dock, the 7,000 refugees would have perished at sea.

Constitutional Court in Guatemala Blocks “Safe Third Country” Agreement with US (2019)
The Constitutional Court in Guatemala cited a document submitted by Asylum Access Mexico in its decision to block the ‘safe third country’ agreement with the US without prior congressional approval. Asylum Access and several partner human rights NGOs submitted a technical note stating that Guatemala does not have the capacity to ensure that refugees can obtain sufficient protection in Guatemala.