Religion is a core Refugee Convention ground. Article 9 of the Qualification Directive (as implemented in UK law) defines acts of persecution for reasons of religion, including interference with religious practice, conversion, apostasy, and imputed religious identity.
Religious persecution claims frequently involve minority religions, conversion from one faith to another, apostasy accusations, and blasphemy charges. Persecution experts assess the authenticity of conversion from a country conditions perspective (not theological judgment), the risk to converts and minority believers in the specific country, and whether the appellant's religious identity is likely to be known or discovered on return.
Blasphemy accusations require analysis of the specific accusation, the legal framework, whether acquittal provides genuine protection, and the risk from non-state actors such as mob violence and vigilante groups irrespective of any court outcome. Expert reports address state enforcement, societal discrimination, and protection failures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does religious conversion create an asylum ground?
Yes. Genuine religious conversion that would place the appellant at risk in their country of origin can ground an asylum claim. Persecution experts assess the authenticity of conversion from a country conditions perspective, not theological judgment, the risk to converts in the specific country, and whether the appellant's conversion is likely to be known to or discovered by persecutors on return.
How are blasphemy accusations assessed in persecution claims?
Blasphemy accusations, particularly from Pakistan, Iran, and other countries with blasphemy laws, require analysis of the specific accusation, the legal framework, whether acquittal provides genuine protection, and the risk from non-state actors such as mob violence and vigilante groups irrespective of any court outcome. Persecution experts provide country-specific and accusation-specific analysis.