WNC07/1/10

Migartion & Asylum Sub Group:

Lin Homer (Director of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate-HO) came to the Migration and Asylum SubGroup meeting on 12 December. The meeting was chaired by Debora Singer (Asylumaid) in Mandana's absence and the issue of trafficked women, the Home Office Gender Guidance and no recourse to public funds for asylum seeking women was discussed. Lin Homer highlighted the measures put in place by IND to tackle these issues. The group agreed to follow up these discussions with a letter to Lin Homer.

Women's Human Rights E-Network:

The group receives regular e-updates. Planning for CSW 51 is well under way. WEU in conjunction with the WNC are hosting a pre-CSW meeting on 09 Feb at DTI Conference Centre for NGOs. The aim of the meeting will be to listen to NGO views on the 51st session of CSW and discuss the practical arrangements for the two weeks in New York. Both Sue and Janet will be representing the WNC as past of the UK Government Delegation. They'll be attending from 24 Feb - 03 March 2007. The theme for this year is:

(i)The Elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child;

(ii) Review of the agreed conclusions on the role of men and boys in achieving gender equality