The Spanish ombudswoman presented on July 20 her "Report on asylum in Spain: International protection and host system resources."

The report analyzes the situation of the Spanish asylum system and provides a series of recommendations to improve the reception and integration of asylum seekers in Spain.

The report finds a series of shortcomings in Spain's asylum system. First, it highlights the legislative deficiencies, such as the fact that EU directives 2013/32/EU (on asylum procedures) and 2013/33/EU (on reception conditions) are not implemented under Spanish law, and there is no regulatory development of the Asylum Act.

'Showing deficiencies'

Furthermore, the ombudswoman laments that, since the last reform of the Asylum Act, there is no possibility of applying for asylum or protection in Spanish embassies abroad.

The ombudswoman believes this "could undermine Spain's international commitments of the Geneva Convention" and urges the government to "either restore this option, or, alternatively, regulate the granting of humanitarian visas."

The report also points out that the increase of international protection applications is causing important delays in the processing, and the Asylum and Refugee Agency "is showing deficiencies."

Poor information

Likewise, the information on international protection that is provided to potential applicants is also poor and must improve — it lacks completely a gender approach, and the language is inadequate for people with a low level of education or children.

Finally, the report highlights the need to improve the coordination between different government bodies and ministerial administrations in order to process the applications for international protection and reception of applicants.