Credibility Assessment of Religion-based Asylum Claims from a Comparative Perspective

Abstract

This article examines the challenges of credibility assessment in religion based asylum claims, focusing on the Italian system and offering a comparative overview of selected European jurisdictions. It analyses the application of key criteria – internal and external consistency, plausibility, and the authenticity of sur place conversions – highlighting divergences in interpretation and procedural safeguards across Member States. The paper also explores the crucial role of interpreters in safeguarding the fairness of proceedings. It argues for further harmonisation and effective implementation of EU and UNHCR guidelines to secure the fundamental rights enshrined in EU law and the ECHR, particularly given the personal and often unverifiable nature of religious belief.