London: September 8, 2016. (PCP) The current pathways for Pakistani Christian Asylum Seekers do not work. They are paths where people are often exploited by criminals and lead mostly to further suffering. The current pathways flood countries who are not equipped to manage large numbers of asylum seekers. These countries are often tolerant of small numbers of asylum seekers at first, as numbers increase they become more hostile until eventually they are actively arresting Asylum Seekers. This has prompted the BPCA to ask “Where in the world is it safe for Christian Asylum Seekers?” Recently the BPCA has been joined by a team of volunteer researchers from Australia who are exploring the question “Where in the world is it safe for Christian Asylum Seekers to go?”.Angus Skeoch leads a volunteer team consisting of Christina Skeoch, James Carlos, Karissa De Leon. He said: “The research proposal being developed aims to develop a long term strategy for Christian asylum seekers, a strategy that provides sanctuary from persecution whilst asylum seekers undertake the refugee application process.” During August for 14 days BPCA Chairman Mr Chowdhry has had the privilege of visiting a total of 8 churches, meeting with a total of 16 Pastors and over 400 hundred asylum seekers in Thailand and Malaysia. During these visits many asylum seekers responded to the long term strategic Sanctuary question, with careful consideration and prayerful reflection. We asked where such a place would be outside their homeland and they all unanimously stated in the Christian west, which they felt were the only countries where their religious belief and practices would be tolerated, and where the existing culture would enable them to assimilate without causing conflict. Most persecuted asylum seekers in Thailand and Malaysia appear to be well educated and to have an excess of professional experience. Many expressed that despite their suitability for asylum in the west and clear employability, that their plight was being ignored by western nations. When asked for their perceptions of why western nations might not be open Christian refugees responses included: the inability of Christians to enter shared faith UNHCR camps due to threats, bullying and intimidation (several asylum seekers spoke of attempts to enter camps in other nations). They spoke of attempts by the west to appease Muslims based on an historical guilt founded on atrocities enacted during medieval crusades and fear of being labelled Islamophobic. Victims also described financial paucity and an inability to obtain visa travel to western nations due to a passport that provides limited destination options and restrictive protocols for applications. Cumulatively, they believed that this had created a huge disparity in asylum rates between Christians and Muslims. This disenfranchisement felt to them like a deep betrayal of the UN Conventions for Human Rights and Asylum, especially from Christian brothers and sisters, who they felt were not clamouring for justice for them. The BPCA support the development of a proposal to supportive politicians calling for a sanctuary for Christian Refugees. This proposal will be co-developed with expert partners and will utilise video based narratives and questions from asylum seekers. Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association, said: “Whilst many potential solutions were discussed the BPCA is passionate about long term solutions. God’s love flows through his Christian people into the world we want to empower the persecuted in Pakistan and bring about peaceful change. For those who must flee, the path of asylum seeking must be functional. We will work with partners and other asylum groups to call for a Sanctuary for our Christian Asylum seeker brothers and sisters.“ Angus Skeoch has the role of Senior Principal Research Fellow (Development and Innovation) at Charles Darwin University’s, Northern Institute. Whilst his work here is currently volunteer and personal the contacts made on this trip supporting BPCA’s advocacy work will ensure strong foundations for effective long term solutions and rigorous formal research.