Conducting nationally-recognised community work: ARU's Centre for Access to Justice and Inclusion (CAJI)
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Dr Imranali Panjwani, Senior Lecturer in Law at ARU, has won the prestigious GG2 Spirit in the Community award for his work on access to justice for asylum seekers and vulnerable groups.
ARU's Centre for Access to Justice and Inclusion (CAJI) is dedicated to promoting access to justice and fostering inclusive communities through research, dialogue, and policy initiatives. One of its researchers, Dr Imranali Panjwani, has made significant contributions in this field.
From 2022 to 2024, Dr Panjwani conducted research that highlighted the unique challenges faced by asylum seekers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. His findings revealed that UK immigration tribunals often misunderstand the cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds of these individuals, leading to significant barriers in accessing justice.
Dr Panjwani advocated for a broader and more nuanced approach to evaluating evidence in immigration cases, which has led to significant improvements in the asylum process.
In addition to his work on asylum seekers, Dr Panjwani has collaborated with Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford to develop a model of spiritual care for patients receiving end-of-life care. His research identified the need for a practical framework to address the specific religious, cultural, and spiritual needs of patients, including those of the Muslim community.
Impact and benefits
- Dr Panjwani's research has enabled the UK asylum system to better assess primary source evidence, resulting in 91 asylum seekers from MENA, India, and Southeast Asia being granted asylum in the UK.
- His work has also been instrumental in shaping policies that ensure fairer treatment of asylum seekers.
- Dr Panjwani trained 70 nurses in the East of England Palliative Care Network, equipping them with the tools to understand and address the diverse needs of patients.
- He additionally created a factsheet for Farleigh Hospice to assist Muslim patients with their rituals, scripture recitation, and connections with local mosques.
ARU's commitment to creating safe and inclusive communities was recognised at the 26th GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards on 4 March 2025. The event, attended by over 700 guests, celebrated the contributions of the British Asian community. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner praised the community as "some of our greatest Britons."
Testimonials
"Dr Panjwani's critical analysis on honour-killings strengthened our case."
Solicitor, 22 October 2024"We benefited from Dr Panjwani's knowledge on the matter and his explanation of the Arabic term al-‘aqd al-nikah (a marital contract)."
Solicitor, 8 July 2024"Imranali has been instrumental, innovative, and progressive in helping us challenge barriers to hospice care for our Islamic community in Mid Essex."
Medical Director, 28 March 2024"So many people have commented on your sessions and how they were inspired. Thank you for the insights you shared and for the handout."
Nurse, 15 September 2023See also
- CAJI members
- 'New academic articles on gendered harms of hostile environment immigration policy and on importance of primary evidence in asylum claims', Electronic Immigration Network, 22 January 2024.
- 'The Essex Faith Covenant', Farleigh Hospice news, 4 December 2023.
- 'Faith leaders join Farleigh Hospice to discuss end of life care', Farleigh Hospice news, 21 September 2023.
- Safe and Inclusive Communities research theme