PAGE 9 © Justice Centre Hong Kong In many contexts, the chance an asylum-seeker has of securing legal recognition of their refugee status is often linked to whether or not they have access to legal assistance. In the instances where advice and representation were provided by those that joined the Pledge, asylum-seekers were more likely to be granted legal status and to access corresponding rights. As some of the pledgers shared: Hong Kong: "In 2020, among all the asylum appellants represented by our law firm partners through our pro bono partnerships model for whom a decision was issued, 100% were successful in their application. This is in contrast to the 0.8% success rate experienced by the general population at the asylum appeal stage.” Justice Centre Hong Kong Greece: “Overall, those we have assisted received international protection in 74.5% of cases, compared to a Greek national average of 46.5%.” European Lawyers in Lesvos France: “We set up an asylum clinic in France focused on providing asylum-seekers with representation during their interview at the first instance level. This representation is key since asylum seekers do not have access to legal aid before the appellate level. While asylum seekers can represent themselves during these proceedings, their chances of being awarded refugee status improve with attorney assistance.” DLA Piper