Congress has approved the new Ley de Asilo (Asylum Law) which provides more guarantees and protection for women, children, disabled and homosexuals. It does not, however, cover EU citizens.
The new Ley de Asilo regulates the right of asylum and subsidiary protection, restores the possibility of seeking asylum in embassies and consulates and ensures that the UNHCR are present at all stages of the process. It does not, however, apply to EU citizens, something that has caused some debate.
The new law will also shorten the period of time involved in granting asylum and will guarantee confidentiality. The law now incorporates gender and sexual orientation as grounds for asylum applications.