the latter was not given a sufficient level of independence to carry out a meaningful monitoring function of anti-corruption policies. The Government has indicated its intention to adopt a new anti-corruption strategy for 2014. Eradicating corruption is also inextricably linked to improving the functioning of other institutions. This includes amendments to the legal framework governing the powers and work of the Prosecutor’s Office, public procurement procedures and reforming the public administration and civil service. In all these areas, no progress has been made during the reporting period. Asylum 93. On 30 May 2014, the amendments to the Refugee Law of Ukraine, which brought the complementary protection and temporary protection definitions in line with international and European standards, came into force. The definition of complementary protection now includes persons fleeing armed conflict and other serious human rights violations85. Also, in May 2014, asylum seekers were granted access to emergency medical care. Another recent development is the beginning of practical implementation of the age assessment procedure for unaccompanied children seeking asylum which was adopted by the State migration service in 2013. The first age assessment committee was convened in June 2014 in the Kyiv region. 94. However, numerous gaps remain in the current refugee law particularly affecting the quality of due process in the asylum procedure and the reception conditions for asylumseekers. Asylum-seekers frequently have to find and pay for their own interpreters; if their applications are rejected, they are not provided the reasons for rejection, yet have only five days to file an appeal; asylum-seekers are frequently left undocumented because of gaps in the asylum procedure. Without documentation, asylum-seekers cannot exercise their right to temporary employment. Since reception conditions are generally poor (few spaces available in Temporary Accommodation Centres, no social assistance available outside these centres), many are compelled to work informally in order to meet their basic needs. This places them at risk of exploitation, and given the general economic downturn in the country, their livelihoods are extremely precarious. 95. The quality of decision-making on asylum applications remains a concern, as many persons with genuine international protection needs continue to be rejected and at risk of refoulement. For example, in 2013, 46% of Syrian asylum applicants received refugee status or complementary protection. 96. State funding for asylum matters is inadequate. Low staffing levels and high turnover at some migration service offices means that staff is frequently unavailable to perform regular tasks, such as receiving asylum applications or renewing documents. For example, in early May, one asylum-seeker had to approach the migration service on five different days in order to file an application. This gap means that asylum-seekers are often undocumented and at risk of detention. The state does not provide language classes, so asylum-seekers struggle to adapt. Recognized refugees receive a one-time grant of only 17 UAH (less than $2), which is clearly insufficient. IV. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS 85 On Amending Article 1 of the Law of Ukraine “On refugees and persons that require additional or temporary protection”, available at http://zakon1.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1251-18 150 | P a g e