The length of time is okay, but the question about whether or not you're giving the individual refugee a chance to tell their own story is a separate issue. It kind of defeats the purpose. So let's say rather than eight days without counsel, you could have 28 days and you have a right to counsel. Essentially what you have is a mini hearing. Practically speaking, if the counsel is going to be there and the person is going to maintain the right to make their case, which is a fundamental human right, then what's the difference between that 28-day mini hearing to set up the claim and then the hearing that happens 60, 120, or 180 days later for the decision? It seems unnecessary duplication.
On May 11th, 2010. See this statement in context.