Which aspect must be considered when assessing external consistency?

When assessing external consistency, the most crucial aspect to consider is external evidence that supports or contradicts the testimony. This involves evaluating information from sources outside the applicant's personal narrative to determine whether it aligns with their claims. For instance, if an applicant states they experienced a specific event, corroborating evidence—such as news reports, affidavits from witnesses, or country condition reports—can significantly strengthen the credibility of their account. Conversely, if external evidence contradicts the applicant's testimony, it may raise questions about the reliability of their claims.

Considering external evidence provides an essential layer of verification. While factors like the number of previous applications or the applicant's demographic data can provide context, they do not directly assess the truthfulness or reliability of the individual claims. The language used by the applicant may offer insights into their communication skills or cultural background, but it does not necessarily relate to the consistency of their experiences with external information. Therefore, focusing on external evidence is key to accurately determining the veracity of the applicant's account in the context of asylum claims.