Background information
The applicant has the right to communicate with UNHCR at all stages of the asylum procedure, including if the applicant is in detention or in airport or port transit zones (174). Almost every country is covered by UNHCR representation and there will usually be a UNHCR website covering your particular country, providing contact details and information regarding UNHCR’s persons of concern.
(174) Article 29 APD (recast) ‘The role of UNHCR’ and Article 12(c) APD (recast) ‘Guarantees for applicants’.
Explain these messages to the applicant during the first contact (making) and registration/lodging:
- UNHCR is the United Nations agency mandated to protect asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons and stateless persons worldwide;
- the right to communicate with UNHCR and to seek legal counselling or advice from UNHCR (and the organisations working on its behalf) at any stage of the asylum procedure.
Practical tip: explaining what UNHCR is, what it does and how to access UNHCR
The role of UNHCR might be unclear for the applicant and they might not understand to what extent UNHCR is relevant for their situation and what to expect or not expect. For this reason, explain the position of UNHCR, what kind of support UNHCR can provide, for example, legal advice about the applicant’s case and the procedures, preparation of the applicant for an interview and assistance with the preparation of official documents.
To facilitate the opportunity to communicate with UNHCR, provide information how to access UNHCR, including contact details.