1. UNHCR RSD Process

2. Agenda: (1 hr.) Introductions/Icebreakers (10 min.) UNHCR RSD Process (50 min.) –Step 1: Pre-Registration Interview –Step 2: Full Registration Interview Writing Your Statement –Activity: Participant Worksheet (20-30 min.) –Step 3: First Instance (RSD) Interview –Step 4a: Status Granted –Step 4b: Status Not Granted

3. Objectives: All participants will know the four steps involved in applying for refugee status at the UNHCR All participants will know how to format and write their personal statements

4. Step 1: Pre-Registration Interview This should be your first contact with UNHCR and it should be made as soon as you enter the country of refuge You will receive an Asylum Seeker certificate You will hear back from the UNHCR in approximately one to two months

6. Step 2: Full-Registration Interview At this interview, you will need to submit your statement and supporting documents Your statement is important and is necessary for the UNHCR in determining whether you meet the criteria for being a refugee under the 1951 Refugee Convention You will hear back from UNHCR in approximately four to five months

7. Writing Your Statement: Include complete and truthful information about: o ALL the things that happened to you to make you leave your country o WHY those things happened to you and WHO did them o HOW you left your country o WHY you can't go back and WHAT you think will happen if you do Explain things in the order that they happened Include as much detail as possible o Dates and Times o Places o People o Duration

8. Writing Your Statement (cont.): Your statement should be in your own words and must NOT be exaggerated If you are able, you should write your own statement Don't let others influence you into including anything that is false in your statement Keep your statement less than 10 pages DON'T MAKE THINGS UP It's okay to say things like "I believe..." or "I think that..." but explain why you are not sure Make sure that your statement is consistent

9. What to Include in Your Statement: Section 1: UNHCR address and personal information Section 2: Background information Section 3: What Happened to Make You Leave Your Country? Section 4: Why Did You Have to Leave Your Country and How Did You Leave? Section 5: Why Can't You Go Back to Your Country? Section 6: Conditions in This Country Section 7: Documents Section 8: Signature

10. Step 3: First Instance Interview This is the Refugee Status Determination interview This, along with your statement/documents, is what the UNHCR officer will take into account when deciding whether or not you are a refugee You will hear back from the UNHCR in approximately three months, longer if your statement needs to be translated into English

11. Step 4a: Recognized As a Refugee Mandate refugee (1951 Convention definition)

12. Step 4b: Rejected You MUST appeal within 30 days of receiving your rejection o If you do NOT appeal within 30 days, the file will be completely closed six weeks after the RSD decision  You can petition to re-open your case but this is only permitted in very limited circumstances