Resources
Release of Russian version of Refworld
UNHCR has announced the release of a Russian version of its Refworld database, bringing the database to a whole new user group. It currently contains some 4,500 Russian documents with country of origin information, legal and policy information, from some 60 publishers with more documents to be added on an ongoing basis.
New manual for individuals who fear domestic violence in their country of origin
The Center for Gender and Refugee Studies of the University of California, Hastings College of the Law has published a pro se manual for women who have fled domestic violence in their home countries and are seeking protection in the United States. This manual aims to help individuals who do not have an attorney and may be used in removal proceedings as a defense to deportation in immigration court, or by those who wish to affirmatively apply for asylum at the Asylum Office, bringing themselves to the attention of U.S. immigration authorities.
New publication offers states guidance on statelessness mechanisms
The European Network on Statelessness has published a guide entitled: Statelessness Determination and the Protection Status of Stateless Persons: a Summary Guide of Good Practices and Factors to Consider when Designing National Determination and Protection Mechanisms. The guide is intended to provide practical support to states considering the establishment of national stateless determination and protection mechanisms, as well as to those who wish to improve their existing system.
New UNHCR guidelines on claims related to military service
These new Guidelines on International Protection No. 10: Claims to Refugee Status related to Military Service within the context of Article 1A (2) of the 1951 Convention and/or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees examine the position of individuals who seek international protection to avoid recruitment by, and service in, State armed forces, as well as forced recruitment by non-state armed groups.
Map details distribution of Syrian refugees and camps
A new map released on 15 December 2013 by UNHCR provides up-to-date information on the size and distribution of Syrian refugee settlements and flows in the region surrounding Syria.
Latest issue of Refugee Survey Quarterly is online
December’s issue of Refugee Survey Quarterly (vol. 32, no. 4) includes articles dealing with new innovative pathways for Australia’s asylum policy, coping strategies in Kakuma refugee camp and sexual violence in Dadaab camp.
December’s Migrasyl Newsletter is now available
The quarterly Migrasyl Newsletter is published by the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) and features a number of thematic highlights reflecting major regional trends, as well as an interactive map where readers can access articles, reports, and civil society updates by country of focus. December’s issue includes a focus on Syrian refugees and on EU border agreements with Turkey.
WatchTheMed monitors migrants’ rights at the maritime borders of the EU
WatchTheMed is an online mapping platform to monitor the deaths and violations of migrants’ rights at the maritime borders of the EU. The WatchTheMed project was initiated as part of the 2012 Boats4People campaign in the Central Mediterranean. Today the project further involves a wide network of organisations, activists and researchers.
Guidance Note: Egypt
The UK Home Office has updated its operational guidance note on Egypt. The publication is intended for use by Home Office caseworkers when assessing asylum claims from residents or nationals of Egypt.
Guidance Note: Nigeria
The UK Home Office has updated its operational guidance note on Nigeria as of December 2013. It is intended to be used by Home Office caseworkers when assessing asylum claims from residents or nationals of Nigeria. A commentary on this guidance note by Still Human Still Here can be found here and in the Publications section, above.