Asylum Procedures Toolkit
The Asylum Procedures Toolkit is UNHCR’s online resource to support the implementation of the Strategic Approach on Strengthening National Asylum Systems. The Toolkit is a compilation of resources dedicated to States and other stakeholders involved in strengthening asylum procedures.
For any query relating to the Toolkit, kindly contact us through: [email protected]
What the Toolkit offers
- Provides practical guidance across five strategic areas of the Strategic Approach to Strengthening National Asylum Systems – legal frameworks, institutional performance, procedural efficiency, workforce capacity, and asylum-seeker participation.
- Supports States in responding to evolving challenges, including mixed movements of migrants and refugees, by offering innovative approaches aligned with UNHCR’s route-based approach.
- Promotes the exchange of good practices, experiences, and lessons learned and contributes to a growing body of knowledge on effective asylum system development.
Resources
Overview of Practices in Relation to Country of Origin Information (COI) and Country Guidance
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), December 2025
This document gives an overview of the different types of COI units and products that serve as resources for decision-makers in national asylum systems to support fair and efficient RSD procedures and to inform policy decisions with respect to groups of applications.
Asylum Capacity Self-Assessment Tool
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), December 2024
The Asylum Capacity Self-Assessment Tool consists of a How-To Guide and a Self-Assessment Questionnaire, linked to an interactive analysis dashboard, that offer step-by-step and hands-on guidance to plan and implement an asylum capacity assessment, analyze the results, and support the planning for capacity development interventions to improve the fairness and efficiency of an asylum system.
Implementing Differentiated Asylum Case Processing Modalities
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), August 2024
The use of differentiated asylum case processing modalities is critical to effectively process asylum applications while maintaining fairness. This document provides an overview of some key terminology, the four steps of selecting an appropriate case processing modality, and the identification and design of tools.
Toolkit for Governments to Strengthen National Asylum Systems Through Digitalization in the Americas
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), June 2023
This Toolkit aims to provide comprehensive, practical, and actionable advice on strengthening and digitalizing national asylum systems, with support from UNHCR. It is available in English (EN) and Spanish (ES), along with the Annexes listed hereafter: (EN) Annexes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Annex 2 and Annex 9, (ES): Annexes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Annex 2 and Annex 9.
Effective Processing of Asylum Applications: Practical Considerations and Practices
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), March 2022
This paper documents relevant options and measures initiated by national asylum authorities – in countries with advanced asylum management practices – to ensure effective processing of asylum applications, while upholding key protection principles and due process standards.
Asylum Capacity Development Learning Package (ACD-LP) – Unit 1 A, B, C
Self-directed course available in English, French and Spanish
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 2022
Designed for personnel working to strengthen asylum systems, the ACD eLearning course focuses on the capacity development methodology and program cycle for supporting improvements while ensuring national ownership and long-term sustainability. Register to the course for free using the link available here or log in here if you’re already registered on the UNHCR’s Workday learning platform.
Country of Origin Information (COI) eLearning
Self-directed course available in English
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 2022
Designed for asylum personnel working on Refugee Status Determination (RSD), the COI eLearning focuses on the role COI plays in RSD and the application of COI quality standards in RSD procedures. Register to the course for free using the link available here or log in here if you’re already registered on the UNHCR’s Workday learning platform.
Interviewing for Protection eLearning Course (IPeLC)
Self-directed course available in English
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 2021
This course focuses on improving the quality and efficiency of information gathering in protection and refugee status determination (RSD) interviews, thereby contributing to enhancing the quality and accuracy of decisions affecting persons seeking protection. Register to the course for free using the link available here or log in here if you’re already registered on the UNHCR’s Workday learning platform.
Introduction to Refugee Status Determination (RSD) eLearning
Self-directed course available in English, French, Russian and Spanish
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 2018
This course offers an understanding of the contextual, procedural and legal framework for RSD, as well as an introduction and exposure to the skills required for RSD. It is designed for personnel with RSD responsibilities but can be utilized by those who do not work in RSD-related functions. Register to the course for free using the link available here or log in here if you’re already registered on the UNHCR’s Workday learning platform.
A Guide to International Refugee Protection and Building State Asylum Systems
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) & UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 2017
This Handbook focuses on establishing and maintaining asylum systems, ensuring fair and efficient asylum procedures, and setting-up the mechanisms to enable States to respond promptly and effectively to the arrival of asylum-seekers and refugees.