Module descriptions

5. Country of Origin Information (COI)

Country of Origin Information (COI)

The main objective of this module is to provide participants with an adequate understanding of the importance of COI in the RSD (Refugee Status Determination) process. The module will also provide participants with practical experience on how to work with COI, as well as knowledge in the quality standards and how to assess the sources of information.

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Country of Origin Information (COI) is information that assists case officers in answering questions about the political, social, cultural, economic, humanitarian and human rights situation in the applicant’s country. COI is consequently an important tool for the Refugee Status Determination procedure (RSD). COI should serve as a preparatory instrument for the interview as well as documentary evidence for assessing credibility and objective fear in the specific case.

Target group: Case officers.
Entry level: Knowledge in International Refugee Law and Human Rights.
Available languages: English and Czech.

Content

This module aims to impart knowledge and initial skills about the role of COI in the context of Refugee Status Determination (RSD). The need of COI in the asylum procedure will be elaborated and participants will be trained on working with COI.

Objectives

At the end of the training participants will have gained knowledge in:

  • The COI role in the RSD. They will have an overview and background about the importance of COI in the asylum procedure.
  • The standards of quality concerning COI and COI research.
  • The importance of COI evidence and its relation to standards of proof in both first and subsequent asylum procedures.
  • Public versus non-public information (transparency in COI).

At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

  • Identify needs for relevant information.
  • Identify sources and evaluate their objectivity and credibility.
  • Define COI needs in relation to claims.
  • Use COI information in practice.

Methods

Self-studies online comprising case studies, exercises, self-assessment tests and written assignments, combined with a face-to-face session which goes further into the topics in discussions and group exercises.