Module descriptions

7. Evidence Assessment

Evidence Assessment

Evidence assessment constitutes an important and integral part of the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedure. The fact-finding process within the RSD procedure is not complete until a wide range of evidence has been obtained and examined. The validity of any evidence and the credibility of the applicant’s statements need to be assessed in relation to relevant facts of the individual case.

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Target group: Case officers.
Entry level: Knowledge in International Refugee Law and Human Rights as well as EU Law and COI.
Available languages: English, French and Polish.

Content

This module provides knowledge and skills on an initial level about the assessment of evidence in the asylum process. It pays attention to the assessment of the applicant’s credibility and the way objective and subjective factors can influence this process. The impact of cultural, gender, and linguistic differences will also be addressed.

Objectives

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

  • Different ways of assessing evidence.
  • Subjective and objective factors in assessing credibility.
  • Inconsistencies and contradictions in interviews.
  • Benefit of a doubt aspect.
  • How to use expert and/or medical evidence.
  • The impact of torture.
  • Gender, cultural and linguistic differences.

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

  • Ascertain and evaluate relevant facts concerning a case.
  • Reach a well-considered decision on credibility and need of international protection.

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.