The REFUGEE RIGHTS UNIT has produced a handbook for Refugee Law Practitioners. This comprehensive resource will serve as an essential guide for legal professionals, ensuring consistent and accurate application of refugee law principles in South Africa. Its creation is a direct response to the identified need for accessible, practical guidance in a complex legal landscape.

The Handbook is a 214-page book with six chapters – drafted by the following UCT Refugee Rights Unit staff:

1. Chapter one – Refugee Status Determination and Access to the Asylum System - Professor Fatima Khan
2. Chapter two – The Asylum Application Process – Ms Monique Schoeman
3. Chapter three – Children and Documentation – Mr Niall Marinus
4. Chapter four – Detention and Deportation – Ms Shazia Sader
5. Chapter five – Rights of Refugees and Asylum Seekers - Ms Shazia Sader
6. Chapter six – Durable Solutions – Professor Fatima Khan

[ prepared with support the UNHCR (SA office) and the European Union Delegation in South Africa]

In addition, the Refugee Rights Unit provided a weeklong Practical Training for Law Clinic Staff on refugee, asylum seeker and stateless person’s rights in South Africa. The purpose of which was to equip law clinic personnel with specialised knowledge and skills in the practice of Refugee Law to enhance clinicians’ ability to provide effective legal aid to refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. The practical training was attended by 65 law clinicians and was conducted by the Refugee Rights Unit staff in line with the chapters they drafted. Law Clinicians also attended a weeklong online Foundational Course in Refugee law conducted and conceptualised by Professor Fatima Khan which focused on South African Refugee Law while incorporating a regional and an international component of refugee law.

Copies of the Handbook have been shared countrywide with all University-based clinics.