The Refugee Rights Unit is a recognised Research Unit in the Public Law department of the Law faculty.

The Refugee Law Clinic provides the Unit with a close link to the practical application of refugee law in South Africa and, therefore, directly informs and supports the Unit's various research outputs. This close relationship between the Refugee Law Clinic's practice and the Unit's research is a unique aspect of the Unit's work.

The director and a senior attorney are assisted by two research assistants in the Research Unit. All staff members are encouraged to participate in the research aspect of the Unit. The Refugee Rights Unit is also home to two Honorary Research Associates: Advocate Lee Anne de la Hunt and Tal Schreier.