The Refugee Convention: Principles and Practice Training Course

The Refugee Convention: Principles and Practice Training Course

Introduction

The Refugee Convention: Principles and Practice Training Course provides a comprehensive understanding of international refugee law, protection mechanisms, and the obligations of states, organizations, and practitioners. By focusing on the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, the course equips participants with knowledge of legal frameworks, refugee rights, humanitarian practices, and durable solutions. Participants will develop practical skills to navigate asylum procedures, refugee status determination, and policy implementation, while engaging with real-world case studies from diverse regions.

This highly interactive training strengthens expertise in human rights protection, refugee assistance, forced migration issues, and global governance. Designed for professionals, policymakers, humanitarian workers, and advocates, it emphasizes both theory and practice to address pressing refugee challenges. Through expert facilitation, scenario-based learning, and applied strategies, participants will be prepared to analyze complex refugee situations, develop protection-sensitive responses, and advocate for refugee rights in line with international standards.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the core principles of the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol.
2. Interpret key international refugee protection frameworks.
3. Analyze global refugee trends and displacement drivers.
4. Apply legal definitions of “refugee,” “asylum seeker,” and “stateless person.”
5. Examine the principle of non-refoulement and its legal implications.
6. Navigate refugee status determination (RSD) procedures effectively.
7. Evaluate state obligations and protection responsibilities.
8. Identify durable solutions: repatriation, resettlement, and integration.
9. Address gender, child, and vulnerable-group perspectives in refugee law.
10. Assess humanitarian coordination and UNHCR’s role in global protection.
11. Analyze landmark refugee case studies in international courts.
12. Strengthen advocacy, policy influence, and refugee rights protection.
13. Develop practical skills to design protection-sensitive programs.

Organizational Benefits

1. Strengthened organizational capacity in refugee law and practice.
2. Enhanced staff expertise in refugee rights advocacy.
3. Improved compliance with international standards.
4. Better engagement with UNHCR, NGOs, and governments.
5. Increased organizational credibility in humanitarian work.
6. Streamlined refugee case management approaches.
7. Greater impact in refugee protection programming.
8. Stronger international partnerships and networks.
9. Access to applied tools and case study insights.
10. Improved organizational resilience in crisis response.

Target Audience

1. Humanitarian aid workers
2. Government officials and policymakers
3. NGO staff engaged in refugee protection
4. Legal practitioners specializing in asylum/refugee law
5. Academic researchers on forced migration
6. UN staff and international agency workers
7. Community-based refugee advocates
8. Graduate students in international relations/law

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Refugee Protection

• Overview of the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol
• Historical background of international refugee law
• Refugee definitions and categories
• Statelessness and related challenges
• Key actors in refugee protection (UNHCR, NGOs, states)
• Case Study: Refugee Convention in post-WWII Europe

Module 2: Refugee Rights and State Obligations

• Core rights of refugees under international law
• Restrictions and exceptions in protection
• State sovereignty vs. international obligations
• Access to work, education, and healthcare
• Border management and asylum access
• Case Study: The Syrian refugee crisis in Europe

Module 3: Non-Refoulement Principle

• Meaning and scope of non-refoulement
• Customary international law obligations
• Challenges in enforcement
• Security concerns vs. protection principles
• Regional variations in application
• Case Study: Rohingya refugees in Southeast Asia

Module 4: Refugee Status Determination (RSD)

• RSD procedures and standards
• Role of UNHCR and national authorities
• Evidentiary requirements and challenges
• Appeals and procedural fairness
• Best practices in RSD systems
• Case Study: Afghan asylum seekers in Europe

Module 5: Durable Solutions for Refugees

• Voluntary repatriation principles
• Local integration and challenges
• Third-country resettlement pathways
• Role of host communities
• International burden-sharing
• Case Study: Resettlement of Congolese refugees

Module 6: Protection of Vulnerable Refugee Groups

• Women and gender-based violence (GBV) survivors
• Refugee children and education rights
• Persons with disabilities and elderly refugees
• LGBTQ+ refugees in hostile environments
• Intersectionality in refugee protection
• Case Study: Child refugees from South Sudan

Module 7: Humanitarian Coordination and International Response

• UNHCR’s mandate and operations
• Role of NGOs, CSOs, and local organizations
• International burden-sharing mechanisms
• Funding humanitarian operations
• Protection in conflict zones
• Case Study: Humanitarian response in Ukraine

Module 8: Advocacy, Policy, and Future Challenges

• Refugee advocacy strategies
• Global refugee compacts and agreements
• Policy influence and stakeholder engagement
• Climate change and displacement trends
• Future challenges in refugee protection
• Case Study: Climate-induced displacement in Pacific Islands

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures with expert facilitators
• Group discussions and role-plays
• Case study analysis and simulation exercises
• Practical assignments and scenario-based learning
• Multimedia presentations and policy briefs
• Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: [email protected] or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.