Asylum and Refugee Law from edX

What is asylum?What is the principle of non-refoulement?Who should be recognized and protected as a refugee?

These questions are both ancient and contemporary.

Whether you are a decision maker, a judge, a lawyer, a human rights activist, a student, a lawyer in the business law department of a private company that wants to hire or assist refugees, you will have to answer these questions. The answers are complex. They require precise theoretical and practical knowledge of national, regional and international law.

The 1951 Geneva Convention on Refugees will enable you to master these questions. This Convention remains the cornerstone of international refugee protection. It is at the heart of this online course. You will analyze in detail the principle of non-refoulement, the definition of a refugee and the causes of persecution such as political opinion, race, nationality, religion or membership of a social group.

This definition will allow you to identify the people who, legally, should be recognized as beneficiaries of refugee status and international protection. Using a conceptual tool, the three-scale theory , you will analyze in a rigorous and structured manner each distinct element of the refugee definition (persecution, risk, proof) as well as, in a comprehensive approach, the definition as a whole.

By confronting theoretical analysis with practical situations, you will see that, if correctly interpreted, the Geneva Convention remains effective and still allows to this day the protection of many fugitives or refugees ( Flüchtling, réfugiés ).

Beyond law, you will understand the value of an interdisciplinary approach, in particular when measuring the credibility of an asylum seeker’s narrative.You will examine the importance of regional, subsidiary or complementary protection in addressing armed conflict, events seriously disturbing public order or mass influxes of people in need of international protection. Regional protections find their source in European Law, African law or American Law.Finally, you will look at future challenges, such as the issue of climate refugees.

Numerous sources will be provided throughout the course in order to help you understand the concepts such as relevant case-law, doctrine and guidelines of UNHCR and other international institutions on refugee issues and international human rights law (such as EASO).

In this course, Asylum and Refugee Law, you will learn whether or not migrants can be returned to another country, whether or not they should be included in or excluded from the refugee definition, and whether or not to challenge the decision on someone’s refugee status. You will do all of this by developing a rigorous legal reasoning.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Formulate rigorous legal reasoning on the right to asylum and international protection of refugees.
Define and apply the concepts of asylum and refugee status.
Analyze case law decisions of international, regional and national courts and tribunals relating to asylum and refugee law.
Criticize or justify the reasoning of an asylum authority (administrative or judicial) in order to develop arguments in a decision or appeal.

Question and imagine the future challenges in the field of asylum.
Ensure well-constructed advocacy on international refugee law.
Analyze asylum claims in details.
By the end of this course, you will be able to

Formulate rigorous legal reasoning on the right to asylum and international protection of refugees.
Define and apply the concepts of asylum and refugee status.
Analyze case law decisions of international, regional and national courts and tribunals relating to asylum and refugee law.
Criticize or justify the reasoning of an asylum authority (administrative or judicial) in order to develop arguments in a decision or appeal.
Question and imagine the future challenges in the field of asylum.
Ensure well-constructed advocacy on international refugee law.
Analyze asylum claims in details.
By the end of this course, you will be able to

Syllabus

Module 1: Context of asylum law and underlying texts

You will explore both the history and the current state of the right of asylum, illustrating the permanence of the debates related to asylum.

Module 2: Asylum Law and Principle of non-refoulement

You'll learn the concept of asylum, the principle of non-refoulement and the distribution mechanism of asylum seekers in Europe under the Dublin Regulation.

Module 3: Refugee definition

This module is devoted to international protection and, in particular, to the refugee definition under the Geneva Convention (1951 refugee Convention).

Module 4: Regional Protections

This module discusses regional protections that complement international protection and the refugee definition in the 1951 Geneva Convention.

Module 5: Asylum in Practice

You will explore the different components of an asylum procedure through the journey of asylum seekers from their country of origin to the country of destination.

Module 6: Contemporary Issues

You will explore some current challenges to migration, for example finding solutions in law to adapt to new realities, such as climate refugees, or question the future effects of the Global Compact for Migration and the Global Compact in Refugees.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores refugee law from an interdisciplinary perspective, covering law, politics, and humanitarian work

Taught by experts with experience in refugee law and advocacy, including Sylvie Sarolea and Jean-Yves Carlier

Develops a strong foundation in the legal basis for refugee protection, including the 1951 Geneva Convention

Covers current challenges in the field of asylum, such as climate refugees and the Global Compact for Migration

Examines asylum law from a global perspective, incorporating case studies and examples from different countries

Suitable for students with varying backgrounds in law and human rights

Reviews summary

Refugee law insightful course

According to one enthusiastic student, learners say that this course offers a thought-provoking examination of the challenges faced by refugees, international protection, and global protection mechanisms.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Asylum and Refugee Law with these activities:

Explore online tutorials on refugee law

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Supplement your learning by seeking out tutorials that provide additional insights into specific aspects of refugee law, such as the role of international organizations or the legal challenges faced by refugees.

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Search for online tutorials on refugee law
Select tutorials that align with your interests
Follow the tutorials and complete any interactive exercises

Review asylum law principles

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Refresh your understanding of core concepts in asylum law, such as the principle of non-refoulement and refugee status, to strengthen your foundation for the course.

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Read the Geneva Convention on Refugees (1951)
Review case studies on the application of asylum law
Attend a webinar on current asylum law trends

Volunteer with an organization supporting refugees and asylum seekers

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Apply your knowledge and skills by volunteering for an organization that provides legal aid, social services, or other support to refugees and asylum seekers.

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Identify organizations supporting refugees and asylum seekers
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteering opportunities
Attend training and orientation sessions
Commit to regular volunteering hours

Five other activities

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Join a study group on asylum law

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Engage with peers to discuss asylum law concepts, exchange perspectives, and enhance your understanding through collaborative learning.

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Find a study group or create your own
Prepare topics for discussion
Meet regularly to discuss asylum law cases and concepts

Analyze asylum claims case studies

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Practice applying asylum law principles to real-world scenarios by analyzing case studies and determining whether individuals qualify for refugee status.

Browse courses on Case Analysis

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Identify the key facts of the case
Apply the relevant asylum law principles
Write a brief analysis of your findings

Attend a workshop on asylum law and policy

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Gain insights from experts and practitioners by attending a workshop on asylum law and policy, where current issues and best practices are discussed.

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Identify relevant workshops on asylum law
Register for a workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions

Develop a presentation on asylum law

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Consolidate your understanding of asylum law by creating a presentation that summarizes key concepts, case studies, or current debates in the field.

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Choose a specific topic in asylum law
Research and gather information on your topic
Create a presentation outline
Develop presentation slides
Practice your presentation

Research and write a paper on a contemporary issue in asylum law

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Deepen your knowledge of a specific issue in asylum law by conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting your findings in a written paper.

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Select a contemporary issue in asylum law
Conduct thorough research on the topic
Analyze the data and develop your arguments
Write a paper that presents your findings and insights
Submit your paper for feedback or publication

Career center

Learners who complete Asylum and Refugee Law will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Asylum Officer

An Asylum Officer is responsible for interviewing asylum seekers and determining whether they meet the criteria for refugee status. This course provides a comprehensive overview of asylum and refugee law, which is essential for this role. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be invaluable for an Asylum Officer, as it would provide them with the legal framework and principles needed to make fair and informed decisions on asylum applications.

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Immigration Judge

An Immigration Judge is a judicial officer who is responsible for presiding over immigration court hearings and making decisions on asylum applications. This course provides a strong foundation in asylum and refugee law, which is essential for this role. The course covers a comprehensive range of topics, including the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be invaluable for an Immigration Judge, as it would provide them with the legal framework and principles needed to make fair and informed decisions on asylum applications.

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Refugee Case Worker

A Refugee Case Worker provides support and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers. This course would be extremely helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of the legal and practical aspects of asylum and refugee law. The course covers topics such as the refugee definition, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be essential for a Refugee Case Worker, as it would enable them to provide informed and effective assistance to refugees and asylum seekers.

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International Human Rights Lawyer

An International Human Rights Lawyer advocates for the protection of human rights around the world. This course would be very helpful for this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of asylum and refugee law, which is a key area of human rights law. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be essential for an International Human Rights Lawyer, as it would enable them to effectively advocate for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

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Academic Researcher

An Academic Researcher conducts research and publishes academic papers. This course may be helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of asylum and refugee law, which is a complex and evolving area of law. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be valuable for an Academic Researcher, as it would enable them to conduct rigorous research on asylum and refugee issues.

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Journalist

A Journalist investigates and reports on news stories. This course may be helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of asylum and refugee law, which is a complex and often misunderstood topic. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be valuable for a Journalist, as it would enable them to accurately and fairly report on asylum and refugee issues.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues. This course may be helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of asylum and refugee law, which is a complex and evolving area of public policy. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be valuable for a Policy Analyst, as it would enable them to develop informed policy recommendations on asylum and refugee issues.

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Paralegal

A Paralegal provides legal assistance to lawyers. This course may be helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of asylum and refugee law, which is a complex and evolving area of law. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be valuable for a Paralegal, as it would enable them to effectively assist lawyers on asylum and refugee issues.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

A Nonprofit Program Manager plans and manages programs for nonprofit organizations. This course may be helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of asylum and refugee law, which is a key area of focus for many nonprofit organizations. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be valuable for a Nonprofit Program Manager, as it would enable them to effectively manage programs that serve refugees and asylum seekers.

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Lawyer

A Lawyer provides legal advice and representation to clients. This course may be helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of asylum and refugee law, which is a complex and evolving area of law. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be valuable for a Lawyer, as it would enable them to provide effective legal advice and representation to clients on asylum and refugee issues.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker provides support and assistance to individuals and families. This course may be helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of asylum and refugee law, which is a complex and often misunderstood topic. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be valuable for a Social Worker, as it would enable them to effectively assist refugees and asylum seekers.

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International Development Specialist

An International Development Specialist works to improve the lives of people in developing countries. This course may be helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of asylum and refugee law, which is a key issue in many developing countries. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be valuable for an International Development Specialist, as it would enable them to effectively work on programs that assist refugees and asylum seekers.

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Human Rights Activist

A Human Rights Activist advocates for the protection of human rights around the world. This course may be helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of asylum and refugee law, which is a key area of human rights law. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be valuable for a Human Rights Activist, as it would enable them to effectively advocate for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

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Public Defender

A Public Defender provides legal representation to individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. This course may be helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of asylum and refugee law, which is a complex and evolving area of law. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be valuable for a Public Defender, as it would enable them to provide effective legal representation to clients on asylum and refugee issues.

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Teacher

A Teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. This course may be helpful for this role, as it provides a deep understanding of asylum and refugee law, which is a complex and often misunderstood topic. The course covers topics such as the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement, and regional protections. This knowledge would be valuable for a Teacher, as it would enable them to effectively teach students about asylum and refugee issues.

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