Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Asylos
English
  • Search
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
Access our Database Donate
Menu
  • who we are
    • what we do
    • meet the team
  • our research
    • research database
    • project work
    • testimonials
  • support asylos
    • donate
    • volunteer
    • financials
  • latest
    • the news
    • the blog
  • intranet
  • AFGHANISTAN
    • Afghanistan COI Repository
    • Pakistan COI Repository
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • what we do
  1. who we are
  2. what we do

what we do

our mission

At Asylos, we believe that every asylum seeker deserves a fair opportunity to claim his or her right to protection. Evidence to prove persecution or to support the credibility of individual testimony is a vital element in the decisions taken to grant or withhold asylum. But many refugees and their legal representatives cannot access this necessary information.


To redress this imbalance and protect the right to asylum, Asylos aims to:

ensure that asylum seekers and their legal counsel have access to crucial information to substantiate their claim

We believe that refugees and their counsel should have equal access to information and sufficient resources to conduct the needed research. Those helping to defend asylum seekers’ rights face great difficulties when researching information: it often requires knowledge of local languages, experience in researching complex human rights issues and access to expert evidence in the countries of origin. We leverage our research skills, contextual knowledge, and contacts on the ground to ensure access to proper documentation.

ensure that the asylum procedure is evidence-based and unbiased

We believe that decisions on individual claims should be fair and based on proper evidence instead of preconceptions. Country-of-origin information (COI) reports produced by public administrations should meet the highest standards of our legal system and be driven by respect for human rights. Information relied upon by public authorities should be accessible to the public. Asylum courts should rule based on the best available evidence and data. Officials with decision-making power should receive sufficient training to make evidence-based decisions. They need to be aware of the latest developments in the countries of origin of the asylum seekers.


our work

Asylos is a global network of volunteers working to research country-of-origin information. By leveraging the skills of over 100 volunteer researchers in over 25 countries around the world, we harness diversity to help asylum seekers like S from Rwanda or A from Thailand prove the persecution they have endured and claim their right to safety under international law.


Our work reinforces the rule of law in refugee host countries, from the USA and Canada to Germany or Malaysia. We support asylum lawyers and caseworkers to make sure refugee law is applied and justice is served for the most vulnerable displaced people in the world. Hear from lawyers who have used our services around the world.

"I can’t say enough how much I appreciate your project... it seems like you’re working with the best researchers and experts in the field. This information is invaluable." Nimrod Avigal, HIAS Israel

our services

Asylos provides services free of charge to lawyers and caseworkers around the world assisting asylum seekers through their legal procedures. We produce case-based and broader country-of-origin information (COI) research reports which lawyers and caseworkers can use to support a variety of protection-based claims in court. Our reports can be used to inform your argument, or submit in whole or in part to a tribunal or appeals committee.

bespoke case-based COI research for your client

Quality COI research can make or break an asylum application. We help lawyers and caseworkers in any country of arrival support their clients' case by producing individualised reports on specific human rights situations in refugee countries of origin. From political or religious persecution to access to medical care, if the information is out there, we will find it. You can access our services here.

a database of prior reports covering a wide range of subjects and countries

All our anonymised reports are contained within our database, accessible to lawyers and caseworkers assisting asylum-seekers through their legal procedure. With almost 500 reports published in the last 4 years, it is the only database of its kind intended to explicitly help asylum-seekers provide evidence of their claim. You can access our database here.

strategic reports, covering significant gaps in the existing literature

Our public Strategic Reports aim to address the needs of groups of asylum-seekers whose cases are under-documented in media and international reports. We identify strategic gaps in the COI and seek out new authoritative sources to fill them. You can browse our Strategic Reports here.


our impact

During the past four years, we have published 500 research reports and helped thousands of refugees claim their right to protection. Our research reports have been used in at least 20 countries and regularly quoted in court decisions. They have been used by UNHCR to inform UN eligibility guidelines, have been submitted as evidence in the 2018 UK Country Guidance on Afghanistan and have been referenced by the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), as well as several European government agencies and NGOs.


our partners

Cooperating with partners is an integral part of Asylos' work. We are partnering with a variety of different foundations, organisations, institutions and law firms to ensure the highest standards of quality and functionality in our work. Take a look at who these partners are.


Join us in helping an asylum seeker claim refuge and reinforcing the rule of law in your country's immigration system

Please select a donation amount (required)
Set up a regular payment Donate

Published: 6th March, 2019

Updated: 17th March, 2022

Author:

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • We're recruiting an Operations Assistant

    We're recruiting an Operations Assistant

    Asylos is looking for an ambitious Operations Assistant based In the Netherlands or the UK with attention to detail and a passion for human rights and asylum. The application deadline is 12 June 2022.

  • We're recruiting a Development Manager

    We're recruiting a Development Manager

    Asylos is looking for an ambitious Development Manager based In the Netherlands or the UK with an entrepreneurial attitude towards fundraising. The application deadline is 5 June 2022.

  • Join our Pakistan Information Session

    Join our Pakistan Information Session

    This information session on 16 May 2022 is for stakeholders in Pakistan who are working with asylum seekers from Afghanistan. We will discuss the practical use of country origin information by lawyers.

  • Pakistan COI Repository

    Pakistan COI Repository

    This page contains current Country of Origin Information (COI) about the situation of asylum seekers from Afghanistan in Pakistan, including on the security situation, documentation (visas/passports), medical care, livelihood, women, children and targeted groups. It is updated every other week until further notice.

Most read

  • Afghanistan COI Repository

    Afghanistan COI Repository

    This page contains extensive and current Country of Origin Information (COI) about Afghanistan, including on the security situation, medical care, livelihoods, IDPs, women, children and targeted groups. It is updated on a weekly basis until further notice.

  • volunteer

    volunteer

    Can you spare two hours per week? Join one of our research teams and help us research information for asylum claims.

  • what we do

    what we do

    Asylos researchers use investigative research techniques to access country of origin information and help refugees claim their right to asylum.

  • meet the team

    meet the team

    Asylos's 100 volunteers are organised into regional teams and supported by dedicated staff and consultants, a board of trustees and the advisory committee.

  • Remembering Lara Casalotti

    Remembering Lara Casalotti

    We celebrate the memory of a dear colleague, whose commitment to making the asylum system fairer and more humane has been an inspiration to us all.

  • COI Research in the era of COVID-19

    COI Research in the era of COVID-19

    What are the challenges faced by COI researchers and providers as a result of COVID-19? How are the principles of COI, and how is the process of research, challenged by COVID-19? Asylos members Misha Nayak-Oliver and Kristen Meagher outline individual and collective actions to overcome COVID-related challenges.

  • We're recruiting an Operations Assistant

    We're recruiting an Operations Assistant

    Asylos is looking for an ambitious Operations Assistant based In the Netherlands or the UK with attention to detail and a passion for human rights and asylum. The application deadline is 12 June 2022.

  • donate

    donate

    Your fundraising can help us conduct research for refugees. Make a donation today to help us give all asylum seekers and refugees the evidence they need to prove their claims and live in safety.

  • Nigeria: Children and Young People with Disabilities

    Nigeria: Children and Young People with Disabilities

    This joint Asylos and ARC Foundation publication addresses a critical gap in Country of Origin Information and contributes to a more informed debate about children and young people with disabilities in Nigeria.

  • We’re Hiring

    We’re Hiring

    We are looking for an experienced Programme Manager based in the UK or the Netherlands with a passion for Country of Origin Information (COI) research.

Tag cloud

Asylos Snippets Asylum Stories Current Events Research Insights
Afghanistan COI Repository

Afghanistan COI Repository

This page contains extensive and current Country of Origin Information (COI) about Afghanistan, including on the security situation, medical care, livelihoods, IDPs, women, children and targeted groups. It is updated on a weekly basis until further notice. Read more

Published: 23rd September, 2021

Updated: 26th May, 2022

Author: Sophie Kloos

Pakistan COI Repository

Pakistan COI Repository

This page contains current Country of Origin Information (COI) about the situation of asylum seekers from Afghanistan in Pakistan, including on the security situation, documentation (visas/passports), medical care, livelihood, women, children and targeted groups. It is updated every other week until further notice. Read more

Published: 4th May, 2022

Updated: 28th May, 2022

Author: Sophie Kloos

We're recruiting an Operations Assistant

We're recruiting an Operations Assistant

Asylos is looking for an ambitious Operations Assistant based In the Netherlands or the UK with attention to detail and a passion for human rights and asylum. The application deadline is 12 June 2022. Read more

Published: 17th May, 2022

Author: Sophie Kloos

We're recruiting a Development Manager

We're recruiting a Development Manager

Asylos is looking for an ambitious Development Manager based In the Netherlands or the UK with an entrepreneurial attitude towards fundraising. The application deadline is 5 June 2022. Read more

Published: 17th May, 2022

Author: Sophie Kloos

Subscribe

Find us

Mailing Address
Asterweg 20N
1013 HN Amsterdam
The Netherlands

[email protected]

Links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Follow us

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin

Registered as Charity number 1158386