Core principles and standards Unit 1: Introduction Certain core principles and standards must be incorporated into the RSD procedures in every UNHCR Office to ensure that all asylum seekers, regardless of where they apply for RSD by UNHCR, benefit from consistent standards of due process. CORE STANDARDS FOR DUE PROCESS IN MANDATE RSD „ RSD applications must be processed on a non-discriminatory basis pursuant to transparent and fair procedures, and in the most timely and efficient manner possible. „ Applicants undergoing individual RSD procedures must have the opportunity to present their claims in person in an RSD Interview with a qualified Eligibility Officer. „ Procedures should be in place to identify and assist asylum seekers with specific needs. „ The best interests of the child must be a primary consideration in deciding whether and how to interview a child Applicant. „ Applicants who approach UNHCR Offices should have access to UNHCR staff and procedures, and should receive the necessary information to permit them to understand and participate in the RSD process and UNHCR procedures as well as to provide them with the appropriate support. „ Applicants should have access to interpretation and take part in the procedure in a language that they understand. „ Confidentiality and data protection extend to all communications with current and former asylum- seekers and refugees, as well as all personal data or information obtained from or about them by UNHCR staff and partners in the course of their activities. „ Applicants whose RSD decision was negative at first instance have the right to appeal that negative RSD decision. „ All aspects of the RSD procedures must be consistent with established UNCHR policies relating to standards of treatment, including age, gender and diversity considerations. In terms of Refugee Status Determination, differentiated case processing modalities can be applied, including regular RSD, accelerated RSD, merged registration- RSD and merged RSD- Resettlement; case processing modalities can also be simplified. Operations must evaluate which case processing modalities are most appropriate and consider if different case processing modalities can be introduced for various population groups and profiles. Core principles and key procedural standards applies also when an UNHCR Office applies differentiated case processing methodologies. 15