Unit 1: Introduction A Complement to Other UNHCR Documents and Resources The RSD Procedural Standards have been developed as a procedural tool and as such, do not provide guidance on the interpretation of the refugee criteria or address substantive issues relating to RSD. The RSD Procedural Standards incorporate elements of existing UNHCR guidance as well as other external resource material that are relevant in RSD procedures, though it does not provide comprehensive operational and institutional guidance. A list of relevant UNHCR and other external resource material has been included at the end of each Unit of the RSD Procedural Standards as an Annex and will be updated on a regular basis. The RSD Supervisor or designated Protection personnel is expected to be aware of all relevant UNHCR operational guidelines affecting RSD operations, and should ensure they are reflected in the RSD procedures in each UNHCR Office and that they are understood by personnel who are responsible for their implementation. Overall accountability lies with the Representative or Head of Office. Implementation of the RSD Procedural Standards The RSD procedural standards should be implemented in all operations where UNHCR has responsibility to conduct RSD pursuant to its mandate, and should apply to all individuals who are requested or engaged by UNHCR to carry out RSD procedures in these operations. Each UNHCR Office should ensure that the RSD Procedural Standards are shared with and fully understood by those who are responsible for their implementation. Effective implementation requires that the minimum procedural standards be incorporated into standard operating procedures for RSD in every UNHCR Office. 17