2.3 Physical Facilities for RSD Procedures Unit 2: General Issues UNHCR Offices should maintain adequate physical facilities for the reception of asylum-seekers and other persons of concern, and for conducting RSD procedures. The physical facilities used for UNHCR RSD operations have a direct impact on the ability of asylum-seekers to present their refugee claim. As such, UNHCR Offices should ensure that persons of concern with disabilities and other specific needs have adequate access to UNHCR facilities. The nature of UNHCR’s mandate may require establishment of RSD operations in emergency situations, and in adverse circumstances. However, in every UNHCR RSD operation, UNHCR staff should be guided by the recommendations that follow, and should take all available measures to ensure that facilities established for RSD promote the dignity of asylum-seekers and due process in RSD procedures, as well as the safety and security of UNHCR staff, and all other individuals on UNHCR premises. Facilities used by UNHCR for RSD procedures should preserve the right of asylum-seekers to confidentiality. The layout of UNHCR Offices should permit asylum-seekers to communicate with UNHCR staff in private. There should be adequate partitions between meeting rooms and other office spaces to ensure confidentiality of counselling sessions and interviews. UNHCR Offices should establish waiting areas and should take all feasible steps to ensure that the conditions in the waiting areas promote the health and well-being of the individuals who use them. STANDARDS & GUIDELINES EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT WAITING FACILITIES IN UNHCR OFFICES SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS: „ Adequate space including private space for breastfeeding women and a child friendly corner; „ Sufficient number of chairs and benches; „ Access to bathrooms; „ Access to drinking water; „ Shelter from severe weather conditions; and „ Adequate heating, air conditioning, lighting. Whenever possible, private areas should be made available for breastfeeding women. Where cultural norms or individual circumstances make it appropriate, separate waiting facilities should be made available for women and children or other asylum-seekers with specific needs. Waiting areas should also contain culturally sensitive, child-friendly and gender and age-appropriate information and materials, and contain anti-fraud messaging on display (e.g. posters, leaflets). Wherever possible, waiting areas should be established within UNHCR premises or another location under the direct control of UNHCR. This will help to promote the confidentiality of UNHCR RSD procedures and minimize the risk or harassment, intimidation or arrest of asylum-seekers. The layout and furnishing of reception and interview rooms and any other areas used for the RSD processing should comply with guidelines and recommendations from UNHCR Headquarters relating to security in UNHCR Offices (see § 2.4 – Office Security). 39