2.5 Interpretation in UNHCR RSD Procedures 2.5.1 Access to Interpreters All communications between an Applicant and UNHCR must take place in a language that the Applicant understands and in which he/she is able to communicate clearly. In many cases, this will be the native language of the Applicant, but in many others that will not be possible. Applicants should have access to the services of trained and qualified Interpreters at all stages of the RSD process, including during registration, first instance RSD, appeal, cancellation, revocation, cessation and re-opening procedures (for information regarding qualifications of UNHCR interpreters, see § 2.5.2 – Qualifications and Training of UNHCR Interpreters). Interpretation services for UNHCR RSD procedures1 should be provided by UNHCR Interpreters unless otherwise specified in this chapter. UNHCR Interpreters should be understood as persons recruited by UNHCR to work as interpreters when communicating with persons of concern, regardless of whether they work full or part-time or whether they may or may not be required also to do translations, as well as interpreters contracted through professional interpretation services or provided through regular arrangements with designated implementing partners (see § 2.5.2 – Qualifications and Training of UNHCR Interpreters). Exceptionally, where no qualified UNHCR Interpreters are available, it may be necessary to conduct an interview with the services of a non-UNHCR Interpreter, including the Applicant’s own interpreter (see § 2.5.3 – Interpretation by Persons other than UNHCR Interpreters). Wherever possible, Applicants should be given the option to communicate with Interpreters of the sex they prefer. Each UNHCR Office should make every effort to ensure that an adequate number of competent Interpreters, of both sexes, is available to meet the RSD processing requirements. Where gaps in the Interpreter resources exist, priority must be given to requests for Interpreters by Applicants with specific needs or vulnerabilities, including children, survivors of torture, persons with physical and mental disabilities, and individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. All UNHCR staff who conduct interviews in mandate RSD procedures must receive training and direction on communicating effectively with Applicants through Interpreters. 1 46 For the purposes of this section and unless otherwise specified, the term “UNHCR RSD procedures” includes RSD (first instance and appeal), as well as cancellation, revocation, cessation and re-opening procedures carried out under UNHCR’s mandate. Procedural Standards for RSD under UNHCR’s Mandate