TRAINING
INDUCTION TRAINING FOR UNHCR INTERPRETERS
UNHCR’s refugee protection mandate and operations
Registration and RSD procedures and relevant Standard Operating Procedures in the relevant
UNHCR Office
Essential refugee terminology that is likely to be used in Interviews
Objectives of the Interview and responsibilities as an Interpreter, including the type of interpretation
that will be required for Interviews, as well as the importance of fully and accurately interpreting
what is said by the Applicant and the Eligibility Officer
Impartial and neutral role of the UNHCR Interpreter, including not answering on behalf of the
Applicant or the Eligibility Officer
Obligation of confidentiality in all UNHCR procedures
Gender, age, diversity and cultural sensitivity in carrying out interpretation responsibilities
Possible indicators of trauma that could arise during an Interview and how to carry out interpretation
responsibilities in such circumstances
Security procedures and risks, such as familiarity with the physical environment, as well as other
relevant issues in light of the particular operational context of the UNHCR Office
In addition to the induction training, UNHCR Offices must, to the extent possible, provide opportunities
for Interpreters to improve their knowledge and skills, including by encouraging participation in regular
training on relevant aspects of UNHCR’s work. UNHCR Offices may explore with local institutions
or organisations, in particular universities, the possibility of collaborating on training for UNHCR
Interpreters, as well as the development of linguistic reference materials and glossaries.
2.5.3 Interpretation by Persons other than UNHCR Interpreters
Where UNHCR Interpreters are not available due to gaps in resources or do not have the required
language skills and/or appropriate profiles, and where other means of interpretation, such as remote
interpretation arrangements (see § 2.5.5 – Remote Participation of Interpreters in Interviews), are not feasible
or would result in long processing delays for the Applicant, interpretation may exceptionally be conducted
by persons other than UNHCR Interpreters. These may include the Applicant’s own interpreter, asylumseekers or refugees who are not UNHCR Interpreters, other UNHCR protection staff (including Eligibility
Officers), as well as interpreters provided through ad hoc arrangements with implementing partners,
non-governmental organizations, linguistic institutes, or other such means.
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Procedural Standards for RSD under UNHCR’s Mandate