Section 4.12. Country of origin information
Up-to-date, reliable information on countries of origin is necessary for authorities to make well‐informed, fair decisions on a claim for international protection. The information can also be used to change policies to address current needs and trends.
The recast Qualification Directive, Article 4(3a) specifies that the assessment of an application for international protection must take account of all relevant facts about the applicant's country of origin. Along the same lines, the recast Asylum Procedures Directive, Article 10(3b) stipulates that precise and timely information on the general situation in countries of origin of applicants and, where necessary, in countries through which they have transited is to be obtained from various sources, such as the EUAA, UNHCR, the Council of Europe and other relevant international organisations.
Key developments in the production of COI in 2021 centred around improving methodologies and production flows, investing in researchers and producing information rapidly to address crisis situations, such as the rising number of applicants from Afghanistan.
