The aim of this module is to prepare asylum case officers to obtain as much reliable information as possible when interviewing vulnerable persons, to professionally follow up on the interview, to safeguard an applicant with special needs and to prepare the case for the next steps in the process.

This module focuses on the legal framework and the definition of vulnerability in the context of an international protection procedure. It addresses the applicant’s norms and how the normative framework may be used to identify the most common vulnerabilities and the factors that hamper disclosure when interviewing applicants for international protection. This module includes case studies of difficult interview situations involving vulnerable applicants and how to take care of oneself after such an interview.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Conduct an interview with a vulnerable person taking into account the legal, procedural and social contexts affecting the applicant

2. Identify special procedural needs and the effect they may have on the application for international protection

3. Apply an appropriate approach to establishing a rapport and facilitating disclosure from a vulnerable applicant

This module is delivered through a blended learning methodology (online and face-to-face). Online learning contains learning activities that assess progress toward the learning outcomes, and face-to-face sessions focus on complex elements that require discussion.

In 2023, this module will be upgraded as part of the restructuring of the European Asylum Curriculum.