Appellants’ Rights

Every person entitled to appeal before the Appeal Tribunal for Refugees and Applicants for Refugee Status has the right to a fair, impartial and accessible appeal process in accordance with Rwanda’s applicable laws and procedures.

Rights of Appellants

Appellants have the right to:

• Access the appeal process – To appeal an eligible first-instance decision concerning refugee status within the timeframe and under the conditions prescribed by law.
• A fair and impartial review – To have their appeal considered independently and impartially, based on the applicable law, relevant facts and available evidence.
• Be heard – To present relevant facts, evidence, explanations and legal arguments in support of their appeal, in accordance with the Tribunal’s Rules of Procedure.
• Receive information about the process – To receive information about relevant appeal procedures, requirements, deadlines and decisions affecting their case.
• Be informed of the reasons for decisions – To receive a decision and, where applicable, the reasons supporting the determination of their appeal.
• Access legal assistance and representation – To seek legal assistance or representation where available and in accordance with applicable procedures. Appellants may seek legal representation from Prison Fellowship Rwanda, subject to its procedures and availability of services.
• Use a language they understand – To receive appropriate language and interpretation support where required to enable meaningful participation in the proceedings, in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Submit relevant evidence – To provide relevant documents, information and other evidence in support of their appeal, subject to the applicable procedural requirements.
• Respectful treatment and dignity – To be treated with dignity, respect and professionalism throughout the appeal process, without discrimination prohibited by law.
• Confidentiality and protection of personal information – To have personal information and case-related information handled in accordance with applicable laws and procedures governing confidentiality and data protection.
• Participate in hearings where applicable – To participate in a hearing where a hearing is scheduled or required under the applicable procedures, and to comply with directions issued by the Tribunal.
• Receive a decision within the applicable process – To have their appeal considered and determined in accordance with the Tribunal’s legal mandate and applicable procedural requirements.
• Seek further legal remedy – Where applicable, a person applying for refugee status who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Appeal Tribunal may file a claim before the competent court within 30 days from the date of notification of the Tribunal’s decision, as provided under Article 16 of Law No. 042/2024.

Responsibilities of Appellants

The effective exercise of these rights is accompanied by responsibilities. Appellants are expected to:

• Provide truthful and accurate information;
• Submit relevant documents and evidence within the prescribed timeframes;
• Respect the Tribunal’s Rules of Procedure and directions;
• Attend scheduled proceedings where required;
• Keep their contact information up to date; and
• Respect the integrity and confidentiality of the proceedings.

Important

The rights and procedures applicable to an appeal are governed by Law No. 042/2024 of 19 April 2024 governing Refugees and Applicants for Refugee Status, the applicable Presidential Order and the Tribunal’s Rules of Procedure. Where information on this website differs from the applicable legal instruments, the law and applicable Rules of Procedure prevail.