The Appeal Tribunal for Refugees and Applicants for Refugee Status is an independent quasi-judicial institution responsible for reviewing eligible appeals against decisions concerning refugee status made at first instance.
The Tribunal provides an impartial appellate mechanism and contributes to ensuring fairness, due process, access to justice and respect for the rights and dignity of persons seeking international protection.
An applicant for refugee status or a recognised refugee may appeal where they are affected by an eligible decision that may be appealed under Rwanda’s applicable refugee legislation and procedures.
Not every decision is necessarily appealable. Appellants should consult the applicable law and Rules of Procedure or contact the Tribunal for clarification.
The Tribunal considers appeals against eligible decisions concerning refugee status made at first instance, as provided for under Rwanda’s refugee legislation.
The right of appeal depends on the nature of the decision and the applicable legal provisions.
Appeals are filed online through the Rwanda Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS).
The appellant should submit the required information, the decision being challenged, the grounds of appeal and relevant supporting documents within the applicable timeframe.
Yes. Appeals must be filed within the timeframe prescribed by Rwanda’s applicable laws and the Tribunal’s Rules of Procedure.
Appellants should carefully check the date on which they received the decision and ensure that their appeal is submitted within the prescribed period.
An appellant should provide the decision being challenged and clearly explain the grounds for the appeal.
Relevant supporting documents and evidence should also be submitted through IECMS in accordance with the applicable procedures.
Yes, where permitted under the applicable procedures, an appeal may be filed through an authorised representative.
An appellant may also seek legal assistance or representation from Prison Fellowship Rwanda, subject to its procedures and availability of services.
Legal representation is not necessarily required in every case. An appellant may represent themselves where permitted by the applicable procedures.
However, appellants who require assistance in understanding or presenting their case may seek legal assistance or representation from an available qualified legal service provider, including Prison Fellowship Rwanda.
After an appeal is submitted through IECMS, the Tribunal undertakes the necessary registration and preliminary review in accordance with its procedures.
The parties may be notified of subsequent steps and may be required to provide additional information, documents or submissions.
A hearing may be held where required or considered appropriate under the applicable law and Rules of Procedure.
Where a hearing is scheduled, the appellant will receive information about the date, time, location or applicable arrangements and any requirements for participation.
An appellant may submit relevant evidence in accordance with the Tribunal’s Rules of Procedure.
Where new evidence is submitted, the Tribunal will determine whether and how it may be considered in accordance with the applicable legal and procedural requirements.
Appellants should be able to participate meaningfully in proceedings. Where interpretation or language assistance is required, the Tribunal will make appropriate arrangements in accordance with its applicable procedures
After considering the appeal, the Tribunal will issue a decision in accordance with the applicable law and procedures.
Depending on the circumstances and the Tribunal’s legal powers, the decision may uphold, vary, set aside or otherwise deal with the decision under appeal as provided by law.
The Tribunal’s decision will be communicated to the appellant and other relevant parties through the applicable procedures and channels, including the electronic case management system where applicable.
Appellants should ensure that their contact and case information remains accurate and up to date.
Information relating to an appeal is handled in accordance with applicable laws and procedures concerning confidentiality, privacy and the protection of personal information.
Appellants should also respect any confidentiality requirements applicable to their proceedings.
Appellants may have access to information concerning their case in accordance with the applicable law, Rules of Procedure and confidentiality requirements.
Information concerning access to case records can be obtained from the Tribunal.
Appellants should comply with all deadlines and directions issued by the Tribunal.
If an appellant is unable to meet a deadline or attend a scheduled hearing for a legitimate reason, they should notify the Tribunal as soon as possible and follow the applicable procedure for requesting an extension, adjournment or other appropriate relief.
An appellant may request to withdraw an appeal in accordance with the applicable law and Rules of Procedure.
The legal effect of withdrawing an appeal should be explained to the appellant before or during the withdrawal process where required.
The Tribunal's applicable fee requirements, if any, are governed by the relevant laws and regulations. Appellants should consult the Tribunal or the applicable Rules of Procedure for current information.
Where an applicant for refugee status is dissatisfied with a decision of the Appeal Tribunal, Law No. 042/2024 provides for a further claim before the competent court within the period prescribed by law.
Under Article 16 of the Law, an applicant may file such a claim within 30 days from the date of notification of the Tribunal’s decision, subject to the conditions provided by law.
Yes. The Tribunal's appeal process is supported by the Rwanda Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), through which eligible appellants can submit their appeals and supporting documents electronically and follow relevant case proceedings.
If you experience difficulties using IECMS or require information about the appeal process, you may contact the Appeal Tribunal for Refugees and Applicants for Refugee Status for guidance.
Appellants may also seek assistance from available legal assistance providers, including Prison Fellowship Rwanda, subject to their procedures and availability.
No. The Appeal Tribunal is an appellate body. It reviews eligible decisions made at first instance and does not replace the authority responsible for the initial determination of refugee status.
The Tribunal is committed to providing an accessible, fair and effective appeal mechanism. It seeks to ensure that eligible appellants can understand and participate meaningfully in the appeal process, subject to the applicable legal and procedural requirements.
The relevant legal instruments and procedural documents are available through the Tribunal’s Refugee Law and Publications/Resources sections.
These include Rwanda’s legislation governing refugees and applicants for refugee status, applicable regional and international refugee protection instruments, and the Tribunal’s Rules of Procedure.
For questions about a specific appeal, the applicable procedure, filing requirements or use of IECMS, please contact the Appeal Tribunal for Refugees and Applicants for Refugee Status through the official contact channels provided on this website.