UNHCR holds seminar in Minsk for staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus

MINSK — UNHCR held a seminar on 24-25 September at the International Training Centre of the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus for officials of the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, together with their counterparts from the citizenship and migration units of the Minsk City and regional departments of internal affairs.

Opening the seminar, the Head of UNHCR's National Office in the Republic of Belarus thanked the Academy for hosting the event and the Department of Citizenship and Migration for proposing and supporting the choice of topics.

Participants examined interviewing methodology for applications for international protection, including specific considerations when interviewing certain categories of applicants, and approaches to assessing credibility. Practical exercises with case studies helped participants strengthen their skills in gathering, analyzing and assessing the facts relevant to a decision on an application.

A dedicated session on staff wellbeing covered how to recognize signs of stress, fatigue and burnout. It also offered practical techniques for building resilience and sustaining this demanding work over the long term.

Colleagues from the UNHCR Representation in the Russian Federation and UNHCR Headquarters facilitated the sessions.

The seminar builds on UNHCR's ongoing cooperation with the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. This cooperation aims to strengthen the national asylum system and enhance the skills of professionals working with asylum-seekers and refugees.