Cape Verde

UNHCR began to foster dialogue with Cabo Verde authorities in early 2024 to encourage ratification of refugee and statelessness conventions and the development of its asylum system.

Currently there is no procedure to register and process asylum claims by the State nor is there a government body responsible for asylum seekers and refugees. Nevertheless, while lacking a functioning asylum system, the country provides temporary and material assistance to forcibly displaced persons.

Asylum applications are processed in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and are referred to the Senegal Multi-Country Office in Dakar, for the purposes of finding durable solutions.

As part of the Community of Countries of Portuguese Language (CPLP), UNHCR is fostering interactions with other Lusophone countries for Cabo Verde to develop its own asylum system.