UNHCR launches the ‘Handbook for Interpreters in Asylum Procedures,’ a reference tool for training interpreters and professionals who work with them

UNHCR Office in Spain  presented the Spanish version of the ‘Handbook for Interpreters in Asylum Procedures’ with the aim of contributing to the improvement of interpretation services’ quality within Spanish-speaking asylum systems and highlighting the crucial role of interpreters.

Being an interpreter in asylum interviews means playing a critical role in this process and in the lives of refugees, even though their role may sometimes go unnoticed or be undervalued. When asylum seekers do not speak the language of the host country, they rely on interpreters to present their asylum application adequately and to explain the reasons why they were forced to flee their countries and the risks they face if they return. Similarly, for interviewers to effectively and fairly assess the application, communication must be smooth and interpretation reliable.

Linguistic and cultural barriers, as well as gender, age and trauma-related complexities are some of the factors that make high-quality interpretation even more necessary in asylum processes. Training for both interpreters and professionals working with them is essential. The recognition of someone as a refugee or the granting of any form of international protection sometimes hinges on this communication and interpretation quality. Therefore, interpreter assistance is crucial in asylum systems, serving as a procedural safeguard and recognized as a right in European and Spanish international protection regulations.

The multiplication of emergencies and conflicts worldwide is leading to a year-on-year increase in the number of refugees and forcibly displaced persons from various countries and backgrounds seeking asylum, which now surpasses 114 million people. In this context, the needs and challenges related to interpretation are also evolving. As highlighted by Sophie Muller, UNHCR Representative in Spain, “In 2023, asylum seekers in Spain came from more than 100 non-Spanish-speaking countries, and this diversity also extends to the languages and dialects spoken by these people,” explained Muller. “Many refugees lack documentation to support their testimony, and their account becomes the basis of their asylum application. Therefore, it is essential that all the details, from facts to emotions, can be well understood,” added the UNHCR Representative. This poses a challenge for both administration and entities working with this group, given the difficulties in securing interpreters for minority languages.

The presentation event, held at the Representation of the European Commission in Madrid, gathered interpreters, government representatives, academics, and civil society members who shared experiences and best practices in the field of interpretation in refugee contexts.

This UNHCR handbook, translated into various languages and now available in Spanish , is one of the internationally recognized reference tools for training interpreters and professionals working with interpreters in international protection procedures. This publication takes a practical approach, covering topics ranging from interview techniques and interpretation modalities to ethical and behavioral considerations. It also includes chapters on remote interpretation, working with vulnerable individuals, the emotional experience of interpreters, note-taking, and a compilation of terminology glossaries.

The Spanish version of the handbook is accessible on UNHCR website. Additionally, the original German version, edited by UNHCR Austria in 2022, along with English, French, and Russian versions, can be accessed on Refworld.

The recording of the launching event is available on the ACNUR YouTube channel.