Abstract
Refugee status determination (RSD) is often rendered unusually difficult due to a lack of available documentary evidence to either support or contradict asylum seekers' claims as to their experiences in their countries of origin (including their reasons for seeking asylum abroad). This field's reliance upon asylum seekers' own testimonies with regard to their experiences means that 'credibility assessment' is uniquely important. This article discusses three grounds upon which the credibility of asylum seekers is frequently impugned - internal inconsistencies, applicants' demeanour and presentation, and apparent implausibilities. In determining how much weight to give to each of these grounds, decision-makers responsible for RSD must give due regard to cultural and linguistic barriers, the psychological consequences of trauma, and the limits of their own experiences. This article draws upon the author's experiences as Consultant to an Australian law firm specialising in refugee law and practice
Recommended Citation
McDonald, Douglas
(2014)
"Credibility Assessment in Refugee Status Determination,"
National Law School of India Review: Vol. 26:
Iss.
2, Article 2.
Available at:
https://repository.nls.ac.in/nlsir/vol26/iss2/2
