Within the broader framework of the Global Compact on Refugees that was adopted by the UN General Assembly on the 17th of December, UNHCR will be establishing an Asylum Capacity Support Group, which will assist states in establishing or strengthening their national asylum systems. UNHCR advocates that states establish national RSD systems that are fair, efficient, adaptable, have integrity and that produce quality decisions. UNHCR works closely with states to support and capacitate them in taking over increased responsibility for RSD and with improving their RSD systems. States have the primary responsibility to conduct RSD, however, UNHCR may conduct RSD under its mandate when a state is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and/or does not have a fair and efficient national asylum procedure in place. RSD is often a vital process in helping refugees realize their rights under international law. Refugee Status Determination, or RSD, is the legal or administrative process by which governments or UNHCR determine whether a person seeking international protection is considered a refugee under international, regional or national law.
