Legal Assistance for Refugees

Legal service offerings from UNHCR

UNHCR provides various forms of legal assistance to refugees and asylum-seekers, including:

  • Counselling: Group sessions and individual counselling to understand rights and duties.
  • Representation: Legal representation during judicial or administrative processes to ensure fair treatment and advocacy for rights.
  • Detention Assistance: Support if detained, including legal advice and representation during proceedings.
  • Documentation Support: Help with obtaining or verifying civil documents, such as birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates.
  • Mediation: Support with legal dispute resolution through mediation.

Contact a UNHCR legal partner for details about upcoming legal assistance sessions or individual counselling.

Which UNHCR partners provide legal assistance?

Legal assistance is provided by:

  • Sana’a:
    • Al-Dar Al-Arabia, Hotline: 738 326 326, near German Embassy Street, Hadda.
  • Aden:
    • Field Medical Foundation (FMF) Drop-in Centre, Basateen, block 7, in front of Basateen Boys’ School, Hotline: 800 0433.
  • Kharaz Camp:
    • Human Access (HA) Drop-in Centre.

For additional areas, contact:

  • Abyan, Taiz: Nahda Makers Organization (NMO), Hotline: +967 776 161 484.
  • Shabwa, Lahj, Aden: Society for Humanitarian Solidarity (SHS), Hotline: +967 714 141 069.
  • Hadramout, Al Hudaydah (Khokha), Abyan, Ad Dali, Shabwa: Field Medical Foundation (FMF), Hotline: 800 0433.

Keep your registration and contact information updated with UNHCR to avoid interruptions Legal Assistance for Refugees in Yemen.

Can UNHCR protect me from prosecution?

No, refugees and asylum-seekers are subject to Yemeni law and cannot be exempted from prosecution.

  • UNHCR legal partners provide support to ensure fair representation and respect for rights during legal processes.
  • UNHCR does not advocate for release before legal processes are complete.

What rights do refugees and asylum-seekers have in Yemen?

  • Asylum: The right to remain in Yemen while in need of international protection.
  • Non-refoulement: Protection from forced return to a country where there is a risk of harm.
  • Basic Rights: Access to education, healthcare, and legal identity on the same basis as Yemeni nationals or other foreign residents.
  • Freedom of Movement: The right to reside in any location in Yemen with appropriate documentation.

What are the obligations of refugees and asylum-seekers?

Refugees and asylum-seekers must:

  • Respect Yemeni laws and regulations.
  • Cooperate with authorities during refugee status determination and other administrative processes.

Is Yemeni criminal law applicable to me?

Yes, refugees and asylum-seekers are bound by Yemeni criminal law, and non-Yemeni victims of crime are equally protected under the law.

How can I avoid being arrested or detained?

  • All UNHCR and partner services are free of charge. If someone asks for payment, report it to UNHCR.
  • Contact legal partners or UNHCR hotlines for further support.

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