
Understanding the Convention Refugee Definition: Essential UNHCR Guidance
CILA is excited to announce our upcoming CLE webinar, “Understanding the Convention Refugee Definition: Essential UNHCR Guidance!”
Join us on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, for an essential session that will help you effectively represent refugee clients before the RPD and RAD.
Program Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET
Registration: FREE for CILA Members and Law Students; $50 for Non-Members*
*Non-members must meet CILA membership eligibility criteria to attend.
What You’ll Learn:
This session, based on the UNHCR Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for Determining Refugee Status, will provide an in-depth understanding of the Convention refugee definition and its application in Canada. Key topics include:
- The seven essential elements of the Convention refugee definition under section 96 of the IRPA
- The subjective and objective elements of the Convention refugee definition
- The concepts of “persecution” and “state protection”
- The five grounds for refugee status (race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, political opinion)
- Internal flight alternative
- UNHCR’s fact-finding guidance in the refugee context
- The role of the UNHCR in Canada’s refugee determination process and the resources available
- Leading Canadian caselaw on each element of the definition
- The definition of a person in need of protection under section 97 of the IRPA and how it differs from refugee status
Experts:
Join our esteemed panelists featuring:
- Azadeh Tamjeedi, Senior Legal Officer, UNHCR, Canada
- Pia Zambelli, LL.B., LL.M., Chair, CILA Refugee Committee
Why Attend?
This session is a must for newcomers to refugee law and will also serve as a valuable refresher for experienced practitioners. The UNHCR Handbook is a cornerstone resource for understanding refugee status and will be provided to all participants as a PDF.
This webinar is the second in CILA’s new six-part CLE series, “The ABC’s of Representing Refugees.” Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your expertise in Canadian refugee law and enhance your practice.
Register now to secure your spot! Stay tuned for more information on our expert panelists.
Please note: This program qualifies for CPD points under substantive law. Attendees are responsible for applying for the appropriate CPD credits with their provincial or territorial law society. Please retain your registration ticket, event invitation email (with the Zoom link), and program materials as proof to claim your CPD hours.
