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Fundamentals of Immigration Detention

Detention is a deprivation of liberty and often entails extreme hardship for individuals. Yet the use of immigration detention as a migration management tool has become a standard rather than an exception in many countries. This free course from UNHCR outlines the rules around detention, safeguards provided in international law, the actors involved, and standards of treatment for persons in situations of vulnerability.

Online Course • 3 Hours • English, Arabic, French, Spanish • Free

What You Will Learn

Learn why detention in the immigration context must only be used for exceptions and the importance of complying with safeguards provided in international law.

Objectives:

  • Explain why immigration detention is a concern
  • Identify the procedural safeguards that relate to detention
  • Identify the existing standards on the conditions of detention
  • Describe the standards for vulnerable persons related to detention, in particular children
  • State the roles of the key actors related to detention settings

How to register

The self-study modules are available for download at https://www.refworld.org/detention.html.

You may access the e-learning course through this web-page or directly at two platforms:

The e-learning course and self-study modules are available in English, French, Arabic and Spanish.

Should you need additional information, please contact Maciej Fagasinski (project coordinator, DIP) at fagasink@unhcr.org and Ariel Riva (legal officer, DIP) at riva@unhcr.org.