International Refugee Law in Practice: Processing and Resettlement Procedures for Refugees in South East Nigeria

This study examines the practical application of international refugee law in the processing and potential resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers in South East Nigeria, focusing on the operational interface between the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and UNHCR in states including Anambra, Imo, and Cross River. Although South East Nigeria is not a primary reception area for international refugees, it hosts some groups fleeing conflict in Central and West Africa, and the region's legal infrastructure for refugee status determination merits professional assessment. Using a professional operational analysis methodology, the research draws on UNHCR operational guidelines, the Refugee Convention's refugee status determination procedures, and Nigerian refugee management documentation to assess the adequacy of current processing mechanisms. It examines the legal standards for refugee status determination interviews, the rights of asylum seekers pending determination, and the documentation provided to recognised refugees. The paper also considers resettlement selection criteria applied in Nigeria and evaluates whether resettlement allocations adequately account for vulnerabilities including disability, sexual and gender-based violence, and medical needs. Findings indicate limited NCFRMI capacity in South East Nigeria for refugee processing, with most operational capacity concentrated in camps in the North East. Recommendations include expanding NCFRMI regional presence, training refugee status determination officers in international standards, and developing community-based refugee support networks in South East states. Keywords: refugee law, NCFRMI, UNHCR, refugee status determination, South East Nigeria.