Country Information

The concept “Country information” is extremely broad and its content can vary according to who is looking for the information. Objective country information is essential at the moment of arrival in the host country, as well as at the moment when one considers the possibility of returning to the home country.

On the one hand detailed and objective Country of Origin Information (COI) is necessary to provide evidence to support an asylum claim, thus increasing the chances to recognition of a protection status.

On the other hand country information is also important when a person considers returning to his country of origin; Country of Return Information (CRI) helps a potential returnee to get a clear and objective picture of the situation in his home country. Moreover, CRI also answers specific questions relating to the future of the person once he or she is back in the country of origin.

Flemish Refugee Action (Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen) provides refugees, potential returnees and their assistants with country information through the services of Planet Search and the CRI helpdesk.

Regardless the purpose for which the information is needed – procedure or return related - we always strive to provide a high quality answer. In the first place the information needs  to be useful for the person who asked for it. In our view this also means that the information should be reliable and transparent. Our sources are therefore carefully selected and made public.

Planet Search is our service which provides the Country of Origin Information, the CRI Helpdesk collects the Country of Return Information.