The unit Country of Origin Information under Center for Documentation and Counter Extremism collect and analyse background information on conditions in the applicants' countries of origin. This background information is used for the Immigration Service’ case processing, in particular regarding asylum cases but also more generally in the administration of immigration. The employees of the center are excluded from the processing of any applications and are not involved in the ruling of cases.
Collection of background information
The unit retrieves information either initiated by a specific request for an analysis of the situation in specific countries or by a general need for a collection of information assessed by the division. The unit assesses whether there is a need for new information on the grounds of continuous inquiries from the asylum and family reunification divisions of the Immigration Service. These inquiries show in which countries or areas there is a need for collection of new information and the type of information. In order to identify the need a number of indicators are used, including the following:
- Missing or outdated background information
- New groups of applicants
- Changed situations in the applicants’ home countries
- Conflicting background information
- New information from collaborating countries
- New motives for asylum
The employees of Country of Origin Information collect a great deal of information via the internet such as reports, newsletters, journals and newspapers. Information is also retrieved from a selection of internationally acknowledged databases. In addition the individual employees collect information through national and international networks, including contact to researchers and others with specialist knowledge of the area. Further information is also obtained by consulting the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Nations organisations and other relevant sources.
The employees of Country of Origin Information also travel on country missions to relevant countries and collect information at meetings and interviews with representatives from national authorities, international organisations and national NGOs. Some missions are undertaken in cooperation with the Danish Refugee Council. The results of country missions are presented in country reports.
All notes and reports made by Country of Origin Information are published here at us.dk