Internal relocation expert reports assess whether internal relocation within the country of origin is viable and reasonable as an alternative to international protection. The analysis has two limbs: viability (no real risk of persecution or serious harm at the proposed destination) and reasonableness (relocation would not be unduly harsh).
Experts apply UNHCR and tribunal standards to assess security at the proposed relocation destination, clan and family connections, economic subsistence, gender-specific barriers, and whether relocation would expose the appellant to renewed persecution or serious harm.
Internal relocation is frequently raised by the Home Office in refusal letters and must be addressed where relevant. Dedicated internal relocation analysis may be instructed separately in complex cases, or integrated into country condition reports where the respondent raises internal flight alternatives.
Profile-specific analysis is essential — generic country-level conclusions on internal relocation are rarely sufficient for tribunal proceedings. Experts must identify assumptions about the proposed destination and alternative hypotheses.
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- Country condition reports
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does an internal relocation expert report assess?
Whether internal relocation is viable and reasonable — assessing security at the proposed destination, clan/economic support, gender-specific barriers, and whether relocation would expose the appellant to risk of persecution or serious harm.
Is internal relocation always addressed in country condition reports?
It should be where the respondent raises internal relocation as an alternative to international protection. Dedicated internal relocation analysis may be instructed separately in complex cases.