Information on whether a citizen of the People's Republic of China (PRC) would have access to refugee status if they made the claim in Bolivia [BOL16523.E]

According to an official with the UNHCR in Ottawa, Bolivia is a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 United Nations Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, and has ratified and implemented the Cartegena Declaration (3 Mar. 1994). According to the source, there are no limitations on who may apply for refugee status in Bolivia, and the country is open to asylum seekers from the PRC (ibid.). The source added that a person could apply for refugee status from inside Bolivia through Bolivia's National Commission for Refugees (CONARE)(ibid.).

The source stated that the commission is comprised of seven members, one of whom is from the UNHCR (ibid.). The source also stated that if a claimant is granted refugee status, he or she may be given an identity card and a Convention Travel Document and receive the right to reside and to work in Bolivia (ibid.).

For additional information on the refugee determination process in Bolivia, please refer to the attached document sent to the DIRB by the UNHCR in Ottawa.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Reference


UNHCR, Ottawa. 3 March 1994. Telephone interview with information officer.

Attachment

UNHCR, Ottawa. 4 March 1994. Fax sent to the DIRB.