Researchers Faculty of Law launch study on quality assurance tools in legal aid for asylum seekers

Heinrich Winter, Bert Marseille, Barbara Brink and Hati Ruigrok, all affiliated with the Department of Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Public Administration, are conducting a study commissioned by the Legal Aid Board on the functioning of quality assurance tools in legal aid for asylum seekers. The research focuses on the specific characteristics of asylum cases and the particular vulnerability of the individuals involved in these procedures.

Peer review at the center

A key component of the quality system includes the CIT (Peer Review Committee), KRAV (Quality Assessment of Legal Aid in Asylum Cases for Refugees), and LARAV (National Advisory Committee on Legal Aid in Asylum Cases for Refugees). The research primarily focuses on the CIT. Central questions include: Does the CIT function as intended? Does the committee contribute to the safeguarding and improvement of legal aid in asylum cases? And how do KRAV and LARAV relate to this process?

Various research methods

The researchers are using a mix of research methods. They are examining how the CIT review process operates in practice and how the findings are reported back. In addition, interviews and group discussions are being conducted with asylum lawyers and other stakeholders.

Final report in 2025

The study is being supervised by a committee comprising members of the CIT, KRAV, and LARAV, as well as a representative from the Legal Aid Board. The composition of this supervisory committee ensures broad representation from the legal profession, academia, and the Dutch Council for Refugees.

The final report of the study is expected at the end of 2025. The findings aim to support the effective functioning of the quality system for legal aid in asylum cases.

This article was published by the Faculty of Law.