6.1 International and European law provides for the granting of international protection to those who cannot return to their country of origin because they have a well-founded fear of persecution or are at risk of being ill treated or subjected to other serious harm. Individuals who apply for international protection and are awaiting a decision on that application are referred to as asylum seekers.

6.2 There are two types of international protection in the EU

  • refugee status is given to persons who demonstrate a fear of persecution in their home country due to certain aspects of their identity, such as religion or political opinion.
  • subsidiary protection status derives from European law and is given to persons who do not qualify as refugees but who, nevertheless, cannot return home because they risk facing serious harm, such as torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, or generalised violence in a war.

Read full report here: Procument and management of contracts of direct provision 2015