On 25-29 September 2017, in Athens, a third assessment session was organised of the pilot project European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR).  It is based on the joint Council of Europe/UNESCO Lisbon Recognition Convention and its aim is to support refugees to integrate and contribute to their new host communities by recognising their education credentials. During the session, 29 applicants had their qualifications assessed and 19 candidates were issued the ”Passport”. 

The EQPR is a document providing an assessment of higher education qualifications that refugees claim to have, and it is based on available documentation and a structured interview with the applicant. It also presents information on the applicant’s work experience and language proficiency.  If the evaluator’s decision is positive, the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees is issued and valid for five years from the date of issue.

 The pilot project is being tested in partnership with the Greek authorities, and the recognition centres (ENICs) of Greece, Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom.  A documentary video about the project will be screened for the first time on 13 November 2017. The UNHCR also supports the project.