Kathmandu, October 2

The 86th general assembly of the International Police Organisation, commonly known as Interpol, held in Beijing has officially adopted a policy on the processing of data on refugees to avoid refugee status being abused by criminals and terrorists.

The resolution, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by delegates during the four-day general assembly (September 26 to 29), outlines a range of measures which should be taken by member countries during the asylum application process.

Inspector General of Police Prakash Aryal had led a Nepal delegation as the chief of Kathmandu-based National Central Bureau, Nepal office of Interpol.

Key aspects of the resolution on refugee include systematically checking Interpol’s databases, using Interpol’s information system to exchange information, establishing the relevant protocols to enable regular communication between the authorities in charge of reviewing asylum applications and the relevant Interpol’s NCBs, expanding to all relevant authorities, including border control and authorities in charge of reviewing asylum applications and access to the Interpol’s information system.

According to Nepal Police, the policy also encourages member countries to inform Interpol’s General Secretariat headquarters, if an individual has been granted refugee status. This resolution strikes a balance between enhancing international police cooperation and providing adequate and effective safeguards to protect the rights of refugees.

Underlining Interpol’s unique role in law enforcement cooperation, the delegates also supported its seven global policing goals for 2030 on key security topics such as countering terrorism, promoting border integrity, protecting vulnerable communities, securing cyberspace, promoting global integrity, curbing illicit markets and supporting environmental security.

IGP Aryal said counter-terrorism measures was be one of the main agenda of discussion during the general assembly.

Ensuring real-time data in the hands of frontline officers and increased cooperation across various agencies in combating terrorism, organised crime and cyber crime were key topics during the four-day meeting.

The delegates of the member countries also shared information on strategic tools and techniques in relation to combating international crimes, besides expressing commitment to ending terrorism and crime through mutual cooperation, he informed.

“Nepal has benefitted from the collaboration with Interpol member countries that have helped apprehend persons who fled Nepal after committing crime,” IGP Aryal said upon arrival in Kathmandu on Friday.