From the Field to Local Practice: Refugee Status Determination in a World of Disorder”
Reflections from our collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast for Refugee Week.
Introduction
As part of Refugee Week, Law Centre NI in conjunction with QUB hosted a lecture by immigration solicitor Peter Fitzmaurice, who shared reflections from more than two decades of working in refugee protection, human rights, and immigration law across some of the world’s most challenging humanitarian settings. This was followed by a panel discussion with Colin Harvey, Professor of Human Rights Law in the School of Law, QUB and Syrian journalist Khaled Zalitou, which was facilitated by Dr Lauren Dempster, Senior Lecturer in the School of Law (QUB) and Fellow of the Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice,
Julie Wilkinson, Interim CEO of Law Centre NI, opened the event by thanking Queen’s University Belfast for hosting the event and reflecting on the strong partnership between the organisations, including the Clinical Law Programme. Julie also congratulated Queen’s University Belfast, on becoming the first University of Sanctuary in Northern Ireland. In May 2025, at the start of their 180th anniversary year, this acknowledgement recognised their commitment to supporting refugee, asylum-seeker, and migrant communities.
Speaking in her role as Interim CEO of Law Centre NI, Julie highlighted how the riots across Northern Ireland in recent weeks had impacted Refugee Week: “In a week that should have been about celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary, we are once again seeing it being darkened by the actions of a small minority of people last week.”
Julie concluded by highlighting the courage shown by communities across Northern Ireland who refuse to let misinformation and disinformation define the region. She stressed that Law Centre NI would not bow to intimidation or pressure and would continue its work in pursuit of migration justice.
“We at Law Centre will not be deterred in our pursuit of migration justice. In addition to providing legal advice and representation to people seeking sanctuary, we play an essential role in combatting the misinformation, and more importantly the disinformation, that is rife and risks fuelling violence.”
From the Field to Local Practice
In his talk, “From the Field to Local Practice”, Peter drew on his extensive experience with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), where he held legal and protection roles in Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, Ethiopia and Ireland.
Peter spoke about his work supporting those forced to flee conflict, persecution and human rights abuses, drawing on extensive experience in international refugee protection, including leading refugee status determination (RSD) operations for UNHCR. Peter contrasted his experience working in Syria and Lebanon as a decision-maker with his work representing and overseeing processes for refugee protection under international law. The UNHCR RSD systems that he oversaw in Syria and Lebanon were characterised by an inquisitorial approach rather than the more adversarial approach in the UK system. He reflected on the significant responsibility involved in making decisions that can profoundly affect a person’s future, safety and access to fundamental rights.
Peter’s lecture comes at a time when the world appears increasingly defined by what Professor Colin Harvey described as a “new world disorder“, an era characterised by conflict, displacement, insecurity, and growing misinformation and disinformation surrounding international protection systems. Over the past two decades, wars and crises across the world have forced millions from their homes, while political responses in many countries have become increasingly focused on border control and immigration restriction. Against this backdrop, Peter’s experiences in refugee protection offered a timely reminder of the human stories behind global statistics and the continuing importance of safeguarding the rights of those forced to flee.
Having recently returned to Northern Ireland to join Law Centre NI as an immigration solicitor, Peter shared how lessons learned through international refugee operations continue to inform his work supporting asylum seekers and migrants locally. His reflections highlighted the connections between global displacement and local legal practice, reminding us that behind every asylum claim is a person seeking safety, dignity and the opportunity to rebuild their life.
What can people do? Three small but meaningful actions
Everyone has a role to play in creating a safe, welcoming, and informed society for all.
The Panel
The evening featured insightful contributions from Professor Colin Harvey, Professor of Human Rights Law at Queen’s University Belfast, and Syrian journalist Khalid Zalitou, who explored the challenges facing refugee status determination in a rapidly changing world. The discussion focused on access to protection, fairness in decision-making, and the future of international refugee law.
Reflecting on the fundamental principles underpinning refugee protection, Professor Harvey remarked: “Getting to the very basics is incredibly important. If you were told to go somewhere where you knew you would be persecuted, would you do that?” Professor Harvey concluded by emphasising that we are engaged in a battle for facts, good public administration, and the challenge of countering misinformation and disinformation circulating on global platforms.
Khalid shared his personal experience of being separated from his wife and children for eight years due to failures within the immigration system, highlighting the vital role that immigration advisers play in helping people navigate complex processes.
Thank you to Queens University Belfast, Peter Fitzmaurice, Immigration Solicitor at LCNI, Julie Wilkinson, Interim CEO at LCNI, Colin Harvey, Professor of Human Rights Law in the School of Law, QUB, Syrian journalist Khaled Zalitou, Dr Lauren Dempster, Senior Lecturer in the School of Law (QUB) and Fellow of the Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice, and everyone who joined us for this thought-provoking Refugee Week event and contributed to the discussion on refugee protection, human rights and access to justice.