No Place to Stay: A Review of the Implementation of UNHCR's Urban Refugee Policy in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a European Union member state and a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. The country has adopted national refugee legislation, established a refugee status determination procedure and an integration programme for recognized refugees and those with humanitarian status.

This report concludes that Bulgaria’s refugee protection system is functioning, although not in an optimal manner. Asylum seekers have access to Bulgarian territory and have their applications for refugee status examined by the competent authorities. In principle at least, those who are recognized as refugees or granted humanitarian status have the same access to rights and services as Bulgarian citizens. A constructive dialogue has been established between UNHCR, the government, NGOs and civil society.