Asylum Access Malaysia (AAM) conducted an interpreter training session for refugees from different countries. The training session was held to upskill refugee interpreters who lacked formal training to improve their capabilities.
To a large extent, most refugee interpreters perform their role based solely on their personal knowledge and experience. As such, they may not fully understand the general obligations and code of conduct for interpreters which consists of maintaining client confidentiality and remaining neutral so as not to affect the outcome of a case. Otherwise, an interpreter may risk losing their job and/or indirectly affect the decision-making process of another.
This vital training session was held on 3 May 2019 at the KL Campus of Brickfields Asia College. The session was conducted by an AAM Trainer and attended by 28 refugee interpreters.
After a brief slide presentation, the refugee interpreters who attended were divided into groups and paired off to conduct role-play activities. Each group were given different scenarios and the pairs would have to brainstorm and come up with a practical interpretation to be evaluated by the Trainer.
The venue for the session was supported by The Make It Right Movement (MIRM).
AAM is a part of the Asylum Access family, an international organisations which provides on-the- ground operations including direct legal services for refugees and asylum seekers, Know-Your- Options trainings, and engagement with UNHCR and other stakeholders in Malaysia’s refugee rights movement.
