What Is the 1951 Refugee Convention and Who Does It Protect?

Most people are familiar with the term “refugee”, but there is often confusion as to what it means. Refugees haven’t always been defined in the way they are today. They also weren’t always protected under international law. One of the key documents that changed that is the 1951 Refugee Convention. In this article, we’ll explain what the 1951 Refugee Convention is and who it protects.

What Is the 1951 Refugee Convention?

The 1951 Refugee Convention—also referred to as the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees—is a legal document that came out of an international Convention in Geneva, Switzerland. The Convention involved 146 State parties and was created due to an influx of refugees at the end of World War II. Here are some of the most important outcomes from the Convention:

• A definition of the term “refugee”;
• An outline of the rights of refugees;
• An explanation of the legal obligations of States to protect the rights of refugees;
• The establishment of non-refoulement—which means refugees shouldn’t be returned to countries where there are threats to their life and freedom—as a core principle.

The 1951 Refugee Convention continues to serve as a basis for the protection of refugees, along with its 1967 Protocol—which broadened the scope and protection of the Convention.

Who Does the Convention Protect?

The 1951 Refugee Convention protects all persons meeting its definition of “refugee,” which includes individuals who have fled their home countries in order to escape persecution based on religion, race, nationality, political opinion, and more; these individuals’ home countries are either unable or unwilling to provide them with the protection they need to live in safety. While this definition covers and protects many different people fleeing threatening situations, it also leaves some out.

For instance, the 1951 Refugee Convention doesn’t protect internally displaced persons since they are not crossing international borders and leaving their home countries. This failure to include them leaves internally displaced persons vulnerable and without specific protection under international law.

The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) advocates for the rights of all uprooted people, including refugees and internally displaced persons. We believe it’s especially important to raise awareness of the plight facing internally displaced persons. Our efforts include protecting internally displaced children in Burkina Faso, providing assistance to Afghan refugees with our partner agencies, taking part in activism against gender-based violence towards Syrian refugees in Jordan, and more.

We rely on donations to fund our critical work and continue changing lives. Find out how you can make a difference and help internally displaced persons, refugees, and other migrants in need today!

About the International Catholic Migration Commission

The International Catholic Migration Commission is a nonprofit organization that protects, serves, and advocates for displaced people throughout the world. We help refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of human trafficking, and migrants of all faiths, races, and ethnicities forge lives in safety and dignity.

With support from people like you, ICMC delivers humanitarian aid and social development, protects vulnerable migrants, contributes to refugee resettlement efforts, advocates before governments, and partners with civic leaders. We seek a sustainable solution to dangerous migration and refugee crises.

Find out more by visiting our website.