Refugee

Refugee

A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster. The term refugee is often used in the context of international law, specifically the 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines a refugee as a person who is outside their country of nationality or habitual residence, has a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, and is unable or unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution.

History

The concept of a refugee has been present throughout human history, but became codified in international law in the 20th century. The League of Nations first established legal protections for refugees in 1921, and these were later expanded by the United Nations in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol.

Causes

Refugees are often the result of a variety of factors, including war, persecution, and natural disasters. In some cases, people may become refugees as a result of economic hardship or environmental degradation.

Legal status and rights

Under international law, refugees have a number of rights and protections. These include the right not to be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom, the right to work, the right to housing, and the right to education.

Challenges

Refugees often face a number of challenges, including discrimination, poverty, and difficulty accessing services and resources. They may also face mental health issues as a result of their experiences.

See also

• Asylum seeker
• Internally displaced person
• Statelessness

External links

• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
• International Organization for Migration

Refugee Resources
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