The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol are the key legal documents that form the basis of UNHCR’s work.
Key points
- They define the term ‘refugee’ and outline their rights and the international standards of treatment for their protection.
- The 1951 Convention provides the internationally recognized definition of a refugee and outlines the legal protection, rights and assistance a refugee is entitled to receive.
- UNHCR serves as the ‘guardian’ of these documents.
- The core principle of the 1951 Convention is non-refoulement, which asserts that a refugee should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.
- The document outlines the basic minimum standards for the treatment of refugees, including the right to housing, work and education while displaced so they can lead a dignified and independent life.
- It also defines a refugee’s obligations to host countries and specifies certain categories of people, such as war criminals, who do not qualify for refugee status.
- In addition, it details the legal obligations of the States that are party to one or both of these instruments.
- India is not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol and does not have a national refugee protection framework.
