Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees

The Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, adopted in 1967, is an international agreement that expands the definition of refugees and removes geographic and time restrictions from the 1951 Refugee Convention. It ensures that individuals fleeing persecution, conflict, or violence are afforded protection and support as refugees, allowing them to seek asylum and rebuild their lives. Countries that ratify the Protocol commit to upholding the rights of refugees, including non-refoulement, which means they cannot be returned to places where their lives or freedoms are threatened. This legal framework aims to safeguard the dignity and rights of vulnerable populations worldwide.