The 1951 Refugee Convention

The 1951 Refugee Convention is an international treaty that defines who qualifies as a refugee and the rights they are entitled to, as well as the obligations of nations to protect them. It was created in the aftermath of World War II to address the needs of those fleeing persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The Convention ensures that refugees can seek asylum and receive protection in host countries, preventing them from being returned to places where they face serious harm.