In 2021, the 1951 Refugee Convention turns 70 years old.
It is a foundational legal document that forms the basis of UNHCR’s work. The Refugee Convention protects the right of people to seek and obtain safety in another country when they are fleeing persecution, violence, or conflict at home.
UNHCR serves as the “guardian” of the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol. Both documents define the term “refugee” and outline the rights of refugees, as well as the legal obligations of States to protect them. There are 149 State parties to either or both, including Canada.
The core principle of the 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. This is now considered a rule of customary international law.
Watch this video to learn more about the right to claim asylum and hear from people who went through the asylum process to find safety in Canada.
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Music in this video
Song: Wayfinder
Artist’s Name(s): Cody Martin
KZread ID Code: 6HM5VA3QY9USLCFW