What Is the United Nations Refugee Convention?

The 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention is the cornerstone of international refugee law. Adopted in the aftermath of World War II, it defines who qualifies as a refugee and establishes the rights of people forced to flee persecution, conflict, or violence, as well as the responsibilities of countries to protect them.

One of the Convention’s most important principles is non-refoulement, which prohibits countries from returning refugees to places where their lives or freedom would be threatened. Together with its 1967 Protocol, the Convention has guided international refugee protection for more than 75 years and remains one of the world’s most significant human rights agreements.

Today, the Convention continues to provide the legal foundation for protecting millions of refugees worldwide. As record numbers of people are displaced by war, persecution, and humanitarian crises, its principles remain as relevant as ever.

Why This Anniversary Matters

For 75 years, the Convention has served as the cornerstone of refugee protection around the world, guiding nations in offering safety, dignity, and opportunity to those displaced by violence and conflict.

As global displacement reaches historic levels, this anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the Convention’s enduring principles, recognize the countless contributions refugees have made to communities across the United States, and celebrate America’s long history of refugee protection and leadership.