The 1951 Refugee Convention, a cornerstone international treaty designed to offer protection to people fleeing war, violence, and persecution, is marking its 75th anniversary. Born from the aftermath of World War II, the convention has been credited with saving millions of lives by defining refugee status, outlining their rights, and setting standards for their treatment. Nearly 150 countries are parties to the convention, which enshrines the principle of "non-refoulement," prohibiting the return of refugees to territories where they face threats to their life or freedom.
Despite its foundational role in international humanitarian law, respect for the convention has reportedly come under strain. Some nations have been accused of denying entry to asylum seekers. Notably, under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the United States implemented policies that sent asylum seekers to third countries, a departure from prior U.S. approaches.
Globally, the number of forcibly displaced people remains high, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reporting over 41 million refugees. A significant majority of these individuals, nearly 70%, are hosted by low- and middle-income nations. The International Committee of the Red Cross notes that more than 130 armed conflicts worldwide could contribute to further displacement.
Six individuals shared their personal experiences, highlighting the profound impact of displacement and the importance of the convention:
Sayed Alom, a Rohingya who fled Myanmar in 2017, described the violence his community faced, including killings and the destruction of homes. He has since been living in refugee camps in Bangladesh, experiencing conditions that have deteriorated over time, including threats from crime and extreme weather.
Juan Carlos Arce, a human rights lawyer, sought asylum in Costa Rica in 2018 after fleeing Nicaragua due to a government crackdown on protesters. He later resettled in Spain through a UNHCR program, emphasizing the inestimable value of feeling safe and protected.
Hussniyah Ahmad Ghozlan, now 88, recalled fleeing her village in present-day Israel during the 1948 war. Though she was not aware of the 1951 Convention, her family managed to build a life in Lebanon.
Hershel Greenblat, born in Ukraine while his Jewish family hid from the Nazis, immigrated to the U.S. in 1949. He believes refugees deserve protections and opportunities for work and education, noting that refugees in the 1950s worked diligently to establish themselves.
Wenyen Gabriel, born in Khartoum, Sudan, after his parents fled civil war, was resettled in New Hampshire with his family. He later achieved athletic success, playing basketball in the NBA and representing South Sudan in the Olympic Games. Gabriel, who became a UNHCR goodwill ambassador, acknowledged the struggles faced by refugees in integrating into new societies.
Swimmers Yusra and Sarah Mardini fled Syria in 2015, undertaking a perilous journey that included helping to keep their boat afloat in the Mediterranean Sea. They eventually found refuge in Germany. Sarah Mardini expressed hope for her country's recovery and her desire to contribute to its rebuilding, while acknowledging that recovery is a gradual process.
The convention's core principle of non-refoulement remains critical in ensuring that individuals fleeing persecution are not returned to dangerous situations. As global conflicts persist, the international community continues to grapple with upholding these protections for a growing number of displaced people.