UN Refugee Agency commemorates 73 years of the Refugee Convention, urging universal accession

This Sunday marks the 73rd anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, a pivotal framework that has safeguarded millions fleeing conflict and persecution, reliefweb reported yesterday.

The Convention, along with its 1967 Protocol, defines a refugee and outlines their rights and protections. Central to these treaties is the principle of non-refoulement, preventing states from returning individuals to life-threatening situations.

Currently, 149 countries have ratified the Convention or its Protocol. However, UNHCR urges the remaining 46 UN Member and Observer States to join this crucial legal framework.

While there was a surge in accessions during the late 20th century, commitment remains particularly low in Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. With over 43 million refugees worldwide, the ongoing need for these protections underscores the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in addressing global displacement challenges.