What obligation does refugees have under the 1951 Refugee Convention?

The cornerstone of the 1951 Convention is the principle of non-refoulement contained in Article 33. Accord- ing to this principle, a refugee should not be returned to a country where he or she faces serious threats to his or her life or freedom.

Which countries have not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention?

Many of the countries hosting the greatest numbers of refugees are not signatories to the Refugee Convention, for example Lebanon, Pakistan and Jordan.

Is the 1951 Refugee Convention outdated?

The crux of criticism is that the Convention is obsolete and inappropriate to deal with contemporary challenges. As at end-1999 the UNHCR had identified 22.3 million people ‘of concern’, including 11.7 million ‘refugees’, and 4 million ‘internally displaced’ (people who are refugees in their own countries).

What rights do refugees have under the Convention?

Refugees are entitled to equal treatment than other foreign nationals for most of these rights. Refugees are also entitled to the same rights as citizens in relation to freedom of religion, intellectual property, access to courts and legal assistance, accessing elementary education, labour rights and social security.

Who hasn’t signed the Refugee Convention?

Madagascar and Saint Kitts and Nevis are parties only to the Convention, while Cape Verde, the United States of America and Venezuela are parties only to the Protocol.

What is wrong with the Refugee Convention?

the Convention takes no account of the impact (political, financial, social) of large numbers of asylum seekers on receiving countries. there is inequity of outcomes between ‘camp’ and ‘Convention’ refugees. Priority is given to those present, on the basis of their mobility, rather than to those with the greatest need.

What was the role of UNHCR in the 1951 Convention?

This is now considered a rule of customary international law. UNHCR serves as the ‘guardian’ of the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol. According to the legislation, States are expected to cooperate with us in ensuring that the rights of refugees are respected and protected.

Is the Geneva Convention the same as the Refugee Convention?

Although the Refugee Convention was agreed in Geneva, it is considered incorrect to refer to it as “the Geneva Convention” because that term is more widely understood as referring to any of four treaties regulating armed conflict.

What does Article 19 of the UNHCR say?

The Office prefers to maintain the revocation of residence permits of refugees in such cases, as envisaged by draft Article 19 (3). 7.

What is the role of the UNHCR in the protection of refugees?

Detention Protection Policy and Legal Advice Based on the 1951 Geneva Refugee Convention, UNHCR’s core mandate is to ensure the international protection of uprooted people worldwide. Our organization promotes the basic human rights of refugees and ensures they will not be returned involuntarily to a country where they face persecution.