Summary Definition of Refugee
Under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the definition could be simplified in a bullet point below;
The definition of refugee under the 1951 Convention is;
- A person who is outside his/her country of nationality (or habitual residence if have no nationality),
- Who is unable or (owing to his or her fear) unwilling to avail him/herself of the protection of that country (ie to return there),
- Because of a ‘well-founded’ fear;
- Subjective element – he/she must be afraid
- Objective element – there must be evidence from his/her country (eg newspaper articles, ngo reports, un reports) that shows that he/she has a good reason to be afraid
- Of persecution (eg threat to life or freedom or other serious violations of human rights),
- Based on;
- Race (includes ethnic group),
- Religion,
- Nationality (ethnic or linguistic group),
- Political opinion, or
- Membership of a particular social group (usually persons of similar background, habits or social status, often with a characteristic which is innate, unchangeable or fundamental).
