The Convention Related to the Status of Refugees was ratified in 1951 to deal with the millions of displaced persons in the wake of World War II.
The Convention defines the term “refugee” and outlines the rights of those who meet the criteria for obtaining refugee status. The treaty also outlines the legal responsibilities of State Parties.
One of the primary principles of the Convention is that of non-refoulement – the concept that a refugee shall not be forcibly returned to their country of origin if they will face threats to their life or freedom there. The U.S. did not ratify the 1951 Convention, but did ratify the related 1967 Protocol, which removed the time-related and geographic restrictions of the original Convention.
Twelve nations sign the Convention Concerning the Status of Refugees, Geneva, July 1951 (ES via UN Photo)