The 1951 Refugee Convention
© UN Archives
The 1951 Refugee Convention is the key legal document that forms the basis of our work. Ratified by 145 State parties, it defines the term ‘refugee' and outlines the rights of the displaced, as well as the legal obligations of States to protect them.
The core principle is non-refoulement, which asserts that a refugee should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom. 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.
The 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol
The most frequently asked questions about the treaty and its protocol.
1951 Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Status of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Travaux préparatoires)
- The Refugee Convention, 1951: The Travaux préparatoires analysed with a Commentary by Dr. Paul Weis 1990
- Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Status of Refugees and Stateless Persons: Summary Record of the Thirty-fifth Meeting 3 Dec 1951
- Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Status of Refugees and Stateless Persons: Summary Record of the Thirty-fourth Meeting 30 Nov 1951
Reservations and Declarations
States Parties to the Convention and the Protocol - External links
Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees
Signing on Could Make all the Difference
A brochure on the benefits to governments of accession to the Refugee Convention.
Procedures for Becoming a State Party
A brochure on steps needed for a government to sign on to the Refugee Convention.
United Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law
Historical archives of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, Geneva, 28 July 1951 and Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, New York, 31 January 1967.