The 1951 Refugee Convention
© UN Archives
The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol are the key legal documents that form the basis of our work. With 149 State parties to either or both, they define the term ‘refugee’ and outlines the rights of refugees, 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)
Records of the 1951 Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Status of Refugees and Stateless Persons.
- Southern Africa - Roundtable Summary 12 Jan 2023
- Asia and the Pacific - Roundtable Summary 7 Dec 2022
- Americas - Roundtable Summary 6 Dec 2022
States parties, reservations and declarations (September 2019)
- 1951 Refugee Convention relating to the Status of Refugees
- 1967 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.