UN refugee convention turns 75 with renewed global commitment

UN Refugee Agency Celebrates 75th Anniversary of 1951 Refugee Convention

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) marks a significant milestone this year, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. The convention, an international agreement created in response to one of history’s darkest chapters, aims to ensure that individuals forced to flee persecution are protected.

In 2013, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador for the agency shared her personal story of fleeing Syria due to war and persecution. She was among millions of people who have been displaced by conflict, violence, and persecution worldwide. Today, over 120 million people globally face similar circumstances.

The convention provides a framework for countries to offer protection to refugees. For many individuals, it represents hope and a new start. However, the agency emphasizes that protection is not only about surviving the journey but also about giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives afterwards.

UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador highlights the importance of recognizing refugees as individuals with professions, talents, ambitions, and dreams. Despite facing extraordinary challenges, many refugees exhibit resilience and determination to move forward. The agency stresses that hope alone is insufficient; protection matters.

The international refugee system faces significant pressure due to prolonged conflicts and emerging crises. Many countries hosting large refugee populations carry responsibilities that should be shared more equitably among the global community. Refugees often encounter closed borders, perilous journeys, and growing hostility.

In early 2025, the Goodwill Ambassador returned to Syria for the first time in a decade, highlighting the need for safety, functioning schools, hospitals, homes, jobs, and confidence that refugees will not be forced to flee again. The convention remains crucial today as it provides a foundation for protecting individuals who have been displaced.

The UNHCR continues to advocate for the rights of refugees worldwide, emphasizing the importance of dignity, protection, and opportunities for rebuilding lives.

Source: Al Jazeera