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Source– This post on World Refugee Day 2024 has been created based on the article “World Refugee Day 2024” published in “The quint” on 19 June 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, world refugee day was celebrated on 20th June 2024.
About World Refugee Day 2024
1. World Refugee Day 2024 is celebrated on Thursday, 20 June 2024. Theme for 2024 is ‘For a World Where Refugees Are Welcomed‘
2. It was first celebrated on 20 June 2001. The United Nations General Assembly officially declared it as an International Day for Refugees.
3. Purpose: To Commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. The day was earlier recognized as Africa Refugee Day and later in December 2000.
4. Significance
The significance of World Refugee Day lies in drawing attention to the hardships and challenges refugees face globally, and advocating for solutions to these issues.
The day is dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the resilience, courage, and strength of refugees as they strive to rebuild their lives and work towards a brighter future.
About 1951 Refugee Convention
The 1951 Refugee Convention provides a globally recognized definition of a refugee and outlines the legal protections, rights, and assistance they are entitled to.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) acts as the guardian of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its protocols, ensuring their implementation and protection of refugees’ rights.
Core Principles
i) Non-Refoulement: Refugees must not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.
ii) Basic Rights: Refugees have the right to housing, work, and education while displaced to help them live a dignified and independent life.
iii) Obligations: Refugees must follow the laws of their host countries. Certain individuals, like war criminals, are excluded from refugee status.
Legal Obligations of States
i) Accession to the Convention: A state can join the 1951 Convention by depositing an instrument of accession with the UN Secretary-General, signed by the Foreign Minister or Head of State.
ii) 1967 Protocol: States wishing to join the 1967 Protocol follow the same procedure. They can join both the Convention and the Protocol simultaneously, which most states choose to do.
UPSC Syllabus: International organsiation
