Key facts
- The 1951 Refugee Convention, established after WWII, is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
- The treaty aims to protect individuals fleeing war, violence, and persecution.
- Over 41 million people are currently forcibly displaced globally.
- The convention's core principle of 'non-refoulement' prevents refugees from being returned to dangerous situations.
- Several governments are tightening border controls and implementing stricter asylum measures.
- Public figures and organizations are calling for the convention's principles to be upheld.
The 1951 Refugee Convention, a foundational international treaty established after World War II to protect individuals fleeing war and persecution, is marking its 75th anniversary. Despite widespread support for the principle of safe refuge, many governments are tightening border controls amid a surge in global displacement, with over 41 million people forcibly displaced worldwide. The convention, ratified by 149 states, enshrines the principle of 'non-refoulement,' preventing refugees from being returned to situations where they face danger.
Public figures, including actors Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett, and Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally, have joined the UN refugee agency in calling for the convention's protections to be upheld. The UN agency itself issued a statement of support, 'The Promise,' signed by numerous celebrities, athletes, and leaders. However, concerns are mounting over governments employing tactics to circumvent their obligations under the treaty, such as the European Union's plans for offshore detention centers and U.S. President Donald Trump's restrictions on refugee admissions.
Compounding these challenges, the UN refugee agency faces significant financial pressure, with funding reportedly falling by approximately 30% in 2025, leading to thousands of layoffs. The United States, once a leading donor, has also reportedly considered severing ties with the organization, further straining the implementation of the convention's safeguards.