Rights to Refugees
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The rights of refugees are enshrined in international human rights law and refugee law instruments. These rights are designed to protect and uphold the dignity, well-being, and fundamental freedoms of individuals who have been forced to flee their home countries.
Right to seek asylum: Refugees have the right to seek asylum in another country. This includes the right to enter a country for the purpose of seeking protection and to have their asylum claims fairly and individually assessed.
Non-refoulement: The principle of non-refoulement prohibits the return of refugees to a country where they would face persecution, torture, or other serious harm. This principle is recognised under international law and is a fundamental aspect of refugee protection.
Right to protection and security: Refugees have the right to be protected from arbitrary arrest, detention, and expulsion. They should be provided with adequate security and protection, both in their country of asylum and during their journey to seek asylum.
Right to freedom of movement: Refugees have the right to move freely within the country where they have sought asylum. They should not be arbitrarily restricted in their movement or confined to specific locations, unless necessary for national security or public order reasons.
Access to basic services: Refugees have the right to access basic services such as food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education. Host countries and the international community have a responsibility to ensure that these services are available to refugees on an equal basis with the host population.
Right to work: Refugees have the right to work and to engage in gainful employment to support themselves and their families. Host countries should provide refugees with the necessary legal frameworks and opportunities to access the labor market.
Right to education: Refugee children have the right to access education on an equal basis with the host population. This includes access to primary and secondary education, as well as opportunities for higher education and vocational training.
Family unity: Refugees have the right to be reunited with their family members, including spouses, children, and parents. Host countries should facilitate family reunification and ensure that family unity is respected and protected.
Right to durable solutions: Refugees have the right to durable solutions to their displacement. This includes voluntary repatriation to their home country when conditions allow, local integration in the country of asylum, or resettlement to a third country.
The rights of refugees should be respected by both the host countries and the international community. Upholding these rights requires cooperation, solidarity, and shared responsibility to ensure the protection and well-being of refugees and to find durable solutions to their displacement.
Right to seek asylum: Refugees have the right to seek asylum in another country. This includes the right to enter a country for the purpose of seeking protection and to have their asylum claims fairly and individually assessed.
Non-refoulement: The principle of non-refoulement prohibits the return of refugees to a country where they would face persecution, torture, or other serious harm. This principle is recognised under international law and is a fundamental aspect of refugee protection.
Right to protection and security: Refugees have the right to be protected from arbitrary arrest, detention, and expulsion. They should be provided with adequate security and protection, both in their country of asylum and during their journey to seek asylum.
Right to freedom of movement: Refugees have the right to move freely within the country where they have sought asylum. They should not be arbitrarily restricted in their movement or confined to specific locations, unless necessary for national security or public order reasons.
Access to basic services: Refugees have the right to access basic services such as food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education. Host countries and the international community have a responsibility to ensure that these services are available to refugees on an equal basis with the host population.
Right to work: Refugees have the right to work and to engage in gainful employment to support themselves and their families. Host countries should provide refugees with the necessary legal frameworks and opportunities to access the labor market.
Right to education: Refugee children have the right to access education on an equal basis with the host population. This includes access to primary and secondary education, as well as opportunities for higher education and vocational training.
Family unity: Refugees have the right to be reunited with their family members, including spouses, children, and parents. Host countries should facilitate family reunification and ensure that family unity is respected and protected.
Right to durable solutions: Refugees have the right to durable solutions to their displacement. This includes voluntary repatriation to their home country when conditions allow, local integration in the country of asylum, or resettlement to a third country.
The rights of refugees should be respected by both the host countries and the international community. Upholding these rights requires cooperation, solidarity, and shared responsibility to ensure the protection and well-being of refugees and to find durable solutions to their displacement.
