International Instruments Concerning Refugees

Short Name

Full Name

Description

1951 Statute

Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The Statute of the High Commissioner's office, adopted by General Assembly Resolution 428 (V) of 14 December 1950. This sets out UNHCR's function and responsibility to provide international protection and to seek permanent solutions to the problem of refugees. It serves as UNHCR's constitution and includes a definition of persons who are of concern to the H.C. The mandate has been modified over time through subsequent General Assembly and ECOSOC resolutions.

1951 Convention
1967 Protocol

1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, and 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees.

An international treaty which is binding upon the signatory states. It sets out the responsibilities of states which are parties to the Convention vis-a-vis refugees on their territories, and sets out the obligations of the refugees.

OAU Convention

OAU Convention governing the specific aspects of refugee problems in Africa (Organization of African Unity, Addis Ababa, 1969).

A regional complement to the 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol. It contains an expanded refugee definition as well as provisions on safe and peaceful asylum, burden-sharing and voluntary repatriation.

i. Cartagena Declaration

ii. St. Jose Convention

i. Cartagena Declaration on Refugees, 1984.
ii. American Convention on Human Rights, "Pact of San Jose, Costa Rica", 1969.

Non binding declarations which have greatly influenced regional policies on refugees and asylum seekers, and contain an expanded refugee definition.

Excom Conclusions

Various conclusions on international protection adopted by UNHCR's Executive Committee.

Contain important guidance to States and UNHCR.

Related Instruments

The UN Charter

The Charter of the United Nations, 1945.

Places certain general obligations on member states of the United Nations of particular relevance to UNHCR's international protection function.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.

Universal instrument setting out the basic human rights of all persons, including refugees.

Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons

Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, 1954.

Grants a recognized status to stateless persons who are lawful and habitual residents. Similar to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness

Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, 1961.

Contains measures to ensure that persons do not become stateless.

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966.

Obliges states which are parties to the Covenant to respect and ensure the rights set out in the Covenant to all individuals (within the state's territory and jurisdiction), without distinction such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Convention Against Torture

Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 1984.

Includes the principle of non-refoulement.

Convention Relating to the Rights of the Child

Convention Relating to the Rights of the Child, 1989.

A comprehensive code of rights for all children (defined as 18 years or under).

Geneva Conventions and additional protocols

Geneva Convention Relating to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (Geneva, 1949).

Covers the treatment of civilians in time of war, including refugees.

Declaration on Territorial Asylum

United Nations Declaration on Territorial Asylum, 1967.

Includes the principle of non-refoulement.

Final Act of the United Nations Conference on the Status of Stateless Persons, 1954

United Nations Conference on the Status of Stateless Persons.

Includes the principle of non-refoulement.