Global Civil Society Coalition Statement Calls For Stronger Adherence To The Refugee Convention

As the 1951 Refugee Convention approaches its 75th anniversary on July 28, the Global Civil Society Coalition, of which Women’s Refugee Commission is a member, calls for strengthened implementation and narratives rooted in hope and solidarity, not fear and division.

The Refugee Convention is the landmark international treaty that outlines the legal obligation to protect people from being returned to persecution and the rights of those who seek asylum. The Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and the principles underpinning them, have saved millions of lives and aided refugee-hosting
communities and States around the world.

As the world marks this milestone, the global civil society coalition of refugee-led, faith-based, humanitarian, legal aid, academic, and human rights organisations calls on UN Member States, UN agencies, donors, humanitarian actors, and others to advance concrete actions to strengthen adherence to, and implementation of, the Refugee Convention and uphold its principles. In all discussions about refugees and decisions affecting their rights, refugees and refugee-led organisations must be meaningfully included.

Click the links to read or download the full statement.