HUMAN RIGHTS AND

CITIZENSHIP
REFUGEES RIGHTS
 INTRODUCTION
 Refugee rights encompass the fundamental protections
 and entitlements afforded to individuals who have been
forced to flee their home countries due to well-founded
fear of persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights
abuses.
 These rights are enshrined in various international,
regional, and national legal instruments. Here's a
detailed elaboration of refugee rights, both in general
terms and within the framework of international law.
 REFUGEE RIGHTS IN GENERAL
RIGHT TO SEEK ASYLUM:
 Refugees have the right to seek asylum in another country to
escape persecution and violence.
 Seeking asylum is a fundamental step in the protection of
refugee rights.
NON-REFOULEMENT:
 The principle of non-refoulement prohibits countries from
returning refugees to a territory where their life or freedom
would be threatened.
 It is a cornerstone of refugee protection and is found in various
REFUGEE RIGHTS IN GENERAL

PROTECTION FROM PERSECUTION:

 Refugees have the right to be protected from
persecution based on their race, religion,
nationality, political opinion, or membership in a
particular social group.
RIGHT TO LIFE AND SECURITY:
 Refugees are entitled to the right to life and
security, and host countries have a duty to ensure
their safety within their territories.
REFUGEE RIGHTS IN GENERAL

FREEDOM FROM ARBITRARY DETENTION:

 Refugees should not be subject to arbitrary
detention, and any detention should be in
accordance with international law and standards.
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT:
 Refugees should enjoy freedom of movement
within the host country and should not be
subjected to restrictions that are not in line with
international law.
REFUGEE RIGHTS IN GENERAL

ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND

HEALTHCARE:
 Refugees have the right to access education and
healthcare services on an equal basis with the host
population.
FAMILY REUNIFICATION:
 The right to family unity is important, and efforts
should be made to facilitate family reunification
for refugees.
REFUGEE RIGHTS IN GENERAL

ACCESS TO WORK:
 Refugees should have the opportunity to access
employment and livelihood opportunities, subject
to reasonable restrictions in some cases.
DOCUMENTATION:
 Refugees should be provided with appropriate
identification and documentation, which can be
essential for accessing rights and services.
REFUGEE RIGHTS IN INTERNATIONAL LAW:
 1951 CONVENTION RELATING TO THE STATUS OF
REFUGEES:
 This convention is the key international instrument
governing refugee rights.
 It defines who is a refugee and outlines their rights,
including non-refoulement, freedom of movement, access to
work, and access to public assistance.
 1967 PROTOCOL RELATING TO THE STATUS OF
REFUGEES:
 This protocol extends the applicability of the 1951
Convention to refugees worldwide, regardless of when they
became refugees.
 REFUGEE RIGHTS IN INTERNATIONAL LAW:
 UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
(UDHR):
 While not specific to refugees, the UDHR contains principles
and rights that apply to all individuals, including refugees.
 These include the right to life, liberty, and security of person
(Article 3), the right to seek asylum (Article 14), and the right
to non-discrimination (Article 7).
 CUSTOMARY INTERNATIONAL LAW:
 Certain principles related to refugee rights, such as the
principle of non-refoulement, are considered customary
international law and are binding on all states.
REFUGEE RIGHTS IN INTERNATIONAL LAW:
 UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR
REFUGEES (UNHCR):
 The UNHCR is the UN agency responsible for protecting
and assisting refugees.
 It plays a crucial role in ensuring the rights of refugees are
respected and upheld.
 REGIONAL TREATIES:
 In addition to international law, various regional treaties and
conventions address refugee rights, such as the African Union
Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee
Problems in Africa.
FACILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Facilities and responsibilities concerning refugees

involve the provision of essential services,
protection, and support to individuals who have
been forced to flee their home countries due to
persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights
abuses.
 These facilities and responsibilities are shared
among host countries, international organizations,
and humanitarian agencies.
 FACILITIES FOR REFUGEES:
 SAFE SHELTER AND HOUSING:
 Host countries, often with the assistance of
humanitarian agencies, should provide refugees with
safe and adequate shelter, which may include refugee
camps, temporary housing, or assistance in finding
local accommodation.
 ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION:
 Access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation
facilities is essential to prevent waterborne diseases and
ensure the health and well-being of refugees.
 FACILITIES FOR REFUGEES:
 FOOD AND NUTRITION:
 Refugees should have access to an adequate and nutritious
food supply.
 This is typically provided through food distribution
programs or food vouchers.
 HEALTHCARE SERVICES:
 Medical facilities and healthcare services should be
available to address the physical and mental health needs of
refugees.
 This includes access to vaccinations, maternal care, and
treatment for injuries and illnesses.
 FACILITIES FOR REFUGEES:
 EDUCATION:
 Refugee children have the right to education.
 Host countries and humanitarian organizations should
establish schools and provide educational resources to
ensure access to quality education.
 EMPLOYMENT AND LIVELIHOOD
OPPORTUNITIES:
 Facilitating access to employment and livelihood
opportunities allows refugees to support themselves and
contribute to the local economy, when feasible and
appropriate.
FACILITIES FOR REFUGEES:

 LEGAL DOCUMENTATION:
 Refugees should be provided with appropriate
identification and documentation, which is
essential for accessing rights and services,
including travel documents and birth certificates
for children born in exile.
RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS REFUGEES:
 NON-REFOULEMENT:
 Host countries have a legal obligation not to return
refugees to a territory where their life or freedom would be
threatened (principle of non-refoulement).
 As outlined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967
Protocol.
 PROTECTION FROM PERSECUTION AND
VIOLENCE:
 Host countries should ensure the physical safety and
protection of refugees, including protection from violence,
discrimination, and exploitation.
RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS REFUGEES:
 ACCESS TO ASYLUM PROCEDURES:
 Refugees have the right to seek asylum and have their
claims assessed through fair and transparent asylum
procedures.
 This includes access to legal counsel and interpreters.
 HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE:
 The international community, often through humanitarian
agencies such as the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR), has a responsibility to provide
humanitarian assistance to meet the basic needs of
refugees.
RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS REFUGEES:
 INTEGRATION AND DURABLE SOLUTIONS:
 Host countries should work towards the integration of
refugees into their societies or facilitate their safe and
voluntary return to their home countries when conditions
allow.
 In some cases, resettlement to third countries may be
considered.
 CHILD PROTECTION:
 Special attention should be given to the protection of
refugee children, including measures to prevent child labor,
child marriage, and recruitment into armed forces.
RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS REFUGEES:
 GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND
RESPONSE:
 Adequate measures should be in place to prevent and
respond to gender-based violence among refugee
populations, including services for survivors.
 PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT AND MENTAL
HEALTH CARE:
 Refugees often experience trauma and psychological
distress.
 Mental health services and psychosocial support should
be available to address their emotional well-being.
RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS REFUGEES:
 COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES:
 Community-based services and support
networks should be established to foster social
cohesion and inclusion within the host
community.
 DATA COLLECTION AND MONITORING:
 Comprehensive data collection and monitoring
mechanisms help assess the needs of refugees,
track their well-being, and inform policy and
program development.
RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS REFUGEES:

 LEGAL FRAMEWORK:
 Host countries should enact laws and regulations
that protect the rights of refugees and ensure
they are treated with dignity and respect.
CONCLUSION
 In summary, refugee rights are an essential
component of international human rights law.
 These rights are aimed at protecting individuals
fleeing persecution and violence and ensuring their
safety, dignity, and well-being.
 Upholding refugee rights is a shared responsibility
among host countries, international organizations,
and the international community as a whole.
CONCLUSION

 Responsibilities towards refugees are shared

among host countries, the international
community, humanitarian agencies, and civil
society organizations.
 Cooperation and coordination among these
stakeholders are essential to meet the needs
and protect the rights of refugees effectively.
THANKYOU