Public International Law II

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the meaning assigned to 'refugee' under international law?

A refugee is a person who is outside their country of origin and unable to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

What are the core documents of international refugee law?

The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.

International refugee law operates in isolation from international human rights law.

False

Which organization was created by the UN General Assembly to protect refugees?

UNHCR Signup and view all the answers

The principle of ______ ensures that no refugee is returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.

non-refoulement Signup and view all the answers

What does the 1967 Protocol do in relation to the 1951 Refugee Convention?

It widens both the temporal and geographical scope of the Refugee Convention. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a right provided for under the Refugee Convention?

Right to vote in national elections Signup and view all the answers

What role does UNHCR play in relation to refugee rights?

UNHCR administers and protects the rights of refugees at the international level. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sources of international refugee law with their descriptions:

1951 Refugee Convention = Defines the term 'refugee' and sets minimum treatment standards 1967 Protocol = Expands the coverage of the 1951 Convention Customary international law = Applies to all states, whether they are party to treaties or not Regional instruments = Provide protections specific to groups of countries Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of international refugee law?

To protect persons seeking asylum from persecution and those recognized as refugees. Signup and view all the answers

Which convention is considered the foundation of international refugee law?

1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees Signup and view all the answers

International refugee law operates in isolation from international human rights law.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of non-refoulement entail?

It prohibits the return of refugees to countries where they face serious threats to their life or freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What establishes the role of the UNHCR?

To ensure the international protection of refugees and work on solutions to refugee problems Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Refugee = A person who is forced to flee their country due to persecution. Asylum Seeker = A person who seeks international protection but whose status has not yet been determined. Stateless Person = A person who is not considered a national by any state under its law. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

International Refugee Law Overview

The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol form the foundation of international refugee protection.
International refugee law operates alongside human rights law and humanitarian law to ensure the safety and rights of those fleeing persecution.
The UNHCR was established post-World War II to ensure the international protection of refugees and collaborate with governments for lasting solutions.

Definitions and Distinctions

A refugee, as defined in the Refugee Convention, refers to individuals who are outside their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution.
A stateless person lacks nationality, whereas an asylum seeker is someone seeking refugee status but whose claim has not yet been recognized.

Principles and Responsibilities

The concept of non-refoulement prohibits states from returning individuals to countries where their life or freedom would be threatened.
States must protect the rights of their citizens; when they fail, refugees may need international protection from other nations.

Sources of International Refugee Law

Major sources include:
- Treaty Law: Primarily the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.
- Customary International Law: Applies universally, regardless of treaty participation.
- Regional Instruments: Examples include the 1969 OAU Convention for Africa and the 1984 Cartagena Declaration for Latin America.

Refugee Rights and Protections

The Refugee Convention stipulates minimum standards for treatment, including:
- Juridical status: Legal recognition and rights in host countries.
- Non-expulsion: Individuals cannot be forcibly returned without proper procedure.
- Freedom of Movement: Refugees should have the right to move within the host country.
- Access to Employment and basic services, including education and healthcare.

Intersection with International Humanitarian Law

Refugee law overlaps with humanitarian law, especially during armed conflicts.
The legal framework aims to protect those seeking asylum and recognizes their distinct rights and protections amid broader human rights considerations.

International Refugee Law Overview

The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol form the foundation of international refugee protection.
International refugee law operates alongside human rights law and humanitarian law to ensure the safety and rights of those fleeing persecution.
The UNHCR was established post-World War II to ensure the international protection of refugees and collaborate with governments for lasting solutions.

Definitions and Distinctions

A refugee, as defined in the Refugee Convention, refers to individuals who are outside their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution.
A stateless person lacks nationality, whereas an asylum seeker is someone seeking refugee status but whose claim has not yet been recognized.

Principles and Responsibilities

The concept of non-refoulement prohibits states from returning individuals to countries where their life or freedom would be threatened.
States must protect the rights of their citizens; when they fail, refugees may need international protection from other nations.

Sources of International Refugee Law

Major sources include:
- Treaty Law: Primarily the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.
- Customary International Law: Applies universally, regardless of treaty participation.
- Regional Instruments: Examples include the 1969 OAU Convention for Africa and the 1984 Cartagena Declaration for Latin America.

Refugee Rights and Protections

The Refugee Convention stipulates minimum standards for treatment, including:
- Juridical status: Legal recognition and rights in host countries.
- Non-expulsion: Individuals cannot be forcibly returned without proper procedure.
- Freedom of Movement: Refugees should have the right to move within the host country.
- Access to Employment and basic services, including education and healthcare.

Intersection with International Humanitarian Law

Refugee law overlaps with humanitarian law, especially during armed conflicts.
The legal framework aims to protect those seeking asylum and recognizes their distinct rights and protections amid broader human rights considerations.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz focuses on International Refugee Law as part of Public International Law II (PULA 212). It aims to enhance understanding of the legal definition of 'refugee', the relevant governing conventions, and its connection to humanitarian law. Students will explore key principles and frameworks underpinning refugee law.