EU marks 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees
Marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees on 28 July, the European Union reaffirmed its full commitment to the Convention, its values and principles, and to ensuring that refugee protection remains firmly anchored in the EU and in partner countries’ legislation, international law and effective multilateral cooperation.
The Convention continues to provide the essential legal framework for the protection of refugees, setting out the rights of those forced to flee and the obligations of States to protect them, says the Joint statement by the European Commission and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
“Respect for international humanitarian law is critical to preventing and reducing forced displacement caused by armed conflict, as well as to ensure protection for civilians,” says the statement. “The EU also recognises the indispensable role of humanitarian organisations operating in accordance with the humanitarian principles in delivering protection and assistance to affected populations.”
On the 75th anniversary of this landmark text, the European Union also reiterated its support for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), whose mandate “remains essential in addressing global displacement challenges”.
The statement also reminds that the EU Member States have taken on significant responsibility in hosting refugees and displaced people, including by providing temporary protection to more than 4.4 million people fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Find out more
The post EU marks 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees appeared first on EU NEIGHBOURS east.
