The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees
The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and Its 1967 Protocol defines a refugee as “a person who is outside his or her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of being persecuted because of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail him— or herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution (see Article 1A(2)).”
Other rights contained in the 1951 Convention include: • The right not to be expelled, except under certain, strictly defined conditions (Article 32); • The right not to be punished for illegal entry into the territory of a contracting State (Article31); • The right to work (Articles 17 to 19); • The right to housing (Article 21); • The right to education (Article 22); • The right to public relief and assistance (Article 23); • The right to freedom of religion (Article 4); • The right to access the courts (Article 16); • The right to freedom of movement within the territory (Article 26); and • The right to be issued identity and travel documents (Articles 27 and 28).