Refugee or Migrant? Refugees are people who cannot return to their country of origin because of a well-founded fear of persecution, conflict, violence, or other circumstances that have seriously disturbed public order, and who, as a result, require international protection.
The tendency to conflate refugees and migrants, or to refer to refugees as a subcategory of migrants, can have serious consequences for the lives and safety of people fleeing persecution or conflict.
Without question, all people who move between countries deserve full respect for their human rights and human dignity. However, refugees are a specifically defined and protected group in international law, because the situation in their country of origin makes it impossible for them to go home. Calling them by another name can put their lives and safety in jeopardy.
The important distinction between refugees and migrants was acknowledged by the UN General Assembly in the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants.
Relevant UNHCR documents on terminology include:
https://www.unhcr.org/asylum-and-migration.html
YTI would strengthen cooperation, advocate and seek to support, sponsor and assist in the relocation of migrants & asylum seekers. Be part of this project with YTI.
The tendency to conflate refugees and migrants, or to refer to refugees as a subcategory of migrants, can have serious consequences for the lives and safety of people fleeing persecution or conflict.
Without question, all people who move between countries deserve full respect for their human rights and human dignity. However, refugees are a specifically defined and protected group in international law, because the situation in their country of origin makes it impossible for them to go home. Calling them by another name can put their lives and safety in jeopardy.
The important distinction between refugees and migrants was acknowledged by the UN General Assembly in the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants.
Relevant UNHCR documents on terminology include:
- ‘Refugees’ and ‘Migrants’ – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- The 10-Point Plan in Action (2016) – Glossary.
https://www.unhcr.org/asylum-and-migration.html
YTI would strengthen cooperation, advocate and seek to support, sponsor and assist in the relocation of migrants & asylum seekers. Be part of this project with YTI.
