Introduction

There are many reasons why people have always moved from one part of the world to another but the number of people forced to abandon their homes and countries in search of safety has greatly increased during recent decades. Through a combination of violent conflicts, natural disasters and improved global mobility, more and more persons are seeking protection within the borders of other countries, often far removed from the danger zones. Such large movements of people have major political, economic, social and cultural consequences for both those persons forced to move and for the countries receiving these displaced people.

The impulse to provide refuge to strangers in need is shared by virtually all cultures and religions. Indeed, the concept of giving asylum is found in the traditions of many ancient societies. Prior to this century, there was relatively little concern about who was allowed to enter and settle in a country. Many countries had no restrictions on immigration, as newcomers, for whatever reason they travelled, were often seen as bringing potential benefits to the community.

However, in more modern times, the development of stricter immigration policies reflected the concerns of individuals and states to protect their own interests. Entry into a country was often allowed to those persons who a state favoured rather than to those who were in most need of protection.

This intention to reduce the arrival of immigrants who were not seen as desirable or useful coincided with a time of major population displacements within Europe during the early part of the twentieth century. Refugee law, and with it the definition of a refugee, grew out of a need to find a compromise between the reality of large population movements and the desire of states to restrict the numbers of persons entering their territories.

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The Rights of Refugees and Displaced Persons

Photo: Refugees from Burundi in Rwanda. About 80% of the refugees are women, children and elderly people. Kigembe site, Butare Prefecture, Rwanda. December 1993. (Source: UNHCR)