Various groups forced to migrate

The growth in the numbers of persons forced to leave their homes has led to an increasingly high profile for the issue of forced migration and asylum in public and political debate. In these debates the terms refugee, Convention refugee, displaced person, economic migrant and asylum seeker are often used in a confusing and incorrect manner by politicians, media and other commentators.

To understand and contribute to the important discussion of migration and in particular forced migration, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the differences between these various groups of people. Each group has certain rights and each group faces a particular set of problems.

To help us understand the rights of these various groups and to become familiar with the issues concerning forced migration, it is useful to start with a look at the history of how the international community has tried to protect people who flee their homes and seek asylum.

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The Rights of Refugees and Displaced Persons

Photo: Because of the hardships involved, most people become refugees only after a long and agonising appraisal. Here in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia - Herzegovina, years of fighting have severely damaged or destroyed most of the buildings. (Source: UNHCR web site)