New arrivals that have crossed into South Sudan via the Joda border crossing point.
© UNHCR/Ala Kheir
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What is a refugee? Understanding the definition

What is a refugee? Understand the definition, who qualifies as a refugee and the reasons they are forced to flee their countries.

Who is a refugee?

Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their homes to escape war, violence, conflict or persecution. A refugee crosses an international border to find safety in another country and is unable to return home for fear of persecution on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.

Where do most refugees flee from?

Over 70 per cent of all refugees and people in need of international protection come from just five countries: Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine and Sudan. The majority are women and children. Refugees often remain near their country of origin and are primarily hosted by low and middle-income countries.

In emergencies, UNHCR provides refugees with life-saving aid including shelter, water and medical care. The UN Refugee Agency also works with host countries to help refugees access education, livelihoods and health services to help them rebuild their lives.

Who is an internally displaced person?

Internally displaced people (IDPs) have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict, violence, persecution or natural disasters. However, unlike refugees, they remain within their own country.

During emergencies, some IDPs may be able to stay with friends or family. However, others may have no choice but to seek shelter in schools, camps or informal settlements. UNHCR works with governments to protect and assist displaced people.

Evacuated family from Velyka Rybytsia
© UNHCR/Oleksii Barkov
Ukrainian sisters Nadiia (L) and Svitlana (R) fled their homes in Velyka Rybytsia and now live in a centre for displaced families.

Over 60 million people are internally displaced, making up the majority of the world’s forcibly displaced population. Over nine million live in Sudan, which hosts the largest internally displaced community ever recorded.

Who is an asylum seeker?

When people flee their own country seeking safety, they apply to be legally recognised as a refugee. While awaiting the outcome of their application, they are referred to as asylum- seekers.

Every person in the world has the right to apply for asylum if they are fleeing conflict or persecution. Asylum seekers are protected by the 1951 Refugee Convention and should not be returned to situations where their lives or freedoms are in danger.

UNHCR works to protect asylum seekers, ensuring that their claims are heard fairly and efficiently, and advocating for their inclusion in host communities while they wait for a decision on their claim.

Who is a stateless person?

Stateless people are not recognised as citizens by any country. Denied the right to a nationality, they are unable to access schooling, livelihood opportunities or medical care.

Over four million people were stateless at the end of 2023. However, the real figure is likely much larger due to the lack of accurate data and challenges in counting people who have no legal identity.

A person can become stateless due to a range of factors including discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion or language. States can also deprive people of their nationality through changes in law using discriminatory criteria, making entire communities stateless overnight. Like the Rohingya, the majority of the world’s known stateless population belong to minority groups.

Who is a returnee?

A returnee is a refugee or internally displaced person returning to their home country or area of origin.

Those forced to flee can only return home once the root causes for their displacement have been addressed. UNHCR helps forcibly displaced people return home, guiding them in making an informed decision and ensuring that any returns are voluntary, safe and dignified.

Even after returning, UNHCR continues to provide support for refugees and displaced people. UNHCR works with national authorities and local partners to rebuild damaged infrastructure, reintegrate returnees into their communities, and provide them with access to services including housing, education, employment and healthcare.

Father-of-four, Agha Sherin, UNHCR shelter beneficiary
© UNHCR/Mushtaq Ahmad Munawarzada
Agha Sherin returned to Afghanistan with his four children and received support from UNHCR to rebuild his home.

What is the difference between a refugee and a migrant?

Unlike refugees, a migrant is someone who has chosen to leave their home to start a new life in another country. Migrants move for different reasons including education and work and can return home without risking their lives or freedoms. While the term is not defined under international law, it is widely understood as a voluntary movement of people.

What is the 1951 Refugee Convention?

Refugees are protected by international law. The 1951 Refugee Convention is the key legal document which defines the term ‘refugee’. It outlines their rights and the assistance and legal protection they are entitled to receive from States who that have signed the document.

The 1951 Convention also defines a refugee’s obligations to their host countries, including conforming to the Government's laws and regulations. It specifies certain categories of people who do not qualify for refugee status, such as war criminals or those who have committed crimes against humanity.

UNHCR is the guardian of this document, leading international efforts to protect those forced to flee. They also work to implement long-term solutions for the refugee crisis. 

How does UNHCR help refugees?

UNHCR was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in the aftermath of the Second World War to help millions of people who had lost their homes. Today, UNHCR works in 136 countries to protect people forced to flee and find durable solutions to address refugee crises.

UNHCR Provides Assistance To Earthquake Affected People In Aleppo
© UNHCR/Hameed Maarouf
UNHCR staff speak with Osana, 76, whose family was displaced by the earthquakes that hit the Türkiye-Syria border in February 2023.

In emergencies, UNHCR provides life-saving aid including shelter, water, and medicine to families in need. Our teams also provide legal aid, mental health support, and cash assistance so refugees and displaced people can pay for their everyday needs such as rent, food and clothing.

The UN Refugee Agency works with host countries to provide refugees with long-term support including access to education, healthcare and employment so they can rebuild their lives.

How can I help refugees?

With more than 120 million people now displaced around the world, your support has never been more crucial. Here are five ways you can help people forced to flee:

  • Donate: A donation to Australia for UNHCR can bring life-changing assistance to people fleeing conflict, disaster or persecution. Your gift can provide refugees with relief items including tents, blankets, water jerry-cans and kitchen sets, and help them access education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities.
  • Fundraise: By joining Team UNHCR as a fundraiser, you can do something you love while making a difference for refugees in need. You can also invite your friends and family along, helping us raise awareness of the plight of forcibly displaced people around the world. Whether you like walking, running marathons, baking cakes or throwing parties, your help can make a difference for refugees in need.
  • Download our free cookbook: Our refugee cookbook, Flavours of Hope, celebrates the power of food to connect us all. From Ukraine to Sierra Leone – each recipe was selected by a current or former refugee to tell their story and share their culture. You can cook one of the recipes from Flavours of Hope or share this with your loved ones.
  • Follow us on social media: You can stay updated on the latest news and developments by following our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, ThreadsX, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok. Through our channels, we also tell positive stories about refugees and the contributions they make to our society, when supported and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
  • Leave a gift in your Will: One of the most inspiring ways to ensure your values live on is to leave a gift in your Will. Your gift can provide-life saving aid to refugees and support UNHCR’s long-term work, including healthcare, education and livelihood training to help people rebuild their lives.