The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 20th June 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 Blueprints beyond borders, for solace and shelter 

Why in News?

Today, the world has over 43.4 million refugees, and with conflicts raging in different parts of the world, this number is only increasing. But as it rises, we also run the risk of treating these people as figures in a statistical compilation, and not human beings with needs, fears, hopes and wants. Yet this, precisely, is what they are. And World Refugee Day (June 20) is a sombre occasion to think of all those human beings — a ceaseless succession of families with dreams and desires, laughter and joy — whose lives have been uprooted, all those homes that have been destroyed, and all those futures that have been jeopardised. But this is also an occasion to think of safe havens granted, asylum ensured, refugees protected, and solutions found.

World Refugee Day is observed globally on June 20th of every year as a day to remember refugees who have been driven to flee from their own country. World Refugee Day 2024 emphasises showing support for refugees in the hopes of creating a welcoming global community. 

World Refugee Day 2024

• World Refugee Day 2024 will be observed on June 20.
• The United Nations has designated this day to celebrate and honour refugees globally.
• The day acknowledges the courage and resilience of individuals who have been forced to leave their home countries due to conflict or persecution.
• The first World Refugee Day was celebrated on June 20, 2001, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
• Prior to its official recognition by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2000, it was known as Africa Refugee Day.

World Refugee Day Theme 2024

The World Refugee Day 2024 theme will be officially announced by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The World Refugee Day Theme 2024 and the World Refugee Day 2024 logo are important for UPSC aspirants.

Importance of World Refugee Day 2024

• World Refugee Day highlights the plight of refugees who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, war, or economic reasons.
• On World Refugee Day 2024, it is crucial to support refugees by recognizing their achievements and talents, while acknowledging the challenges they have faced.
• By uniting on World Refugee Day 2024, we can:
  • Safeguard the rights of refugees to seek protection.
  • Enhance support for their social and economic inclusion.
  • Advocate for solutions to end their hardships.

Definition of Refugee

A person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; fears persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution.

These refugees have a right to international protection under the UN Refugee convention and its protocol. 

• Asylum-seeker: An asylum seeker is someone who claims to be a refugee but whose claim hasn’t been evaluated. 
  • An asylum seeker will turn into a refugee if the claim is evaluated and justified. 

About UN Refugee Convention 1951

Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, 1967

• Under the 1951 Convention, primarily Europeans affected by events before January 1, 1951, could apply for refugee status.
• The 1967 Protocol removed these geographical and temporal restrictions.
• India has not signed the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol.
• As of January 20, 2020, there were 146 parties to the Convention and 147 to the Protocol.
• Madagascar and Saint Kitts and Nevis are parties only to the Convention, while Cape Verde, the United States of America, and Venezuela are parties only to the Protocol.
• Despite not being a signatory, India continues to host a large population of refugees.
• The Convention also specifies which individuals do not qualify as refugees, such as war criminals.

Challenges with the Refugees

Way Forward

• Enactment of a National Asylum Law

  • Definition and Criteria: Clearly define the criteria for recognizing asylum seekers and refugees, outlining their rights and duties.
  • Non-Refoulement Principle: Incorporate the principle of non-refoulement, prohibiting the return of individuals to countries where they may face persecution.

• Establishment of a National Commission for Asylum

  • Fair and Transparent Process: Constitute a National Commission for Asylum to ensure a fair and transparent process for handling asylum applications.
  • Independent Assessment: The commission would be responsible for receiving and deciding on all asylum applications, providing an independent and impartial assessment of each case.

• Collaboration with International Community

  • Engagement and Support: Actively engage with the international community and collaborate with relevant organizations, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to seek guidance and support in managing refugee issues.

• Reviewing and Updating Existing Laws

  • Alignment with International Standards: Review and update existing laws related to foreigners and immigration, such as the Foreigners Act, 1946, Citizenship Act, and Passports Act, to align with international standards and the provisions of the National Asylum Law.

• Supreme Court Judgement

  • Protection of Human Rights: In 1996, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the state must protect all human beings living in India, regardless of nationality, as they enjoy the rights guaranteed by Articles 14, 20, and 21 of the Constitution, which are extended to all individuals, not just Indian citizens.