Six refugees speak out as UN-backed treaty to help people fleeing war, persecution marks 75 years
The 1951 Refugee Convention marks its 75th anniversary amid global challenges to asylum policies and rising numbers of displaced people. The article highlights the principle of non-refoulement and features personal accounts from refugees like those fleeing the Rohingya crisis.
Why it matters
Addresses the critical state of international humanitarian law and the protection of millions of displaced individuals worldwide.
Tuesday (July 28, 2026) marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention , which was born after the ravages of World War II to help people fleeing war, violence and persecution. Proponents say the treaty has saved millions of lives.
Respect for it though has come under strain as some countries have denied entry to asylum seekers. Under U.S. President Donald Trump , the United States has led a policy of sending asylum seekers to third countries — upending years of U.S. policy .
More than 41 million refugees remain forcibly displaced and nearly 70% are hosted by low- and middle-income countries. The ranks could grow as the International Committee of the Red Cross counts more than 130 armed conflicts around the globe.
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