Menekültstátusz

Menekültstátusz, often translated as refugee status, is a legal protection granted to individuals fleeing persecution in their home country. It is recognized under international law, primarily through the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which define a refugee as someone who, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of their nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country.

Countries that are signatories to these international agreements are obligated to provide protection to individuals who meet the definition of a refugee. This typically involves a formal asylum application process. Applicants are interviewed and their claims are assessed based on evidence and legal criteria. If granted, menekültstátusz provides certain rights and protections, which can include the right to remain in the host country, access to employment, education, healthcare, and social welfare. It also protects against refoulement, the act of returning a refugee to a territory where their life or freedom would be threatened.

The process for obtaining menekültstátusz can be complex and lengthy, varying significantly between countries. While the core principle is universal, national laws and procedures shape how asylum claims are handled. The term is distinct from other forms of international protection, such as subsidiary protection, which may be granted to individuals who do not meet the strict definition of a refugee but still face serious harm.