Refugjatë

Refugjatë, in Albanian, refers to people who have fled their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution or serious harm, often because of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. They are outside their country of origin and cannot or will not seek protection there. The category also includes asylum seekers—people who have submitted an application for refugee status and are awaiting a decision.

International law defines refugjatë and sets protections for them. The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol are the most widely recognized instruments. The principle of non-refoulement prohibits returning refugees to places where their life or freedom would be at risk. States determine refugee status through national asylum procedures, often with the support of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Rights and obligations for refugjatë vary by country but typically include protection from refoulement, access to basic services, and, where applicable, rights to work, education, and healthcare, subject to national laws and policies. Refugees are expected to respect host laws and may participate in integration or resettlement programs as part of their status.

Not all displaced people are refugjatë; internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain within their own country. Asylum seekers may or may not be granted refugee status; protections during the assessment period depend on local legal frameworks.

In Albania, the term refugjatë is used in official and media language to describe people who seek or have obtained refugee status. Albania participates in international refugee frameworks and works with UNHCR to implement asylum procedures and protections in line with international standards.