flykting

Flykting is the term used in Swedish for a person who has fled their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution or serious harm and has sought protection in another state. The term corresponds to “refugee” in international law. A related term, asylum seeker, refers to someone who has applied for protection but has not yet been legally recognized as a refugee.

International law, notably the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, defines who qualifies as a refugee and outlines the rights and protections to which they are entitled. A central rule is non-refoulement: a refugee or asylum seeker must not be returned to a country where they face persecution. States assess individual claims through asylum procedures that vary by country.

In many countries, recognized refugees have rights to protection, basic needs, and access to education and healthcare, and they may be eligible for work and long-term residency. Asylum seekers often have temporary access to accommodation and essential services, while procedures are ongoing. Rights and obligations differ based on national law and international agreements.

Global contexts emphasize that large numbers of people are forcibly displaced, including refugees and asylum seekers. Organizations such as the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) assist in protection and solutions, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. Policy debates frequently focus on asylum processes, reception capacity, and integration support.