menekültstátust

Menekültstátus, or refugee status, is the official recognition by a country of a person as a refugee under international law. It arises when a person has a well-founded fear of persecution and cannot or will not return to their country of origin. The main international framework is the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which define who qualifies and the rights attached to the status. National laws implement these standards and may provide additional protections.

Eligibility generally requires that the person is outside their home country and unable or unwilling to seek protection there due to a well-founded fear of persecution on grounds such as race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Some jurisdictions also recognize protection based on a risk of serious harm even if the refugee definition is not met, commonly referred to as subsidiary protection.

Rights and protections associated with refugee status typically include non-refoulement (protection against forced return), access to courts, and the ability to stay in the country. Depending on the jurisdiction, refugees may have the right to work, access education and healthcare, and receive social services. They may also be issued travel documents and, over time, may obtain permanent residence or a path to naturalization.

Process and duration vary by country. Asylum applications are assessed by national authorities, with possibilities for appeal or review. Refugee status can be temporary and subject to periodic renewal, and it may be revoked if conditions change. Related concepts include asylum seekers (those seeking recognition), subsidiary protection, and statelessness. International bodies such as UNHCR supervise and support the protection of refugees.