pakolaiskonventioon

The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, commonly known as the Geneva Convention or the pakolaiskonventio in Finnish, is a foundational international treaty that defines who is a refugee and outlines the rights of displaced persons as well as the legal obligations of signatory states. It was drafted by the United Nations and came into force on April 22, 1954.

The convention defines a refugee as a person 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.

Key provisions of the convention include the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits states from returning refugees to territories where their lives or freedom would be threatened. It also guarantees refugees certain rights, such as the right to work, education, and freedom of religion, and ensures they have access to the courts and public relief.

The convention was initially limited to refugees who fled events occurring before January 1, 1951, and in Europe. However, the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees removed these geographical and temporal limitations, making the convention's provisions applicable to refugees worldwide. Over 145 countries are party to either the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol. The pakolaiskonventio remains the primary legal instrument for refugee protection globally.