turvapaikasta

Turvapaikka refers to a place of refuge or sanctuary. In a legal context, it specifically denotes protection granted by a state to individuals who have fled their home country due to persecution or serious harm. This protection is based on international conventions, primarily the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which define a refugee as someone who has a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.

Individuals seeking turvapaikka typically apply for asylum in a foreign country. The process involves an application, interviews, and an assessment of their claims by the host country's authorities. If the application is successful, the individual is granted asylum and often receives a residence permit, the right to work, and access to social services. Conversely, if the application is rejected, the individual may face deportation.

The concept of turvapaikka extends beyond legal frameworks to encompass any safe haven where individuals can find protection from danger or distress. This can include physical shelters, communities offering support, or even abstract notions of safety and security. The term emphasizes the fundamental human need for protection and the places or circumstances that can fulfill it.