varjupaigaõigus

Varjupaigaõigus, also known as the right to asylum, is a fundamental human right recognized under international and national law. It allows individuals fleeing persecution or serious harm in their home country to seek protection in another country. This right is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and further elaborated in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.

To be granted asylum, an individual must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. The principle of non-refoulement is central to asylum law, meaning that a country cannot return a refugee to a territory where their life or freedom would be threatened.

Each country has its own procedures for processing asylum claims. These typically involve submitting an application, undergoing interviews, and providing evidence to support the claim. Decisions are made based on national legislation and international obligations. The process can be complex and lengthy, and asylum seekers may face challenges in accessing legal aid and social support during this period. Successful asylum applications lead to the granting of refugee status, which provides legal protection and certain rights, such as the right to work and access to education and healthcare.