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| Programs... The Refugees |
 
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WHAT DO YOU KNOW
ABOUT…?
HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATIONAL SERIES THE REFUGEE
Who is a Refugee?A Refugee is someone who: Race, Religion Nationality, Membership in a particular social group political opinions - and: What is the difference between refugees and internally displaced persons? A person becomes a refugee only when he/she crosses an international border. In contrast, an internally displaced person remains inside the boundaries of his/her country. Thus, the difference between refugees and internally displaced person is technical and legal, and has little to do with their reason for flight. Both categories of persons are often affected by the same causes of displacement. They often have identical protection and material needs that deserve the equal attention of the international community. Most humanitarian agencies have the operational flexibility to address the needs of both refugees and internally displaced person. UNHCR, Whose statutory mandate is to protect refugees, has been authorized, on ad hoc Basis by the United Nations, to act on behalf of internally displaced persons. What is the difference between refugees and economic migrants? A migrant usually leaves his/her country voluntarily, to seek a better life abroad. To a refugee however, the economic conditions of the country of asylum are less important than its safety. In practice, the distinction may be sometimes difficult to establish , but it is fundamental: a migrant enjoys the protection of his/her home government, a refugee does not. What is international protection? It is, first and foremost, the responsibility of states to protect their citizens. When governments are unwilling or unable to protect their citizens, individuals may suffer such serious violations of their personal rights that they are willing to leave their homes, their friends, may be even some of their family, to seek safety in another country. Since, by definition, the basic rights of refugees are no longer protected by the governments of their home countries, the international community then assumes the responsibility of ensuring that those basic rights are respected. The phrase (international protection) covers the gamut of activities through which refugees' rights are secured. Who is Responsible For Protecting Refugees? As stated above, protecting refugees is primarily the responsibility of states. Those states that have signed the 1951 convention are legally obligated to protect refugees according to the terms set out in the convention. They are required to apply these terms without discrimination due to race, religion or country of origin, and to respect fundamental protection principles, such as non-refoulement and non expulsion (which non- signatories to the convention are also have time to prepare travel documents or obtain visas before they seek asylum, signatory states may not penalize refugees for illegal entry into their territories, provided refugees present themselves without delay to the authorities and show good cause for their illegal entry or presence (Article 31). The United Nations high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR), a non political, humanitarian agency, was created by the United Nations General Assembly in January 1951. Its mandate is to provide international protection to refugees and promote durable solutions to their problems. It does so by working with governments and, subject to the approval of the governments concerned, with private organizations. What is the role of Human Rights organizations? The Association for Human Rights Legal Aid (AHRLA) has a program that focuses on refugees. A team of lawyers is available for assistance with all legal technicalities. AHRLA welcomes all refugee requests for aid. The association for human rights legal aid (AHRLA) is a association, established by a group of human rights activists on the 18 of December 19999. The aim of the Association is to spread awareness of human rights and provide legal aid to the victims of human rights abuses, to promote legal awareness among the largest possible group of people, as well as alternative legislation to those inconsistent with human rights standards & international. The Association for human rights legal aid (AHRLA) is a membership organization in which the general assembly is responsible for policy making and choosing the administrative board, as well as overseeing all activities. Complete transparency is adhered to both with regards to the work being carried out and all financial matters. ASSOCIATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL AID IS WILLING FOR RECEIVE ANY DEMANDS OF ASSISTANCE AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS ahrla_99@yahoo.com www.ahrla.org |