Who are refugees and asylum seekers ?

Refugees are individuals who have been forced to flee their home country due to persecution, war, or violence. They are unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin due to fear of persecution.

Asylum seekers are individuals who have fled their home country and are seeking protection in another country. They have applied for asylum and are awaiting a decision on their refugee status.

Refugees

- Individuals who are outside their country of origin and have a well-founded fear of persecution due to reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.
- Their persecution is limited to their country of origin and they cannot return.
- Recognized under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.

Asylum Seekers

- Individuals who have left their country of origin and are seeking international protection (refugee status or other legal status) in another country.
- Their asylum claim has not yet been determined by the receiving country.
- They may have a well-founded fear of persecution, but their case has not been formally recognized as such.