THUYẾT TRÌNH HUMAN RIGHTS

TOPIC: “THE 1951 REFUGEE CONVENTION AND ITS 1967 PROTOCOL”

Giới thiệu về nhóm và thành viên, chủ đề thuyết trình: Good afternoon everyone, and it’s a
pleasure to welcome Ms.Mai Anh there. Let me introduce myself first, my name is Nhã Quyên,
member of group 03 and my group has 05 people that is… . Today I’m here to present to you
guys about “The 1951 refugee convention and its 1967 protocol”.
Quyên: I’ve devided my presentation into 03 part: introduction, body and conclusion. I’ll
start with the introduction first. So, first I’ll brief overview of the global refugee crisis and the
need for international cooperation to you guys.
Quyên: The global refugee crisis is becoming an immense challenge for humanity. Each
day, millions of people are forced to leave their homelands in search of safety, a place they can
temporarily call home. But behind these stark numbers are heartbreaking stories of individuals
thrust into dire circumstances, compelled to abandon everything to survive.
The issue extends beyond the sudden increase in the number of refugees; it also lies in the
complexity and diversity of the causes. Conflicts and wars, poverty, climate change, and other
factors have created an endless refugee storm. This presents a significant challenge not only for
the nations responsible for receiving refugees but also for the entire globe.
Effectively addressing this issue requires international cooperation. We cannot resolve a
global problem in isolation; only through close collaboration can nations confront and overcome
the formidable challenges posed by the refugee crisis. International cooperation involves not
only sharing responsibility for receiving and supporting refugees but also seeking long-term
solutions to address the root causes of the crisis.
Quyên: The 1951 Refugee Convention, also known as the Geneva Convention, is not just
a legal document but also a symbol of compassion and international determination in protecting
those facing the hardships and challenges of life. This Convention was adopted by the United
Nations Refugee Council on July 28, 1951.
One of the most crucial meanings of this Convention is the identification and protection
of the fundamental rights of refugees. This Convention ensures that refugees are not only
guaranteed the right to life and personal freedom but also protected from illegal expulsion and
violent actions. Moreover, they have the right to access necessary services such as healthcare,
education, and employment. Furthermore, this Convention also encourages cooperation among
countries to share the responsibility and burden of receiving and supporting refugees.
Quyên: The 1967 Protocol is an extremely important step in expanding the scope and
addressing the limitations of the 1951 Refugee Convention. However, after a period of
implementation, it was recognized that this Convention did not fully meet the needs of new and
diverse refugee situations. Therefore, the 1967 Protocol was created to supplement and amend
these limitations.
One of the most significant contributions of the 1967 Protocol is the removal of
restrictions on the time and geographical location for determining who is considered a refugee.
Under the Geneva Convention, only individuals who became refugees before January 1, 1951,
and were in Europe, as well as those refugees only in conflict areas such as Africa, could enjoy
the prescribed rights. However, the 1967 Protocol eliminated these restrictions and expanded the
application scope of the Geneva Convention, allowing all refugees worldwide to be protected
under international standards.
 Quyên: the next part is body and I’ll show to you guys about the historical context.

Quyên: World War II (1939–1945) stands as one of the most tragic events in the 20th
century, causing a series of serious consequences and immense impacts on millions of people
worldwide. During the fierce period of the war, millions of people around the world faced
displacement, destruction, and loss.
One of the most serious consequences of World War II was displacement. The war forced
millions of people to leave their homes and homelands to avoid conflict zones or devastated
areas. People in cities, towns, and rural areas alike suffered losses and hardships that they did not
deserve. Bombing raids not only caused chaos and material losses but also increased anxiety and
fear within the civilian population. They risked leaving behind their families, loved ones, and
even their most cherished memories just to seek refuge in a safe haven.
During this crisis, the need to protect and assist refugees became imperative. There was a
pressing need for a robust international legal framework to ensure that these individuals not only
received legal protection but also were welcomed and supported in countries where they sought
safety. However, the major challenge was ensuring that they were not returned to their
homeland, where they could face persecution, imprisonment, or harm. Furthermore, addressing
and resolving this situation couldn't rely solely on the efforts of any single nation or specific
region but was indeed an international issue, requiring cooperation and solidarity from all
countries worldwide. This is precisely why the 1951 Refugee Convention was established. It was
not only a significant step in shaping the legal rights of refugees but also a symbol of humanity's
unity and compassion.
Quyên: We’ll move to key provision of 1951 RC to know more ab this C.

Quyên: First of all, I’ve a ques to you guys. What u know ab the term “refugee”?...

Quyên: The 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees defines a
refugee as someone who, “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race,
religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the
country of his nationality and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of
the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of
his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is
unwilling to return to it”.
An example to better understand this definition is a Jewish person in Europe during the
Nazi occupation. They may face persecution, arrest, and genocide because of their religion. In
this case, they become refugees because they have no choice but to flee to protect their lives and
freedoms in their homeland.
Quyên: The next part is the most important principle in 1951 RC => “Non-refoulement”.
Quyên: In the realm of international asylum, the principle of non-refoulement plays a
crucial role in safeguarding refugees from facing persecution or danger in their home country.
This principle was developed and implemented through Article 33 of the 1951 Convention
relating to the Status of Refugees, and it has become one of the most fundamental and
indispensable principles in international refugee law.
First and foremost, one of the most important aspects of the non-refoulement principle is
the protection of the freedom and life of refugees. By preventing the return of refugees to
dangerous situations, this principle ensures that they do not face the risk of persecution, violence,
or even execution in their home country.
 Secondly, this principle demonstrates clear respect for human rights. Specifically, it
ensures that every individual, regardless of nationality or immigration status, has the right to be
protected from threats to their life and freedom.
Last but not least, adherence to this principle contributes to global stability and peace.
This principle helps reduce tensions in conflict-affected areas by protecting refugees and
preventing their return to dangerous situations. This, in turn, creates favorable conditions for the
development and harmony of the international community.
Therefore, the principle of non-refoulement is not only a legal commitment but also an
expression of compassion and respect for human rights. Adhering to and enforcing this principle
not only protects the rights of refugees but also contributes to global stability and peace.
Quyên: So, we’ll move to rights & obligations of both R & SP.

Quyên: In the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, both refugees and
member states have clear rights and obligations defined to ensure fair and effective protection for
refugees. => For refugees, they have specific rights as:
Firstly, the right to protection and the legal basis for this right are stipulated in Article 33
of the 1951 Convention. The principle of non-refoulement is at the heart of this right. It ensures
that refugees will not be expelled or returned to a place where their lives or freedom may be
threatened. This also reflects respect for the right to life and freedom of each individual.
Secondly, the right to enjoy benefits equivalent to those of nationals in the receiving
country. The legal basis for this right is specifically provided in Articles 23 and 24 of the 1951
Convention. Refugees have the right to enjoy benefits equivalent to those of nationals of the
receiving country, including access to healthcare, education, and employment. This helps ensure
that they are not isolated from the local community and also provides them with better living
conditions.
Thirdly, the right to access the courts under Article 16 of the 1951 Convention. The right
to access the courts helps protect the rights of fairness and freedom of refugees and ensures that
they have the opportunity to participate in the trial process fairly and without discrimination.
Fourthly, the right to freedom of movement and settlement, the legal basis for which is provided
in Article 26 of the 1951 Convention, Refugees have the right to freedom of movement and the
choice of where they want to settle, as long as this does not violate local or international law.
This supports their autonomy and individual choice in resettlement and integration into a new
society.
Quyên: Besides enjoying the rights mentioned above, refugees also have the following
obligations:
Firstly, refugees must comply with the laws and regulations of the receiving country.
This includes adhering to laws regarding security, public order, labor, and taxation. Moreover,
the laws of the receiving country often protect the rights and freedoms of both citizens and
refugees. Compliance with the law ensures that refugees are not only protected under
international law but also guaranteed rights under domestic regulations. The legal basis for this
obligation is outlined in Articles 2 and 12 of the 1951 Convention.
Secondly, refugees have the ancillary obligation to cooperate with the receiving country.
This cooperation includes providing accurate and complete information about their identity,
origin, and immigration status when requested. Verifying identity is part of the process to ensure
fairness and consideration in reviewing asylum claims. It helps ensure that refugees receive
support and protection based on their individual needs and circumstances.
 Quyên: When participating in the Convention, member states have specific rights,
including:
Firstly, member states have the right to enforce laws. They enforce laws to ensure they
can independently decide on the immigration and displacement of refugees within the scope of
national and international law. Additionally, protecting refugees is not only a humanitarian
responsibility but also a crucial factor in maintaining global safety and stability. Therefore, when
member states enforce laws to protect refugees, it helps prevent the increase of issues related to
uncontrolled displacement and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to live a safe and free
life.
Secondly, the recipient country has the right to grant citizenship to refugees. According to
Article 34 of the 1951 Convention, to the extent possible, member states facilitate the
naturalization of refugees. Additionally, member states strive to promote refugee naturalization
applications and, to the extent possible, reduce the costs for such applications. Having citizenship
provides better conditions for refugees to integrate into the new society. Furthermore,
naturalizing refugees helps them become citizens of the receiving country, protected by the law,
and entitled to the rights of citizens of that country.
Besides the rights mentioned above, member states also have the following
obligations:
Firstly, member states have the obligation to protect refugees. To protect refugees,
member states must refuse to deport or return them to a place where their lives or freedom may
be threatened. This ensures that refugees are not placed in dangerous situations when member
states fulfill this obligation. Additionally, host countries must not discriminate against refugees
based on race, religion, nationality, gender, or any other characteristic. This ensures that all
refugees are treated fairly.
Secondly, the obligation to comply with the Convention is a mandatory duty for member
states participating in the Convention. Moreover, the Convention provides principles and
standards to protect the rights of refugees, including the right to fair treatment and protection
from unlawful deportation or return. Compliance with the Convention helps create a stable and
humanitarian environment where nations and the international community can collaborate more
effectively to address refugee-related issues. By ensuring that refugees are treated fairly and
safely, compliance with the Convention helps minimize the risk of conflict in the international
community.
Thirdly, international cooperation to address refugee issues among member states is a
crucial obligation. Member states need to promote multilateral cooperation with international
organizations and non-governmental organizations, such as the United Nations and Peace and
Development agencies, to ensure that refugees are protected and supported most effectively.
Additionally, international cooperation between countries contributes to promoting international
peace and security by reducing pressure and conflicts in areas with high numbers of refugees and
migrants.

Quyên: the next part is genesis of the 1967P and Pnghi will continue to prest to you
guys.
Final talk: And it’s the end of our presentation. I’d like to thank you for taking time out
to listen to our presentation. If there are any questions or comments, I would be pleased to
answer them.