Who are refugees?

Until 1951, there was no commonly accepted term for people fleeing persecution. People who fled their country were known as stateless people, migrants or refugees. There were no universally recognised definitions for these categories and different countries treated these people in different ways.

Following the mass migrations caused by the Second World War (particularly in Europe), it was decided that there needed to be a common understanding of which people needed protection and how they should be protected. This resulted in the development of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, which defines a refugee as:

“Any person who owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his/her nationality and is unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country.”

The United Nations body responsible for protecting refugees and overseeing adherence to the Convention is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The term “refugee” is often used to refer to a range of groups which are not actually refugees under international law. Internally displaced persons (IDPs), for example, are often referred to as refugees. However, while refugees and IDPs may flee for similar reasons (for example, armed conflict or persecution), their legal status is very different. Unlike refugees, IDPs remain within the borders of their home countries and legally remain under the protection of their own government, even in cases where the government’s actions are the cause of their flight. A person cannot be recognised as a refugee unless they are outside their home country.

The term “refugee” is also used colloquially to refer to people who have been displaced due to a natural disaster (such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption) or environmental change. This usage is also incorrect. For further information, see our page on climate refugees.

Another common misnomer is “economic refugee”. The correct term for people who leave their country or place of residence because they want to seek a better life is “economic migrant”.

For further information about refugees and their rights under international law, see our page on the Refugee Convention.

For information about Australia’s role in refugee protection, see our page on Australia's Refugee and Humanitarian Program.