75 years of the Refugee Convention

For REI, the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention is an important moment to reflect on both how far the world has come and how much remains to be done. Adopted on 28 July 1951, in the aftermath of World War II, the Convention established an international framework for protecting people forced to flee persecution. Three quarters of a century later, its principles remain at the heart of REI’s work with refugees and displaced communities.

At its core, the Refugee Convention recognises that people who are forced to leave their homes deserve protection and have rights relating to employment, education, housing, freedom of religion and access to justice. It established that refugee protection is not simply about providing a place of safety, but about enabling people to live with dignity.

The world of 1951 is very different from the world of 2026, yet the need for these protections has not diminished. Conflicts, persecution and political instability continue to force millions of people from their homes. These displaced people need opportunities to regain independence, develop livelihoods, access education and participate in decisions about their own futures. 

Refugees are not defined by the circumstances that forced them to flee. They bring skills, knowledge, determination and ideas that can strengthen their communities. This belief is central to the approach of REI, which centres around locally led initiatives that give people the tools and opportunities to shape their own recovery. Its programmes focus on education, employment and community development, providing a “hand-up” rather than a handout, to help deliver sustainable solutions over the long term.The 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention offers an opportunity not only to remember its historic importance, but also to consider what refugee protection should mean today. Safety is the foundation, but recovery requires opportunity, participation and agency. That is why REI works in partnership with local communities to empower displaced people and give them hope of a better future.