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Worldwide
What is a refugee? Understanding the definition
Understanding the refugee meaning and the protections in place for people forced to flee
Worldwide
Understanding the refugee meaning and the protections in place for people forced to flee
Around the world, millions of people are forced to leave their homes each year. This guide explains who qualifies as a refugee, how refugees differ from other displaced people and the international protections in place to keep people safe.
Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their homes to escape war, violence conflict or persecution. They cross an international border to seek safety in another country and are unable to return home due to a fear of persecution. Under international law, a person is recognised as a refugee if they face persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. This definition is set out in the 1951 Refugee Convention, which underpins global refugee protection.
Over 70 per cent of all refugees and people in need of international protection come from just five countries: Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine and Sudan. The majority are women and children.
Most refugees remain close to their country of origin and are hosted by neighbouring low- and middle-income countries. These host communities often carry a significant responsibility, despite limited resources.
In emergencies, UNHCR provides life-saving assistance including shelter, clean water and medical care. Over the long term, the UN Refugee Agency works with host countries to support refugees’ access to education, livelihoods and healthcare so they can rebuild their lives.
Internally displaced people (IDPs) have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict, violence, persecution or natural disasters. However, unlike refugees, they remain within their own country.
During emergencies, some IDPs may be able to stay with friends or family. However, others may have no choice but to seek shelter in schools, camps or informal settlements. UNHCR works with governments to protect and assist people who are internally displaced.
Today, more than 60 million people worldwide are internally displaced, making up the largest proportion of the world’s forcibly displaced population.
When people flee their country and apply for protection elsewhere, they are referred to as asylum seekers while their claim is being assessed. They cannot safely return home without risking their lives or freedoms.
Everyone has the right to seek asylum. Asylum seekers are protected under the 1951 Refugee Convention and must not be returned to situations where they face danger.
UNHCR works to ensure asylum claims are processed fairly and efficiently, and advocates for the protection and inclusion of asylum seekers while they await a decision.
Stateless people are not recognised as citizens by any country. Without a nationality, they are often unable to access basic rights such as education, healthcare or employment.
As of mid-2025, over four million people are stateless worldwide. However, the real figure is likely higher. Statelessness can result from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion or language, or from changes to nationality laws that exclude entire communities. Like the Rohingya, the majority of the world’s known stateless population belong to minority groups.
A returnee is a refugee or internally displaced person who returns to their home country or place of origin once conditions allow.
Returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified. Even after returning home, many people need continued support to rebuild their lives. UNHCR works with national authorities and local partners to support reintegration through access to housing, education, employment and healthcare.
Migrants choose to move to another country, often for work, education or family reasons, and can usually return home safely.
Refugees, by contrast, are forced to flee because returning home would put their lives or freedoms at risk. For this reason, refugees are protected under international law, while migration is generally considered voluntary.
The 1951 Refugee Convention is the key international agreement that defines who is a refugee and outlines the rights and protections refugees are entitled to receive. The Convention also sets out States’ responsibilities to protect refugees and refugees’ obligations to respect the laws of their host countries. It excludes individuals who have committed serious war crimes or crimes against humanity.
UNHCR is the guardian of the Convention and leads global effort to uphold refugee protection and pursue durable, long-term solutions to displacement.
UNHCR was established in the aftermath of the Second World War to support millions of people who had lost their homes. Today, it works in 136 countries to protect people forced to flee and respond to the refugee crises.
In emergencies, UNHCR provides shelter, water, medical care, legal assistance and mental health support. Over time, it works with governments and communities to ensure refugees can access education, healthcare and employment, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity.
With more than 120 million people now displaced around the world, your support has never been more crucial. Here are five ways you can help people forced to flee: