NEW Statement by the Global Civil Society Coalition Calls for Stronger Adherence to the Refugee Convention

July 28th 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the landmark international treaty that outlines the legal obligation to protect people from being returned to persecution and the rights of those who seek asylum. The Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and the principles underpinning them, have saved millions of lives and aided refugee-hosting communities and States around the world.

The anniversary is not just a commemoration. It is an opportunity to strengthen responsibility and call for renewed action at a time when forced displacement is at historic levels, asylum and resettlement systems face mounting strain, public discourse is increasingly divisive, and massive funding cuts are undermining refugee protection around the world.

As the world takes stock of this milestone, the global civil society coalition of refugee-led, faith-based, humanitarian, legal aid, academic, and human rights organisations urges UN Member States, UN agencies, donors, humanitarian actors, and other stakeholders to advance concrete steps to strengthen adherence to, and implementation of, the Refugee Convention and uphold its commitments, as well as reinforce narratives rooted in hope and solidarity – not fear and division.