The 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol

This convention, forwarded by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), consolidates previous international statements on refugees and attempts a comprehensive codification of the rights of refugees at the international level. This document defines refugee status and lays out the basic minimum standards for the treatment of refugees, including the right to religion and access to courts, primary education, and work. It also requires documentation for refugees, including a refugee passport.