At a time of harder borders and ‘ruthless’ rhetoric, the Refugee Convention is more important than ever

This week, the Refugee Convention marks 75 years since its adoption in the aftermath of World War II. The treaty establishes three core protections: preventing forcible return to places of persecution, not penalizing entry without valid documents, and granting legal status so refugees can rebuild their lives. Today, though, the UN agency charged with enforcing those protections is in crisis. After the Trump administration slashed US foreign aid, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees faces a one point three billion dollar shortfall compared to 2024—a twenty-five percent cut. The agency has eliminated five thousand jobs and closed or merged 185 offices. The Conversation reports that legal experts maintain the convention is still fit for purpose, but without renewed international cooperation and funding, refugees will continue searching for safety as borders harden.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton