Marking 75 years since the adoption of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the United Nations has initiated a global campaign aimed at revitalizing international commitment to protecting refugees. This effort comes amid a surge in displacement, with over 41 million people currently forced to flee conflict, violence, and persecution.
The Promise Campaign
Led by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, The Promise campaign seeks to build a broad coalition of governments, civil society, and influential figures to reaffirm the rights of refugees and the responsibility of states to provide safety and durable solutions.
The initiative calls for early government action to support host countries, expanded opportunities for refugees, and sustainable pathways for voluntary return or resettlement. It also emphasizes welcoming refugees into communities and sharing the burden of displacement globally.
Global Support and Leadership
Among the campaign's initial 75 signatories are notable personalities such as Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Ben Stiller, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai. Their involvement highlights a diverse coalition of refugee leaders, business figures, faith leaders, and human rights advocates united behind this cause.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that preserving the promise made 75 years ago demands genuine international solidarity and responsibility-sharing, particularly to assist nations hosting the largest refugee populations with limited resources.
Enduring Relevance of the Refugee Convention
The 1951 Refugee Convention established the legal framework protecting those fleeing persecution, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to danger.
Despite its age, the convention's principles remain critical as displacement reaches unprecedented levels, straining humanitarian systems worldwide. The UNHCR emphasizes the need to uphold these protections and support host communities while seeking lasting solutions for displaced persons.
Looking ahead, the coalition aims to galvanize momentum ahead of the Global Refugee Forum in 2027, a key platform to renew global commitments and address ongoing challenges faced by refugees.
