Understanding Asylum: Protecting Individuals Fleeing Persecution Under International Law

Asylum

Protection granted by a country for refugees

Asylum is a type of protection granted by a country to individuals who are fleeing persecution or danger in their home country. This protection is granted under the international law principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits countries from sending individuals back to their home countries if they would be at risk of persecution or harm.

To be eligible for asylum, an individual must demonstrate that they have a well-founded fear of persecution based on one of several protected grounds, such as their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Asylum seekers must apply for asylum in the country in which they arrive or are present, and must go through a formal application and review process.

The granting of asylum carries with it certain rights, such as the right to remain in the country that granted asylum, the right to work and study, and the right to travel outside the country. However, obtaining asylum can be a difficult and lengthy process, and not all asylum applications are granted.

Overall, the granting of asylum is an important protection for individuals at risk of persecution or harm in their home countries, and is a key aspect of international human rights law.

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