Protection of Refugees and Displaced Persons
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate in Humanitarian Aid and Refugee Management course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Protection of Refugees and Displaced Persons #
Protection of Refugees and Displaced Persons
The Protection of Refugees and Displaced Persons refers to the legal, phy… #
This protection is essential to uphold the rights and dignity of refugees and displaced persons, as outlined in international humanitarian law and human rights conventions.
Access to Asylum #
Access to Asylum
Access to Asylum is the right of individuals to seek protection in anothe… #
Asylum seekers must be given the opportunity to present their case for refugee status and receive a fair assessment of their claims in accordance with international law.
Asylum Seeker #
Asylum Seeker
An Asylum Seeker is a person who has fled their country of origin and is… #
Asylum seekers are in the process of applying for asylum and must prove that they meet the criteria for refugee status to be recognized as refugees.
Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees #
Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees
The Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees , also known as the Refu… #
The Convention is the cornerstone of international refugee law and is complemented by its 1967 Protocol.
Displacement #
Displacement
Displacement refers to the forced movement of individuals from their home… #
Displacement can be internal, within the borders of a country, or cross-border, when individuals flee to another country for safety.
Durable Solutions #
Durable Solutions
Durable Solutions are long #
term strategies to address the needs of refugees and displaced persons, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. Durable solutions aim to provide sustainable outcomes for individuals and communities affected by displacement.
International Protection #
International Protection
International Protection refers to the legal framework and mechanisms est… #
International protection includes the Refugee Convention, regional refugee instruments, and the work of UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies to provide assistance and advocacy for refugees.
Non #
Refoulement
Non #
Refoulement is a fundamental principle of international law that prohibits states from returning refugees or asylum seekers to a country where they would face persecution or other serious harm. Non-refoulement is enshrined in the Refugee Convention and is a cornerstone of refugee protection.
Refugee #
Refugee
A Refugee is a person who has been forced to flee their country of origin… #
Refugees are entitled to international protection and must be granted refugee status based on the criteria set out in the Refugee Convention.
Refugee Camp #
Refugee Camp
A Refugee Camp is a temporary settlement established to provide shelter,… #
Refugee camps are often managed by humanitarian agencies such as UNHCR and are intended to be safe havens for refugees until durable solutions can be found.
Resettlement #
Resettlement
Resettlement is the transfer of refugees from the country where they have… #
Resettlement is a durable solution for refugees who are unable to return home or integrate locally and provides them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a new country.
Return and Reintegration #
Return and Reintegration
Return and Reintegration is the process of refugees and displaced persons… #
Return and reintegration must be voluntary, safe, and sustainable, with support from humanitarian agencies to ensure the well-being of returnees.
Statelessness #
Statelessness
Statelessness refers to the lack of nationality or citizenship of an indi… #
Statelessness can result from conflict, discrimination, legal barriers, or other factors, and poses significant challenges to the protection of individuals in need.
Temporary Protection #
Temporary Protection
Temporary Protection is a form of protection granted to individuals who d… #
Temporary protection may be provided in situations of mass influx, natural disasters, or emergencies where individuals cannot return home safely.
UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) #
UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
The UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) is the UN agenc… #
UNHCR provides assistance, advocacy, and durable solutions for refugees, working with governments, NGOs, and other partners to uphold the rights of refugees worldwide.
Voluntary Repatriation #
Voluntary Repatriation
Voluntary Repatriation is the return of refugees to their country of orig… #
Voluntary repatriation is a durable solution for refugees who choose to go back home and must be based on informed decision-making, respect for human rights, and support for reintegration.
Refugee Status Determination (RSD) #
Refugee Status Determination (RSD)
Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is the process of assessing the claims… #
RSD is a legal procedure that must be fair, impartial, and timely to ensure that refugees receive the protection they need.
Host Community #
Host Community
The Host Community refers to the local population living in areas that ho… #
Host communities play a crucial role in providing support, sharing resources, and promoting social cohesion with refugees, contributing to the overall protection and well-being of all individuals affected by displacement.
Humanitarian Assistance #
Humanitarian Assistance
Humanitarian Assistance is the provision of essential aid, including food… #
Humanitarian assistance aims to save lives, alleviate suffering, and uphold the dignity and rights of vulnerable populations, including refugees and displaced persons.
Human Rights #
Based Approach
A Human Rights #
Based Approach to protection emphasizes the principles of equality, non-discrimination, participation, and accountability in addressing the needs of refugees and displaced persons. A human rights-based approach ensures that protection interventions respect and promote the human rights of individuals affected by displacement.
Internal Displacement #
Internal Displacement
Internal Displacement refers to the forced movement of individuals within… #
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are entitled to protection and assistance under international law, including access to basic services and durable solutions.
Refugee Rights #
Refugee Rights
Refugee Rights are the legal entitlements and protections afforded to ref… #
Refugee rights are enshrined in the Refugee Convention and human rights instruments.
Protection Challenges #
Protection Challenges
Protection Challenges are obstacles and risks that hinder the effective p… #
Addressing protection challenges requires a holistic and rights-based approach to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals affected by displacement.
Gender #
Based Violence (GBV)
Gender #
Based Violence (GBV) refers to any act of violence that is committed against an individual based on their gender or perceived gender. GBV is a pervasive protection concern in humanitarian settings, including refugee camps, and includes physical, sexual, and psychological violence. Preventing and responding to GBV is essential to protect the rights and dignity of refugees and displaced persons.
Child Protection #
Child Protection
Child Protection is the safeguarding of children's rights and well #
being in humanitarian settings, including refugee camps and areas of displacement. Child protection concerns include child labor, child trafficking, separation from families, exploitation, and abuse. Ensuring child protection requires a child-centered approach, family reunification, education, and psychosocial support.
Community #
Based Protection
Community #
Based Protection is an approach to protection that engages refugees, host communities, and other stakeholders in identifying risks, promoting resilience, and finding solutions to protection challenges. Community-based protection empowers individuals and communities to participate in decision-making, advocacy, and support for their own protection needs.
Legal Assistance #
Legal Assistance
Legal Assistance is the provision of legal advice, representation, and su… #
Legal assistance is essential to ensure that individuals receive fair treatment, protection, and access to justice in displacement situations.
Psychosocial Support #
Psychosocial Support
Psychosocial Support is the provision of mental health, counseling, and s… #
Psychosocial support aims to promote resilience, coping mechanisms, and healing among refugees and displaced persons, addressing the psychological impact of conflict and displacement.
Protection Monitoring #
Protection Monitoring
Protection Monitoring is the systematic collection, analysis, and reporti… #
Protection monitoring enables humanitarian agencies, governments, and other stakeholders to identify gaps, advocate for solutions, and improve the overall protection response in displacement situations.
Refugee Integration #
Refugee Integration
Refugee Integration is the process of refugees becoming active members of… #
Refugee integration promotes social cohesion, diversity, and inclusion, benefiting both refugees and host communities in building resilient and inclusive societies.
Self #
Reliance
Self #
Reliance is the ability of refugees and displaced persons to meet their basic needs, access services, and contribute to their own well-being and that of their communities. Self-reliance is a key component of refugee protection, empowering individuals to build skills, livelihoods, and independence in displacement situations.
State Responsibility #
State Responsibility
State Responsibility refers to the legal obligation of states to protect… #
State responsibility includes providing access to asylum, non-refoulement, assistance, and durable solutions for individuals in need of protection.
Urban Refugees #
Urban Refugees
Urban Refugees are refugees who live in cities and urban areas rather tha… #
Urban refugees face unique protection challenges, including access to services, livelihood opportunities, legal status, and social integration. Addressing the needs of urban refugees requires tailored protection responses and partnerships with local authorities and communities.
Vulnerability #
Vulnerability
Vulnerability refers to the heightened risk of harm, exploitation, or dis… #
Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities is essential to ensure the protection and well-being of individuals in displacement situations.
Women, Peace, and Security #
Women, Peace, and Security
Women, Peace, and Security is a framework that recognizes the critical ro… #
Women and girls are often disproportionately affected by conflict and displacement, facing gender-based violence, discrimination, and lack of access to services. Promoting women's rights, participation, and protection is essential for sustainable peace and security in humanitarian settings.
Humanitarian Coordination #
Humanitarian Coordination
Humanitarian Coordination is the process of bringing together humanitaria… #
Coordination mechanisms, such as clusters, working groups, and joint assessments, facilitate information sharing, resource mobilization, and collaboration to address protection needs in humanitarian settings.
Child Protection System #
Child Protection System
A Child Protection System is a framework of policies, laws, services, and… #
Child protection systems aim to promote the well-being and rights of children in humanitarian settings, ensuring access to education, healthcare, psychosocial support, and family reunification.
Detention of Refugees #
Detention of Refugees
Detention of Refugees refers to the practice of holding refugees and asyl… #
Detention of refugees can lead to violations of human rights, including arbitrary detention, lack of access to asylum procedures, and exposure to risks of abuse and exploitation.
Disability Inclusion #
Disability Inclusion
Disability Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that refugees and displa… #
Disability inclusion promotes the rights, dignity, and participation of individuals with disabilities, addressing barriers to mobility, communication, and social integration.
Humanitarian Access #
Humanitarian Access
Humanitarian Access is the ability of humanitarian actors to reach and as… #
Humanitarian access requires safe and unimpeded passage, respect for humanitarian principles, and cooperation with local authorities to provide lifesaving assistance and protection.
Participation and Inclusion #
Participation and Inclusion
Participation and Inclusion are principles that emphasize the active invo… #
Participation and inclusion empower individuals to voice their needs, share their perspectives, and contribute to shaping protection responses that are responsive, accountable, and rights-based.
Protection Cluster #
Protection Cluster
The Protection Cluster is a coordination mechanism led by UNHCR and other… #
The Protection Cluster brings together government agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations to address protection challenges, advocate for rights, and promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.
Refugee Education #
Refugee Education
Refugee Education is the provision of quality education and learning oppo… #
Refugee education ensures access to formal and non-formal learning, teacher training, psychosocial support, and safe learning environments for refugees to acquire knowledge, skills, and resilience for the future.
Refugee Health #
Refugee Health
Refugee Health is the provision of essential healthcare services, includi… #
Refugee health programs aim to prevent disease, promote well-being, and ensure access to healthcare for all individuals affected by displacement, including those with specific health needs.
Refugee Livelihoods #
Refugee Livelihoods
Refugee Livelihoods are the means by which refugees and displaced persons… #
Refugee livelihood programs support income generation, skills training, entrepreneurship, and market access for refugees to meet their basic needs, contribute to local economies, and enhance their resilience in the face of displacement.
Refugee Protection Officer #
Refugee Protection Officer
A Refugee Protection Officer is a trained professional responsible for as… #
Refugee protection officers work for UNHCR, governments, NGOs, and legal aid organizations to ensure that refugees receive the support and protection they need in displacement situations.
Refugee Resilience #
Refugee Resilience
Refugee Resilience is the ability of refugees and displaced persons to co… #
Refugee resilience is built on access to protection, resources, social support, and opportunities for self-reliance, enabling individuals to overcome trauma, rebuild their lives, and contribute to their communities.
Refugee Status #
Refugee Status
Refugee Status is the legal recognition granted to individuals who meet t… #
Refugee status entitles individuals to international protection, rights, and assistance, including non-refoulement, access to services, and durable solutions for displacement.
Refugee Women and Girls #
Refugee Women and Girls
Refugee Women and Girls are often disproportionately affected by displace… #
Protecting and empowering refugee women and girls requires gender-sensitive programming, access to education, healthcare, livelihoods, and opportunities for leadership and advocacy in humanitarian settings.
SGBV (Sexual and Gender #
Based Violence)
SGBV (Sexual and Gender #
Based Violence) refers to any act of violence that is perpetrated against an individual based on their sex or gender, including sexual violence, domestic violence, forced marriage, and harmful practices. SGBV is a pervasive protection concern in humanitarian settings, affecting women, men, girls, and boys, and requires comprehensive prevention, response, and support services to address the root causes and consequences of violence.
Trafficking in Persons #
Trafficking in Persons
Trafficking in Persons is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harb… #
Trafficking in persons is a serious protection concern in displacement settings, including refugee camps, where individuals, especially women and children, are vulnerable to trafficking for labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse. Preventing trafficking, identifying victims, and providing protection and support services are essential to combat this crime and uphold the rights of individuals affected by displacement.