Seventy-five years later, that promise still matters.

What is the Refugee Convention?

The 1951 Refugee Convention, together with its 1967 Protocol, is the main international agreement protecting refugees. It explains who can be recognised as a refugee, sets out their rights and describes the responsibilities of countries that have signed it.

At its heart is a simple but vital rule: nobody should be sent back to a country where their life or freedom would be in danger. This is sometimes called the principle of “non-refoulement”. The Convention also sets out basic standards for how refugees should be treated, including access to housing, education and work. It is more than a legal document. It is a practical, lifesaving tool that has helped protect millions of people.

A shared responsibility

The Convention recognises that no country can respond to people being forced from their homes alone. Countries need to work together, share responsibility and support the communities welcoming refugees. Fair asylum systems, safe routes and international cooperation all have an important part to play. The UK was one of the original countries to sign the Convention and helped to shape it. This is an important part of our history, but it is also an ongoing responsibility.

Why is it still important today?

The need for refugee protection has not gone away. At the end of 2025, an estimated 117.8 million people around the world had been forced to leave their homes. This included 41.6 million refugees and other people in need of international protection, as well as almost nine million people waiting for a decision on their asylum claim.

Behind every number is a person, a family and a story. People do not choose to become refugees. They leave because staying at home is no longer safe.

The Convention gives countries a clear framework for deciding who needs protection and making sure that people are not returned to danger. It also helps asylum systems work in a more organised, fair and predictable way. Protecting refugees and managing borders are not competing goals. Both can be achieved through fair decisions, effective systems and cooperation between countries.

The Convention needs to be respected

Some people argue that the Refugee Convention is out of date or should be rewritten. UNHCR’s message is clear: the Convention remains flexible, relevant and essential.

The problems facing asylum systems today are not caused by the Convention. The focus should be on putting it into practice properly, through fair and timely decisions, safe routes, support for countries hosting large numbers of refugees and better opportunities for people to rebuild their lives. As UNHCR puts it, the Convention does not need rewriting. It needs respecting.

Facts and empathy matter

Public discussion about refugees and migration is often shaped by misinformation, fear and hostile language. We believe this must change.

People seeking safety should be spoken about with dignity, respect and humanity. We need honest conversations based on facts and practical solutions, rather than language that divides communities or blames people who have already been forced to leave their homes. Refugee protection is not a threat to stability. It helps create safety, fairness and order.

Our commitment at Voices in Exile

At Voices in Exile, we see every day why the Refugee Convention matters. We support refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants at risk who are navigating complex legal systems, insecure housing, destitution and long periods of uncertainty. We help people understand and exercise their rights, access legal and practical support, and begin rebuilding their lives with dignity.

Our work is grounded in justice, solidarity and the belief that everyone deserves safety and fair treatment. We will continue to challenge policies and practices that weaken refugee protection, and to stand alongside people who have been forced to flee.

The Refugee Convention is not only a framework for protecting other people but a safeguard for all of us, because any one of us could one day need the protection it offers.

Read more about the Refugee Convention and access UNHCR’s anniversary resources.

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You can watch it here:

We also have a write to Ministers campaign action live if you would like to share.

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This article explains the impact of this policy, highlights the challenges it creates, and outlines the actions you need to take to protect yourself.

What is changing?

From 31 December 2024, physical BRPs and BRCs will expire. To prove your immigration status, you must create an eVisa account, which serves as your digital record. This change affects everyone with an immigration status in the UK.

If you haven’t created an eVisa account by the deadline, your leave to remain and entitlements will still be valid, but proving your status could become significantly harder. Service providers like the NHS, landlords, and employers might refuse to recognise your rights if you cannot present proof through the new digital system.

Why this matters

The move to eVisas may seem straightforward, but for many, it creates unnecessary barriers. Refugees, asylum seekers, and others who are digitally excluded or unaware of the changes are at serious risk of being denied their lawful entitlements.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Digital-only proof is a challenge: Not everyone has access to reliable internet, smartphones, or the skills to navigate complex online systems. This puts many at risk of losing access to essential services.
• Errors can have devastating consequences: The eVisa system has already been prone to technical errors, leaving thousands unable to prove their status. Any mistakes in your record could lead to wrongful denial of benefits, housing, or healthcare.
• Lack of awareness and training: Many government departments, landlords, and employers remain uninformed about the transition, leading to confusion and potential discrimination.

What you need to do now

To avoid being negatively impacted by these changes, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible:

1. Create your eVisa account: Visit the UKVI website and follow the steps to set up your eVisa account. If you need help, ask a trusted advisor or support organisation.
2. Check your status: Once your account is set up, verify that your details are correct. Any errors should be reported immediately to UKVI for correction.
3. Gather additional proof: If you don’t have digital access, keep copies of your grant of status letter or other documentation to provide backup evidence when needed.
4. Inform your service providers: Make sure your landlord, employer, or other relevant organisations are aware of your immigration status and how to verify it.

How to get help

If you are struggling with the transition to eVisas, please get in touch with Voices in Exile and we will do our best to help you, or point you in the direction of further assistance.

The post The shift to eVisas: what you need to know and how to protect your rights appeared first on Voices In Exile.

Today we join over 240 orgs to stand in solidarity with those affected by the recent acts of violence across the UK, many of whom have already fled unimaginable horrors to try to find safety.

 This must be a turning point. Read more below:

MORE THAN 200 REFUGEE CHARITIES ‘STAND TOGETHER’ IN JOINT RESPONSE TO ANTI-MIGRANT VIOLENCE

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We all need rights. We all need safety. We all need dignity. We all need justice. We all need privacy. We all need community.

These are the six steps towards achieving justice for people who move, and a fairer society for us all. These basic principles have been jointly drafted by 45 organisations that work with people who move on a daily basis, and with allied organisations. We see how deeply the hostile policies and statements targeting migrants impact people and their communities. We’re proud to stand behind these six steps towards migrant justice, and a fairer society for all of us.  

1.   Rights – We should all be able to thrive, no matter where we’re from or the colour of our skin
2.   Safety – We must welcome people who seek sanctuary in the UK
3.   Dignity – We must all be able to live with dignity and feel safe in our homes and workplaces
4.   Justice – We should all be able to defend our rights and hold the government accountable
5.   Privacy – We should all be able to pursue health, justice and support knowing that our personal data will be kept safe, and our privacy respected
6.   Community – We all have a right to participate in our communities, and find care and belonging

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