History The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights Questions Medium
The right to seek asylum from persecution is a fundamental human right recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It refers to the right of individuals to seek protection and refuge in another country if they are facing persecution or serious harm in their own country.
Article 14 of the UDHR states that "Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution." This right is further elaborated in various international and regional human rights treaties, such as the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.
The right to seek asylum is based on the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of individuals to a country where they may face persecution or serious harm. It recognizes that individuals should not be forced to return to a country where their life, liberty, or security is at risk.
The right to seek asylum is crucial for protecting the lives and well-being of individuals who are fleeing persecution, violence, or other forms of human rights abuses. It provides them with an opportunity to find safety and rebuild their lives in a country that is willing to offer them protection.
However, it is important to note that the right to seek asylum is not an absolute right and can be subject to certain limitations and procedures. States have the responsibility to establish fair and efficient asylum systems to process asylum claims and determine the eligibility of individuals for refugee status.
In recent years, the issue of asylum seekers and refugees has become a significant global challenge, with millions of people forcibly displaced from their homes due to conflicts, persecution, and other crises. The right to seek asylum remains a critical aspect of international human rights law and requires collective efforts to ensure its effective implementation and protection for those in need.