EU commits to stronger refugee protection as 1951 Convention turns 75.

On the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the European Union has formally reaffirmed its full commitment to the landmark treaty, its core values, and its integration into EU legislation, international law, and multilateral frameworks.

The 1951 Convention remains the primary legal foundation for protecting people forced to flee persecution, setting out individual rights alongside state obligations to guarantee protection and dignified treatment under international law.

Supporting Global Displacement Frameworks

The European Union reiterated its support for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its role in coordinating global protection efforts. The EU also highlighted its ongoing involvement in implementing the Global Compact on Refugees.

Key operational focus areas emphasized by the EU include:

• Humanitarian Assistance: Supporting international organizations delivering vital aid in accordance with humanitarian principles.
• Preventing Forced Displacement: Upholding international humanitarian law in conflict zones to reduce displacement and safeguard civilians.
• Durable Solutions: Funding initiatives that help host countries provide shelter and essential services, alongside local integration, voluntary return, and resettlement programs.

Policy Implementation and Resettlement

Under the European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy and the newly implemented Pact on Migration and Asylum—which entered into application in June—the EU has structured a whole-of-route approach to migration.

As part of this framework, the EU has established a mechanism for voluntary humanitarian admissions and resettlements, securing more than 10,000 pledges under the 2026–2027 Union Plan.

Additionally, EU Member States continue to host millions of displaced individuals globally, including providing temporary protection to over 4.4 million people fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Moving forward, the EU committed to leveraging humanitarian diplomacy to maintain international protection standards, facilitate humanitarian access, and help refugee communities build long-term economic resilience.