International protection of refugees: the practice of UNHCR

Abstract

This study aims to analyze UNHCR's practice pursued since 1950 for the protection of refugees. A review of previous organizations and legal instruments is given in order to find out the meaning of the term " refugee " until the establishment of UNHCR which is considered to be a successor to all these organizations. The procedure and criteria applied by UNHCR for the eligibility determination of refugees are examined with the aim of identifying the group of asylum-seekers which are under the mandate of UNHCR. UNHCR's protection functions which involve promoting legal tools to secure the rights, security and welfare of refugees, and finding solutions either by voluntary return of refugees to their country in conditions of security, or by assimilation in a new national community are examinedFinally, the changing role of UNHCR in the post-Cold War era is evaluated and new strategies are suggested in the concluding chapter.