Today, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the European Union reaffirms its full commitment to the Convention, to its values and principles, and to ensuring that refugee protection remains firmly anchored in EU and partner countries’ legislation, international law and effective multilateral cooperation.
The Convention continues to provide the essential legal framework for the protection of refugees, setting out the rights of those forced to flee and the obligations of States to protect them. The Convention has had a profound global impact in safeguarding millions of lives, guiding international action, and upholding the fundamental principle that people fleeing persecution must be treated with dignity and protected in accordance with international law.
Respect for international humanitarian law is critical to preventing and reducing forced displacement caused by armed conflict, as well as to ensure protection for civilians. The EU also recognises the indispensable role of humanitarian organisations operating in accordance with the humanitarian principles in delivering protection and assistance to affected populations.
On the 75th anniversary of this landmark text, the European Union also reiterates its support for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), whose mandate remains essential in addressing global displacement challenges. The UNHCR is the UN’s lead agency for the protection of refugees and displaced communities, alongside other key international organisations and agreements. For example, the European Union has actively contributed to the development of the Global Compact on Refugees and is engaged in its practical implementation.
With the first European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy, the EU has reiterated commitment to being a space that protects people fleeing war and persecution. The Pact on Migration and Asylum, entered into application in June this year, reflects and implements a comprehensive and a whole-of-route approach to migration management. As part of the Pact, the EU has a framework for voluntary humanitarian admission and resettlements in the EU, with over 10,000 pledges in the 2026-2027 Union Plan.
Furthermore, EU Member States have taken on significant responsibility in hosting refugees and displaced people, including by providing temporary protection to more than 4.4 million people fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The EU also supports countries hosting large numbers of refugees and displaced persons, ensuring their access to shelter and essential services while also advancing durable solutions for the vulnerable refugees and migrants such as local integration, resettlement and assisted voluntary return.
The European Union remains fully committed to multilateralism, defending international protection standards, promoting the full respect of international law and humanitarian principles, supporting humanitarian diplomacy to facilitate protection and humanitarian access, fostering resilience and reducing long-term dependency on humanitarian assistance. As we commemorate this milestone and reiterate our support for a more effective UNHCR within a strong and efficient UN system, global cooperation and solidarity are as indispensable as ever to ensure protection for refugees worldwide.
Publication date
28 July 2026
Author
Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)
