ABSTRACT

An increasingly high media profi le is accorded to refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people. Whether as a result of natural disasters, famine, political persecution or confl ict, millions of people seek refuge outwith and even within their homeland. This chapter focuses on the rights of refugees and the legal regime which has evolved to protect them. It will cover

● Facts and fi gures of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced peoples. ● Who is a refugee and who are internally displaced peoples? ● Challenges for States protecting refugees. ● Processing asylum applications. ● Problem of stateless persons.