People movement - 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees

Question 1

What is the aim of the 1951 convention?

Answer 1

To ensure that states protect the rights of refugees

Question 2

What are the main articles?

Answer 2

Article 1 - defines refugees (anyone who is outside the country of his nationality and is unable to, owing to such fear, unwilling to avail himself to the protection of that country)

21 - Access to housing
23 - Access to public relief
26 - Freedom of movement - Each state shall allow refugees to choose their place of residence and move freely within its territory.
31 - Penalties should not be imposed on refugees who arrive without authorisation
33 - Principle of non-refoulment (do not return refugee where their life or freedom is threatened)

Question 3

What is one example (Australia)

Answer 3

2001-2007 pacific solution to Tampa crisis (offshore detention to Christmas island
Operation sovereign borders 2013 and turn back the boats campaign 2013

Violates:
Critics argue that these policies violate several articles of the 1951 Refugee Convention, including the right to seek asylum and freedom of movement (Article 26) the prohibition of penalizing refugees for their mode of arrival (Article 31). This has led to allegations of Australia breaching its obligations under the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees.