July 28 marked the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Ratified by 145 States Parties, this essential international treaty defines the term “refugee” and sets out the rights of uprooted people, as well as the legal obligations of States to ensure their protection. The fundamental principle is non-refoulement, according to which a refugee should not be returned to a country where his or her life or freedom are seriously threatened. It is important for the international community to continue to defend and honor this principle in order to protect the rights of refugees throughout the world, thereby saving millions of human lives. The role of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is just as invaluable in the field, in the face of increasing conflicts and crises, as it is in the legal sphere, to guarantee the effectiveness of refugee status and combat statelessness. It is our duty today to salute the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Convention, at a time when the most fundamental rights are being threatened or flouted, and when hostile voices are being raised to call into question the principles of this Convention. The member states of the Council of Europe and the European Union have a particular responsibility to contribute to the universality and effectiveness of the Geneva Convention and the 1967 New York Protocol, which extends its scope in space and time. The René Cassin Foundation, whose general training courses focus on international humanitarian law and refugee law in particular, has been keen to develop an intensive training course on refugee law organized jointly with the UNHCR Representation in France for over 20 years. It intends to pursue its training and awareness-raising efforts, with the help of all concerned. We wish long life and success to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees in its mission, with the support of all players, international agencies, contributing States, NGOs and the field.

Emmanuel DECAUX
President of the René Cassin Foundation
International Institute of Human Rights Sébastien TOUZÉ
Director of the René Cassin Foundation
International Institute of Human Rights