As we reach the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention, the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) is calling on the Australian government to uphold its commitment to the international protection system.
The Refugee Convention was first signed on 28 July 1951, developed as a response in the aftermath of both world wars, when millions of people were forced to flee their homelands in search of refuge. Australia played a significant role in the drafting of the Refugee Convention and, as the sixth signatory, Australia brought the Convention into force.
The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol are the key legal documents that protect the rights of refugees at the international level. The Convention defines the term ‘refugee’ and outlines the legal protection, rights and assistance a refugee is entitled to receive.
The core principle of the 1951 Convention is non-refoulement, a rule which asserts that a refugee should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.
Still relevant
RCOA Co-CEO Paul Power says that the Refugee Convention is still relevant today.
’75 years later, the Convention remains as vital as ever,’ he said. ‘As global displacement continues to rise and pressure on asylum systems grows, it continues to provide the legal framework to safeguard the rights and safety of refugees and remains relevant in tackling contemporary challenges. This 75th anniversary is an opportunity to reaffirm the Convention’s relevance and strengthen its application in Australia and across the world.
‘Australia played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Refugee Convention and was a leader in the post-war refugee response. More recent approaches have sadly focused on preventing access to refugee protection for people fleeing warzones, deporting people with protection needs and removing due process and other safeguards from people seeking asylum.’
RCOA says recent actions from the Australian government demonstrate clear efforts to shrink refugee protection space rather than to expand it.
The ‘arrival control determinations’ created in legislation passed in March meant that the government could prevent Iranians who had already been granted visitor visas from departing for Australia in anticipation that many would be recognised as refugees after regional conflict spread to Iran.
New laws passed in 2025 also meant that the government can pay third countries to accept non-citizens — including recognised refugees with Australian citizen family members — without any safeguards to prevent harm, detention or their return to persecution.
The Australian government has also recently tabled legislation that would amend the due process available to people seeking refugee protection here in Australia when they seek merits and judicial review of their protection application decision.
RCOA says these efforts coupled with Australia’s decades-long deterrence approach to people seeking asylum who arrive by sea all demonstrate a move away from the principles of the Refugee Convention and towards preventing people from finding safety and sanctuary.
Opportunity
Mr Power says, ‘As some nations turn their backs on refugees, the Australian government has the opportunity to once again lead the world by reaffirming its commitment to the Refugee Convention and by enacting laws and policies that support people fleeing conflicts and persecution.
‘The Refugee Convention has helped strengthen Australia’s shared humanity and collective responsibility. It reflects our values of compassion, fairness and mateship,’ he said.
‘Refugees from all parts of the world have been able to rebuild their lives, foster lifelong friendships, participate fully in civic, cultural and economic life, contribute to Australian society and enrich the nation we all share.
‘Australia has benefited immeasurably from the hard work, grit and generosity of the one million refugees who have arrived here over the past 80 years,’ said Mr Power. ‘It is time for Australia to renew its commitment to the Refugee Convention and once again, become a leader for positive solutions for people forced from their homes.’
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