Despite some progress, refugees and asylum seekers still lack recognition in the UN Commission on Human Rights as human beings with a claim on the promised rights intended for all human beings and with consequent claims on all the related human rights bodies which promote those rights. Yet lack of full access to UN rights and freedoms can be viewed as a form of discrimination. Agenda Item 14.
Refugees are human beings who deserve to enjoy their human rights without discrimination.
The preparatory documentation for the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance recognizes refugees and asylum seekers as among vulnerable groups needing attention. Yet no Resolution at the Commission examines the progress towards realizing the rights and freedoms of refugees and asylum seekers. The work of the UN high Commissioner for Refugees as an advocate for the special needs of refugees and asylum seekers is crucial and must be encouraged. The application of the definition in the 1951 Convention relating to the status or refugees is crucial to accessing the right to remain as a Convention Refugee, but the application of the Convention definition deserves a formal State examination and a complaints mechanism like other human rights treaties. The life and freedom promised for refugees and asylum seekers is threatened in various ways.