Non-Discrimination between Refugees in the International Refugees Law

Abstract

he principle of non-discrimination between refugees is one of the fundamental pillars of the international Refugees Law, as it aims to preserve their human dignity and promote respect for human rights, thereby contributing to achieving justice and establishing peaceful coexistence in societies.The rights enjoyed by refugees under international conventions are legal obligations incumbent upon host states, foremost among them the right to non-discrimination. International Refugees law rejects any form of discrimination against refugees based on race, religion, or country of origin. The principle of non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of the international refugees law, although it is not a customary rule binding on all states. Its application is limited to host states that have ratified the conventions governing refugees. Nevertheless, this right constitutes the core of international refugee protection, as its absence renders the right to refugee meaningless and ineffective.