New York, July 28 (SANA)The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) on Tuesday launched a global campaign titled “The Promise,” calling on governments, organizations and individuals to renew their commitment to protecting people forced to flee war, violence and persecution, marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

Guterres warns of growing pressure on refugee protection

On the occasion, UN Secretary-GeneralAntónio Guterreswarned in a statement on the UN website that “the promise made by states decades ago is facing growing pressure today, with conflicts escalating and displacement numbers rising,” stressing that “the right to seek asylum is being questioned or restricted in several regions around the world.”

Guterres said the 1951 Refugee Convention “is not a legacy of the past, but a present necessity,” calling for ensuring access to protection, applying fair and humane asylum procedures, and respecting the principle of non-refoulement without discrimination.

The UN chief also stressed his rejection of “policies that shift protection responsibilities to other parties or punish people for seeking safety.”

According to UNHCR figures, there are more than 41 millionrefugeesworldwide, as conflicts continue to uproot families from their homes and place significant pressure on asylum systems and host countries, which face growing challenges in providing protection and basic services.

Global campaign, coalition-building

The campaign is led byUN High Commissioner for RefugeesBarham Salih, aiming to build a global coalition in preparation for the Global Refugee Forum in 2027, according to the UN website and remarks on X.

Keeping the promise of the Refugee Convention is not UNHCR’s responsibility alone. It belongs to all of us.Proud to launch#ThePromise, bringing together voices to mark the Convention’s 75th anniversary and reaffirm our shared commitment to protect refugees and the right to…https://t.co/cgVglC4h8u

Seventy-five prominent figures have joined the campaign, including leaders from refugee communities, religious and human rights figures, and globally renowned advocates such as Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett, according to UNHCR.

The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees is the cornerstone of international refugee protection, defining who is a refugee, their rights, and the legal obligations of states to protect them. The convention established the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of refugees to countries where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.

The Global Refugee Forum, held every four years, brings together governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector to make concrete pledges and contributions to support refugees and host communities.