A refugee is a person who "owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country." (Article 1A, 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees)

In other words, refugees are people who face serious human rights abuses because of who they are or what they believe. They flee to other countries seeking refuge and cannot return home because their own governments cannot or will not protect them.

Most refugees today are fleeing persecution arising in the context of armed conflicts. This can take the form of violent attacks perpetrated directly on them or their loved ones. Often, refugees’ land is seized, their homes destroyed, valuables confiscated, and means of life decimated. Many refugees have been the victims of severe violence, torture or rape. Many have witnessed their neighbors and loved ones being killed.

Other refugees may not have experienced direct violence against them, but are fleeing areas engulfed in conflict where life has become tenuous and their personal safety is at risk due to the impending threat of physical violence and the disruption of public order, which sometimes includes the systematic deprivation of food and other basic necessities as a tool of war.

In the absence of armed conflict, persecution may take the form of denial of basic rights accorded other residents or citizens of a country. Religious beliefs, ethnic identity, or political associations are commonly the basis for such discrimination. Whatever the reason, certain groups are targeted as "second class" and may be denied the right to own property, travel freely, possess identification documents, attend school, work legally, worship as they choose, etc. This denial of basic rights is often accompanied by persistent harassment and intimidation. Such persecution makes it impossible for people to live normal lives