Britain’s Conservative Home Secretary Suella Braverman has questioned the United Nations Refugee Convention. Politicians need to consider whether the convention and the way it is interpreted by the courts is still suitable “for our modern times” or needs reform, the 43-year-old said yesterday during a visit to a US think tank.
“Let me be clear: There are large parts of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay or a woman,” Braverman said during a visit to the American Enterprise Institute. When individuals are persecuted, it is right to provide them with protection. “But we will not be able to maintain an asylum system if being gay or female and fearing discrimination in your home country is enough to qualify for protection.”
UNHCR: No need for reforms
The 1951 Geneva Refugee Convention is a cornerstone of international humanitarian cooperation. It guarantees the admission of people who are persecuted in their country due to their religion or political beliefs. People should not be sent back to places where their lives or freedom are threatened.
The UNHCR opposed Braverman’s call and said: “There is no need for reform or a more restrictive interpretation, but for a stronger and more consistent implementation of the Convention and its fundamental principle of sharing responsibilities.” refugees, which often occur alongside migrants traveling for other reasons. But the Refugee Convention remains as relevant as it was when it was adopted, a UNHCR statement said.