Refuge

a Matter of Humanity

Abstract

Mass migration flows resulting from disrespect of fundamental human rights are today on the front burner of international political debate. Refugee protection is the international legal institute designed to protect victims of generalized persecution for religious, racial, and ethnic reasons, nationality, social group, and political opinions. This article aims to shed light on this issue, presenting a brief history of the evolution of international refugee legislation, as well as the dynamics of refugee acceptance in Brazil and elsewhere in the last decade. The need to adopt effective and lasting measures is underscored, as well as the need of understanding and cooperation among sovereign entities, without which it will not be possible to address the current refugee crisis.