THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE REFUGEE CONCEPT IN INTERNATIONAL LAW
THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE REFUGEE CONCEPT IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the historical development and transformation of the refugee concept in international law. Using a doctrinal legal research methodology supported by historical analysis, it explores the evolution of refugee protection from early international arrangements to the contemporary refugee regime established by the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol. The study demonstrates that refugee protection has progressively expanded through regional instruments, evolving interpretations and complementary protection mechanisms. At the same time, increasing migration-control measures, restrictive asylum policies and the securitization of migration have created significant barriers to access to protection. The article argues that contemporary refugee law is characterized by a continuing paradox: while the legal scope of protection has broadened considerably, access to that protection has become increasingly contested in practice. It concludes that the effectiveness of the international refugee regime depends not only on the development of legal norms but also on ensuring meaningful access to existing protection mechanisms.

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