Challenges and Legal Mechanisms: Upholding the Right to Asylum in Public International Law

The right to asylum and safe refuge is a fundamental principle embedded in international law, evolving to address global challenges like political persecution and violence. Historically, asylum progressed from ancient religious sanctuaries to formalized legal frameworks, culminating in modern international and regional conventions. Key instruments like the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, alongside African and American regional agreements, have significantly broadened the definition of a refugee, expanding protection to include those fleeing aggression, widespread violence, and human rights violations. These collective efforts aim to ensure international legal protection and humanitarian aid for individuals seeking refuge from persecution.