What was established by the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees?

The 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees was established to address limitations in the 1951 Refugee Convention by expanding its provisions. While the original Convention was focused on refugees displaced by events occurring in Europe before 1951, the Protocol removed geographic and temporal restrictions, allowing for a broader interpretation of who qualifies as a refugee. This means it recognized refugees fleeing from conflicts and persecution not just in Europe but around the world, and it applied the definition of refugee status more universally. By expanding the scope of the Refugee Convention, the Protocol has played a crucial role in global refugee protection efforts, making it possible for many more individuals to seek asylum and have their claims recognized. This is a key development in international refugee law, ensuring that the protections for individuals fleeing persecution are applicable in a wider context.