Verdrag

Verdrag betreffende de status van vluchtelingen

Partijen met voorbehouden, verklaringen en bezwaren

Partij Voorbehoud / verklaring Bezwaren
Afghanistan Ja Nee
Albanië Ja Nee
Algerije Ja Nee
Angola Ja Nee
Antigua en Barbuda Ja Nee
Argentinië Ja Nee
Armenië Ja Nee
Australië Ja Nee
Azerbeidzjan Ja Nee
Bahama's Ja Nee
Belarus Ja Nee
België Ja Nee
Belize Ja Nee
Benin Ja Nee
Bolivia Ja Nee
Bosnië en Herzegovina Ja Nee
Botswana Ja Nee
Brazilië Ja Nee
Bulgarije Ja Nee
Burkina Faso Ja Nee
Burundi Ja Nee
Canada Ja Nee
Centraal-Afrikaanse Republiek Ja Nee
Chili Ja Nee
China Ja Nee
Colombia Ja Nee
Congo, Democratische Republiek Ja Nee
Congo, Republiek Ja Nee
Costa Rica Ja Nee
Cyprus Ja Nee
Denemarken Ja Nee
Djibouti Ja Nee
Dominica Ja Nee
Dominicaanse Republiek Ja Nee
Duitsland Ja Nee
Ecuador Ja Nee
Egypte Ja Nee
El Salvador Ja Nee
Equatoriaal-Guinea Ja Nee
Estland Ja Nee
Eswatini Ja Nee
Ethiopië Ja Nee
Fiji Ja Nee
Filipijnen Ja Nee
Finland Ja Nee
Frankrijk Ja Nee
Gabon Ja Nee
Gambia Ja Nee
Georgië Ja Nee
Ghana Ja Nee
Griekenland Ja Nee
Guatemala Ja Nee
Guinee Ja Nee
Guinee-Bissau Ja Nee
Haïti Ja Nee
Heilige Stoel Ja Nee
Honduras Ja Nee
Hongarije Ja Nee
Ierland Ja Nee
IJsland Ja Nee
Iran Ja Nee
Israël Ja Nee
Italië Ja Nee
Ivoorkust Ja Nee
Jamaica Ja Nee
Japan Ja Nee
Jemen Ja Nee
Kameroen Ja Nee
Kazachstan Ja Nee
Kenia Ja Nee
Kirgistan Ja Nee
Kroatië Ja Nee
Lesotho Ja Nee
Letland Ja Nee
Liberia Ja Nee
Liechtenstein Ja Nee
Litouwen Ja Nee
Luxemburg Ja Nee
Madagaskar Ja Nee
Malawi Ja Nee
Mali Ja Nee
Malta Ja Nee
Marokko Ja Nee
Mauritanië Ja Nee
Mexico Ja Nee
Moldavië Ja Nee
Monaco Ja Nee
Montenegro Ja Nee
Mozambique Ja Nee
Namibië Ja Nee
Nauru Ja Nee
Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der Ja Nee
Nicaragua Ja Nee
Nieuw-Zeeland Ja Nee
Niger Ja Nee
Nigeria Ja Nee
Noord-Macedonië Ja Nee
Noorwegen Ja Nee
Oekraïne Ja Nee
Oostenrijk Ja Nee
Oost-Timor Ja Nee
Panama Ja Nee
Papoea-Nieuw-Guinea Ja Nee
Paraguay Ja Nee
Peru Ja Nee
Polen Ja Nee
Portugal Ja Nee
Roemenië Ja Nee
Russische Federatie Ja Nee
Rwanda Ja Nee
Saint Kitts en Nevis Ja Nee
Saint Vincent en de Grenadines Ja Nee
Salomonseilanden Ja Nee
Samoa Ja Nee
Sao Tomé en Principe Ja Nee
Senegal Ja Nee
Servië Ja Nee
Seychellen Ja Nee
Sierra Leone Ja Nee
Slovenië Ja Nee
Slowakije Ja Nee
Somalië Ja Ja
Spanje Ja Nee
Sudan Ja Nee
Suriname Ja Nee
Tadzjikistan Ja Nee
Tanzania Ja Nee
Togo Ja Nee
Trinidad en Tobago Ja Nee
Tsjaad Ja Nee
Tsjechië Ja Nee
Tunesië Ja Nee
Turkije Ja Nee
Turkmenistan Ja Nee
Tuvalu Ja Nee
Uganda Ja Nee
Uruguay Ja Nee
Verenigd Koninkrijk Ja Ja
Zambia Ja Nee
Zimbabwe Ja Nee
Zuid-Afrika Ja Nee
Zuid-Korea Ja Nee
Zuid-Sudan Ja Nee
Zweden Ja Nee
Zwitserland Ja Nee

Afghanistan

30-08-2005

[...] the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan which considers itself bound by alternative (b) of Article 1B (1) thereof, that is to say events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951.

Albanië

18-08-1992

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Algerije

21-02-1963

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Angola

23-06-1981

Ad article 17: The Government of the People's Republic of Angola accepts the obligations set forth in article 17, provided that:
(a) Paragraph 1 of this article shall not be interpreted to mean that refugees must enjoy the same privileges as may be accorded to nationals of countries with which the People's Republic of Angola has signed special co-operation agreements;
(b) Paragraph 2 of this article shall be construed as a recommendation and not as an obligation.
Ad article 26: The Government of the People's Republic of Angola reserves the right to prescribe, transfer or circumscribe the place of residence of certain refugees or groups of refugees, and to restrict their freedom of movement, whenever considerations of national or international order make it advisable to do so. The Government of the People's Republic of Angola also declares that the provisions of the Convention shall be applicable in Angola provided that they are not contrary to or incompatible with the constitutional and legal provisions in force in the People's Republic of Angola, especially as regards articles 7, 13, 15, 18 and 24 of the Convention. Those provisions shall not be construed so as to accord to any category of aliens resident in Angola more extensive rights than are enjoyed by Angolan citizens.
The Government of the People's Republic of Angola also considers that the provisions of articles 8 and 9 of the Convention cannot be construed so as to limit its right to adopt in respect of a refugee or group of refugees such measures as it deems necessary to safeguard national interests and to ensure respect for its sovereignty, whenever circumstances so require.

Antigua en Barbuda

07-09-1995

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Argentinië

05-11-1984

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Armenië

06-07-1993

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Australië

01-12-1967

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Azerbeidzjan

12-02-1993

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Bahama's

15-09-1993

Refugees and their dependants would normally be subjected to the same laws and regulations relating generally to the employment of non-Bahamians within the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, so long as they have not acquired status in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Belarus

23-08-2001

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

België

22-07-1953

1. In all cases where the Convention grants to refugees the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country, this provision shall not be interpreted by the Belgian Government as necessarily involving the régime accorded to nationals of countries with which Belgium has concluded regional customs, economic or political agreements.
2. Article 15 of the Convention shall not be applicable in Belgium; refugees lawfully staying in Belgian territory will enjoy the same treatment, as regards the right of association, as that accorded to aliens in general.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Belize

27-06-1990

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Benin

06-07-1970

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Bolivia

09-02-1982

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Bosnië en Herzegovina

01-09-1993

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Botswana

06-01-1969

Subject to the reservation of articles 7, 17, 26, 31, 32 and 34 and paragraph 1 of article 12 of the Convention.


21-01-1983

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Brazilië

07-04-1972

Refugees will be granted the same treatment accorded to nationals of foreign countries in general, with the exception of the preferential treatment extended to nationals of Portugal through the Friendship and Consultation Treaty of 1953 and Article 1999 of the Brazilian Constitutional Amendment No. 1, of 1969.


14-02-1990

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Bulgarije

12-05-1993

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Burkina Faso

18-06-1980

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Burundi

19-07-1963

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Canada

04-06-1969

[...]
Canada interprets the phrase 'lawfully staying' as referring only to refugees admitted for permanent residence: refugees admitted for temporary residence will be accorded the same treatment with respect to the matters dealt with in articles 23 and 24 as is accorded visitors generally.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Centraal-Afrikaanse Republiek

15-10-1962

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Chili

28-01-1972

(1) With the reservation that, with reference to the provisions of article 34, the Government of Chile will be unable to grant to refugees facilities greater that those granted to aliens in general, in view of the liberal nature of Chilean naturalization laws;
(2) With the reservation that the period specified in article 17, paragraph 2 (a) shall, in the case of Chile, be extended from three to ten years;
(3) With the reservation that article 17, paragraph 2 (c) shall apply only if the refugee is the widow or the widower of a Chilean spouse;
(4) With the reservation that the Government of Chile cannot grant a longer period for compliance with an expulsion order than that granted to other aliens in general under Chilean law.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951"

China

24-09-1982

[...] reservations on the following articles:
(1). The latter half of article 14, which reads
'In the territory of any other Contracting State, he shall be accorded the same protection as is accorded in that territory to nationals of the country in which he has his habitual residence.'
(2). Article 16 (3).


20-12-1999

The reservation made by China will also apply to the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Colombia

10-10-1961

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Congo, Democratische Republiek

19-07-1965

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Congo, Republiek

15-10-1962

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (a) "Events occurring in Europe before 1 January 1951".

Costa Rica

28-03-1978

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Cyprus

16-05-1963

With confirmation of the reservations made by the Government of the United Kingdom upon application of the Convention to the territory of Cyprus.
(i) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland understand articles 8 and 9 as not preventing them from taking in time of war or other grave and exceptional circumstances measures in the interests of national security in the case of a refugee on the ground of his nationality. The provisions of article 8 shall not prevent the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from exercising any rights over property or interests which they may acquire or have acquired as an Allied or Associated power under a Treaty of Peace or other agreement or arrangement for the restoration of peace which has been or may be completed as a result of the Second World War. Furthermore, the provisions of article 8 shall not affect the treatment to be accorded to any property or interests which at the date of entry into force of this Convention for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are under the control of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by reason of a state of war which exists or existed between them and any other State.
(ii) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland accept paragraph 2 of article 17 with the substitution of "four years" for "three years" in sub-paragraph (a) and with the omission of sub-paragraph (c).
(iii) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in respect of such of the matters referred to in sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph 1 of article 24 as fall within the scope of the National Health Service, can only undertake to apply the provisions of that paragraph so far as the law allows; and it can only undertake to apply the provisions of paragraph 2 of that Article so far as the law allows.
(iv) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland cannot undertake to give effect to the obligations contained in paragraphs 1 and 2 of article 25 and can only undertake to apply the provisions of paragraph 3 so far as the law allows.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Denemarken

04-12-1952

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".


25-03-1968

The obligation in article 17, paragraph 1, to accord to refugees lawfully staying in Denmark the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country as regards the right to engage in wage-earning employment shall not be construed to mean that refugees shall be entitled to the privileges which in this respect are accorded to nationals of Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Djibouti

09-08-1977

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Dominica

17-02-1994

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Dominicaanse Republiek

04-01-1978

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Duitsland

04-09-1990

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Ecuador

17-08-1955

With respect to article 1, relating to the definition of the term "refugee", the Government of Ecuador declares that its accession to the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees does not imply its acceptance of the Conventions which have not been expressly signed and ratified by Ecuador.
With respect to article 15, Ecuador further declares that its acceptance of the provisions contained therein shall be limited in so far as those provisions are in conflict with the constitutional and statutory provisions in force prohibiting aliens, and consequently refugees, from being members of political bodies.


01-02-1972

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Egypte

22-05-1981

With reservations in respect of article 12 (1), articles 20 and 22 (1), and articles 23 and 24.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".


24-09-1981

1. Egypt formulated a reservation to article 12 (1) because it is in contradiction with the internal laws of Egypt. This article provides that the personal status of a refugee shall be governed by the law of the country of his domicile or, failing this, of his residence. This formula contradicts article 25 of the Egyptian civil code, which reads as follows:
The judge declares the applicable law in the case of persons without nationality or with more than one nationality at the same time. In the case of persons where there is proof, in accordance with Egypt, of Egyptian nationality, and at the same time in accordance with one or more foreign countries, of nationality of that country, the Egyptian law must be applied.
The competent Egyptian authorities are not in a position to amend this article (25) of the civil code.
2. Concerning articles 20, 22 (paragraph 1), 23 and 24 of the Convention of 1951, the competent Egyptian authorities had reservations because these articles consider the refugee as equal to the national.
We made this general reservation to avoid any obstacle which might affect the discretionary authority of Egypt in granting privileges to refugees on a case-by-case basis.

El Salvador

28-04-1983

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Equatoriaal-Guinea

07-02-1986

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Estland

10-04-1997

[...]
1) to Articles 23 and 24 as follows:
The Republic of Estonia considers articles 23 and 24 merely as recommendatory, not as legally binding.
2) to Article 25 as follows:
The Republic of Estonia shall not be bound to cause a certificate to be delivered by an Estonian authority, in place of the authorities of a foreign country, if documentary records necessary for the delivery of such a certificate do not exist in the Republic of Estonia.
3) to Article 28, paragraph 1 as follows:
The Republic of Estonia shall not be obliged within five years from the entry into force of the present Convention to issue travel documents provided in article 28.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Eswatini

14-02-2000

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951"

Ethiopië

10-11-1969

[...]
The provisions of articles 8, 9, 17 (2) and 22 (1) of the Convention are recognized only as recommendations and not as legally binding obligations.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Fiji

12-06-1972

The Government of Fiji stated that [...] the first and fourth reservations made by the United Kingdom are affirmed but have been redrafted as more suitable to the application of Fiji in the following terms:
1. The Government of Fiji understands articles 8 and 9 as not preventing them from taking in time of war or other grave and exceptional circumstances measures in the interests of national security in the case of a refugee on the ground of his nationality. The provisions of article 8 shall not prevent the Government of Fiji from exercising any rights over property and interests which they may acquire or have acquired as an Allied or Associated Power under a Treaty of Peace or other agreement or arrangement for the restoration of peace which has been or may be completed as a result of the Second World War. Furthermore the provisions of article 8 shall not affect the treatment to be accorded to any property or interests which at the date of entry into force of this Convention on behalf of Fiji were under the control of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or of the Government of Fiji respectively by reason of a state of war which existed between them and any other State.
2. The Government of Fiji cannot undertake to give effect to the obligations contained in paragraphs 1 and 2 of article 25 and can only undertake to apply the provisions of paragraph 3 so far as the law allows.
Commentary:
No arrangements exist in Fiji for the administrative assistance for which provision is made in article 25 nor have any such arrangements been found necessary in the case of refugees. Any need for the documents or certifications mentioned in paragraph 2 of that article would be met by affidavits.
All other reservations made by the United Kingdom to the above-mentioned Convention are withdrawn.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Filipijnen

22-07-1981

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Finland

10-10-1968

(1) A general reservation to the effect that the application of those provisions of the Convention which grant to refugees the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country shall not be affected by the fact that special rights and privileges are now or may in future be accorded by Finland to the nationals of Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden or to the nationals of any one of those Countries; (...)
(5) A reservation to article 24, [...] paragraph 3 to the effect that they shall not be binding on Finland.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Frankrijk

23-06-1954

In depositing its instrument of ratification, the Government of the French Republic, acting in accordance with article 42 of the Convention, makes the following statements:
(a) It considers that article 29, paragraph 2, does not prevent the application in French territory of the provisions of the Act of 7 May 1934 authorizing the levying of the Nansen tax for the support of refugee welfare, resettlement and relief work.
(b) Article 17 in no way prevents the application of the laws and regulations establishing the proportion of alien workers that employers are authorized to employ in France or affects the obligations of such employers in connexion with the employment of alien workers.


23-06-1954

Territorial application:
All territories for the international relations of which France is responsible.


03-02-1971

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Gabon

27-04-1964

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Gambia

07-09-1966

With confirmation of the reservations made by the Government of the United Kingdom upon application of the Convention to the territory of Gambia.
(i) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland understand articles 8 and 9 as not preventing them from taking in time of war or other grave and exceptional circumstances measures in the interests of national security in the case of a refugee on the ground of his nationality. The provisions of article 8 shall not prevent the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from exercising any rights over property or interests which they may acquire or have acquired as an Allied or Associated power under a Treaty of Peace or other agreement or arrangement for the restoration of peace which has been or may be completed as a result of the Second World War. Furthermore, the provisions of article 8 shall not affect the treatment to be accorded to any property or interests which at the date of entry into force of this Convention for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are under the control of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by reason of a state of war which exists or existed between them and any other State.
(ii) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland accept paragraph 2 of article 17 with the substitution of "four years" for "three years" in sub-paragraph (a) and with the omission of sub-paragraph (c).
(iii) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in respect of such of the matters referred to in sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph 1 of article 24 as fall within the scope of the National Health Service, can only undertake to apply the provisions of that paragraph so far as the law allows; and it can only undertake to apply the provisions of paragraph 2 of that Article so far as the law allows.
(iv) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland cannot undertake to give effect to the obligations contained in paragraphs 1 and 2 of article 25 and can only undertake to apply the provisions of paragraph 3 so far as the law allows.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Georgië

09-08-1999

According to the paragraph 1, article 40 of the [...] Convention, before the full restoration of the territorial integrity of Georgia, this Convention is applicable only to the territory where the jurisdiction of Georgia is exercised.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Ghana

18-03-1963

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Griekenland

05-04-1960

In cases or circumstances which, in its opinion, would justify exceptional procedure for reasons of national security or public order, the Hellenic Government reserves the right to derogate from the obligations imposed by the provisions of article 26.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Guatemala

22-09-1983

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".


26-04-2007

Withdrawal of reservation and declaration made upon accession to the Convention.

Guinee

28-12-1965

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Guinee-Bissau

11-02-1976

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Haïti

25-09-1984

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Heilige Stoel

15-03-1956

The Holy See, in conformity with the terms of article 42, paragraph 1, of the Convention, makes the reservation that the application of the Convention must be compatible in practice with the special nature of the Vatican City State and without prejudice to the norms governing access to and sojourn therein.


17-11-1961

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Honduras

23-03-1992

(a) With respect to article 7:
The Government of the Republic of Honduras understands this article to mean that it shall accord to refugees such facilities and treatment as it shall deem appropriate at its discretion, taking into account the economic, social, democratic and security needs of the country;
(b) With respect to article 17:
This article shall in no way be understood as limiting the application of the labour and civil service laws of the country, especially is so far as they refer to the requirements, quotas and conditions of work which an alien must fulfil in his employment;
(c) With respect to article 24:
The Government of Honduras shall apply this article to the extent that it does not violate constitutional provisions governing labour, administrative or social security legislation in force in the country;
(d) With respect to articles 26 and 31:
The Government of Honduras reserves the right to designate, change or limit the place of residence of certain refugees or groups of refugees and to restrict their freedom of movement when national or international considerations so warrant;
(e) With respect to article 34:
The Government of the Republic of Honduras shall not be obligated to guarantee refugees more favourable naturalization facilities than those ordinarily granted to aliens in accordance with the laws of the country.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".


29-05-2013

Withdrawal of reservations to Articles 24, 26 and 31 made upon accession.

Hongarije

08-01-1998

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Ierland

29-11-1956

[...]
2. The Government of Ireland understands the words `public order' in article 32 (1) and the words `in accordance with due process of law' in article 32 (2) to mean, respectively, `public policy' and `in accordance with a procedure provided by law'.
3. With regard to article 17 the Government of Ireland do not undertake to grant to refugees rights of wage-earning employment more favourable than those granted to aliens generally.
4. The Government of Ireland undertake to give effect to article 25 only insofar as may be practicable and permissible under the laws of Ireland.
5. With regard to article 29 (1) the Government of Ireland do not undertake to accord to refugees treatment more favourable than that accorded to aliens generally with respect to
[...]
(c) Income Tax (including Surtax).
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

IJsland

30-11-1955

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Iran

28-07-1976

[...]
1. In all cases where, under the provisions of this Convention, refugees enjoy the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign State, the Government of Iran reserves the right not to accord refugees the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of States with which Iran has concluded regional establishment, customs, economic or political agreements.
2. The Government of Iran considers the stipulations contained in articles 17, 23, 24 and 26 as being recommendations only.


27-11-1976

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Israël

01-10-1954

[...]
2. Articles 8 and 12 shall not apply to Israel.
3. Article 28 shall apply to Israel with the limitations which result from Section 6 of the Passport Law of 5712-1952, according to which the Minister may, at his discretion:
(a) Refuse to grant, or to extend the validity of a passport or laissez-passer;
(b) Attach conditions to the grant or the extension of the validity of a passport or laissez-passer;
(c) Cancel, or shorten the period of validity of a passport or laissez-passer issued, and order the surrender thereof;
(d) Limit, either at or after the issue of a passport or laissez-passer, the range of countries for which it is to be valid.
4. Permits provided for by Article 30 shall be issued by the Minister of Finance at his discretion.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951"

Italië

01-03-1990

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Ivoorkust

20-12-1966

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Jamaica

30-07-1964

The Government of Jamaica confirms and maintains the following reservations, which were made when the Convention was extended to Jamaica by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
(i) The Government of the United Kingdom understand articles 8 and 9 as not preventing the taking by the above-mentioned territory, in time of war or other grave and exceptional circumstances, of measures in the interests of national security in the case of a refugee on the ground of his nationality. The provisions of article 8 shall not prevent the Government of the United Kingdom from exercising any rights over property or interests which they may acquire or have acquired as an Allied or Associated Power under a Treaty of Peace or other agreement or arrangement for the restoration of peace which has been or may be completed as a result of the Second World War. Furthermore, the provisions of article 8 shall not affect the treatment to be accorded to any property or interests which, at the date of entry into force of the Convention for the above-mentioned territory, are under the control of the Government of the United Kingdom by reason of a state of war which exists or existed between them and any other State.
(ii) The Government of the United Kingdom accept paragraph 2 of article 17 in its application to the above-mentioned territory with the substitution of `four years' for `three years' in subparagraph (a) and with the omission of subparagraph (c).
(iii) The Government of the United Kingdom can only undertake that the provisions of subparagraph (b) of paragraph 1 of article 24 and of paragraph 2 of that article will be applied to the above-mentioned territory so far as the law allows.
(iv) The Government of the United Kingdom cannot undertake that effect will be given in the above-mentioned territory to paragraphs 1 and 2 of article 25 and can only undertake that the provisions of paragraph 3 will be applied in the above-mentioned territory so far as the law allows.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Japan

03-10-1981

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Jemen

18-01-1980

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Kameroen

29-12-1961

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Kazachstan

15-01-1999

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Kenia

16-05-1966

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Kirgistan

08-10-1996

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Kroatië

12-10-1992

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Lesotho

14-05-1981

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Letland

31-07-1997

In accordance with paragraph 1 of article 42 of the [said Convention], the Republic of Latvia declares that it does not consider itself bound by the article 8 and the article 34 of the Convention.
In accordance with paragraph 1 of the article 42 of the [said Convention], the Republic of Latvia, in respect of the article 26 of the Convention, reserves the right to designate the place or places of residence of the refugees whenever considerations of national security or public order so require.
In accordance with paragraph 1 of the article 42 of the [said Convention], the Republic of Latvia declares that the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of the article 17 and article 24 of the Convention it considers as recommendations and not legal obligations.
In accordance with paragraph 1 of the article 42 of the [said Convention], the Republic of Latvia declares that in all cases where the Convention grants to refugees the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country, this provision shall not be interpreted by the Government of the Republic of Latvia as necessarily involving the regime accorded to nationals of countries with which the Republic of Latvia had concluded regional customs, economic, political or social security agreements.


03-11-1997

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Liberia

15-10-1964

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Liechtenstein

08-03-1957

Ad article 17: With respect to the right to engage in wage-earning employment, refugees are treated in law on the same footing as aliens in general, on the understanding, however, that the competent authorities shall make every effort insofar as possible, to apply to them the provisions of this article.
Ad article 24, paragraphs 1 (a) and (b), and paragraph 3: Provisions relating to aliens in general on training, apprenticeship, unemployment insurance, old-age and survivors insurance shall be applicable to refugees. Nevertheless, in the case of old-age and survivors insurance, refugees residing in Liechtenstein (including their survivors if the latter are considered as refugees) are already entitled to normal old-age or survivors' benefits after paying their contributions for at least one full year, provided that they have resided in Liechtenstein for ten years-of which five years without interruption have immediately preceded the occurrence of the event insured against. Moreover, the one-third reduction in benefits provided in the case of aliens and stateless persons under article 74 of the Act on Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, is not applicable to refugees. Refugees residing in Liechtenstein who, on the occurrence of the event insured against, are not entitled to old-age or survivors' benefits, are paid not only their own contributions but any contributions which may have been made by the employers.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".


13-10-2009

Withdrawal of reservation concerning article 17 and article 24.

Litouwen

28-04-1997

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Luxemburg

28-07-1951

[...] in all cases where this Convention grants to refugees the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country, this provision shall not be interpreted as necessarily involving the régime accorded to nationals of countries with which the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has concluded regional, customs, economic or political agreements.


22-08-1972

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Madagaskar

18-12-1967

The provisions of article 7 (1) shall not be interpreted as requiring the same treatment as is accorded to nationals of countries with which the Malagasy Republic has concluded conventions of establishment or agreements on co-operation;
The provisions of articles 8 and 9 shall not be interpreted as forbidding the Malagasy Government to take, in time of war or other grave and exceptional circumstances, measures with regard to a refugee because of his nationality in the interests of national security.
The provisions of article 17 cannot be interpreted as preventing the application of the laws and regulations establishing the proportion of alien workers that employers are authorized to employ in Madagascar or affecting the obligations of such employers in connexion with the employment of alien workers.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (a) "Events occurring in Europe before 1 January 1951".

Malawi

10-12-1987

In respect of articles 7, 13, 15, 19, 22 and 24
The Government of the Republic of Malawi considers these provisions as recommendations only and not legally binding obligations.
In respect of article 17
The Government of the Republic of Malawi does not consider itself bound to grant a refugee who fulfils any of the conditions set forth in subparagraphs (a) to (c) to paragraph (2) of article 17 automatic exemption for the obligation to obtain a work permit.
In respect of article 17 as a whole, the Government of the Republic of Malawi does not undertake to grant to refugees rights of wage earning employment more favourable than those granted to aliens generally.
In respect of article 26
The Government of the Republic of Malawi reserves its right to designate the place or places of residence of the refugees and to restrict their movements whenever considerations of national security or public order so require.
In respect of article 34
The Government of the Republic of Malawi is not bound to grant to refugees any more favourable naturalization facilities than are granted, in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations, to aliens generally.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Mali

02-02-1973

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Malta

17-01-2002

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".
The Government of Malta […] hereby withdraws the reservations relating to article 7 (2), Articles 14, 27, 28, 7(3)(4), (5), 8, 9, 17, 18, 31 and 32; [...] and confirms that: Article 23 shall not apply to Malta, and articles 11, and 34 shall apply to Malta compatibly and with its own special problems, its peculiar position and characteristics.


24-02-2004

[The Government of Malta] declare that the Government of Malta, having reviewed the remaining reservations and declaration, hereby withdraws the reservations relating to Article 23, and the reservations in respect of Articles 11 and 34 wherein these applied to Malta compatibly with its own special problems, its peculiar positions and characteristics.

Marokko

07-11-1956

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Mauritanië

05-05-1987

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Mexico

07-06-2000

It will always be the task of the Government of Mexico to determine and grant, in accordance with its legal provisions in force, refugee status, without prejudice to the definition of a refugee provided for under article 1 of the Convention and article 1 of its Protocol.
The Government of Mexico has the power to grant refugees greater facilities for naturalization and assimilation than those accorded to aliens in general, within the framework of its population policy and, particularly, with regard to refugees, in accordance with its national legislation.
The Government of Mexico is convinced of the importance of ensuring that all refugees can obtain wage-earning employment as a means of subsistence and affirms that refugees will be treated, in accordance with the law, under the same conditions as aliens in general, including the laws and regulations which establish the proportion of alien workers that employers are authorized to employ in Mexico, and this will not affect the obligations of employers with regard to the employment of alien workers.
On the other hand, since the Government of Mexico is unable to guarantee refugees who meet any of the requirements referred to in article 17, paragraph 2 (a), (b) and (c), of the Convention, the automatic extension of the obligations for obtaining a work permit, it lodges an express reservation to these provisions.
The Government of Mexico reserves the right to assign, in accordance with its national legislation, the place or places of residence of refugees and to establish the conditions for moving within the national territory, for which reason it lodges an express reservation to articles 26 and 31 (2) of the Convention.
The Government of Mexico lodges an express reservation to article 32 of the Convention and, therefore refers to the application of article 33 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, without prejudice to observance of the principle of non-refoulement set forth in article 33 of the Convention.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".


11-07-2014

Withdrawal of the reservation to article 32 made upon accession.

Moldavië

31-01-2002

1. According to paragraph 1, article 40 of the Convention, the Republic of Moldova declares that, until the full restoration of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, the provisions of this Convention are applicable only in the territory where the jurisdiction of the Republic of Moldova is exercised.
2. The Republic of Moldova shall apply the provisions of this convention with no discrimination generally not only as to race, religion or country of origin as stipulated in Article 3 of the Convention.
3. For the purposes of this Convention by the notion "residence"shall be understood the permanent and lawful domicile.
4. According to paragraph 1 of Article 42 of the Convention, the Republic of Moldova reserves the right that the provisions of the Convention, according to which refugees shall be accorded treatment not less favorable than hat accorded aliens generally, are not interpreted as an obligation to offer refugees a regime similar to that accorded to the citizens of the states with which the Republic of Moldova has signed regional customs, economic, political and social security treaties.
5. According to paragraph 1 of Article 42 of the Convention, the Republic of Moldova reserves the right to consider the provisions of Article 13 as recommendations and not as obligations.
6. According to paragraph 1 of Article 42 of the Convention, the Republic of Moldova reserves the right to consider the provisions of Article 17 (2) as recommendations and not as obligations.
7. According to paragraph 1 of Article 42 of the Convention, the Republic of Moldova interprets the provisions of Article 21 of the Convention as not obliged to accord housing to refugees.
8. The Government of the Republic of Moldova reserves the right to apply the provisions of Article 24 so that they do not infringe upon the constitutional and domestic legislation provisions regarding the right to labor and social protection.
9. According to paragraph 1 of Article 42 of the Convention, in implementing Article 26 of this Convention, the Republic of Moldova reserves the right to establish the place of residence for certain refugees or groups of refugees in the interest of the state and society.
10. The Republic of Moldova shall apply the provisions of Article 31 of the Convention as of the date of the entry into force of the Law on Refugee Status.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Monaco

18-05-1954

Subject to the reservation that the stipulations contained in articles 7 (paragraph 2), 15, 22 (paragraph 1), 23 and 24 shall be provisionally considered as being recommendations and not legal obligations.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (a) "Events occurring in Europe before 1 January 1951".


11-02-2022

On 18 May 1954, the Government of the Principality of Monaco acceded to the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, adopted at Geneva on 28 July 1951.
On that occasion, the Government made a declaration, in accordance with the terms of article 1, section B, paragraph 1, on the geographical scope of its obligations under the Convention.
The declaration had the effect of limiting such obligations by Monaco to the protection of asylum seekers and refugees who had fled their countries as a result of events occurring in the region of Europe.
… the Government has approved an extension of the obligations undertaken by Monaco in this regard with a view to giving them a universal character, in line with article 1, section B, paragraph 2, of the Convention…

Montenegro

10-10-2006

The Republic of Montenegro considers itself bound by alternative (b) of Article 1B (1) that is to say "events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Mozambique

16-12-1983

In respect of articles 13 and 22:
The Government of Mozambique will take these provisions as simple recommendations not binding it to accord to refugees the same treatment as is accorded to Mozambicans with respect to elementary education and property.
In respect of articles 17 and 19:
The Government of Mozambique will interpret [these provisions] to the effect that it is not required to grant privileges from obligation to obtain a work permit.
As regards article 15:
The Government of Mozambique will not be bound to accord to refugees or groups of refugees resident in its territory more extensive rights than those enjoyed by nationals with respect to the right of association and it reserves the right to restrict them in the interest of national security.
As regards article 26:
The Government of Mozambique reserves its right to designate place or places for principal residence for refugees or to restrict their freedom of movement whenever considerations of national security make it advisable.
As regards article 34:
The Government of Mozambique does not consider itself bound to grant to refugees facilities greater than those granted to other categories of aliens in general, with respect to naturalization laws.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Namibië

17-02-1995

[..] article 26:
The Government of the Republic of Namibia reserves the right to designate a place or places for principal reception and residence for refugees or to restrict their freedom of movement if consideration of national security so required or make it advisable.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Nauru

28-06-2011

[...] the Republic of Nauru considers itself bound by alternative (b) of Article 1B(1) thereof, that is to say " events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951" .

Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der

03-05-1956

This signature is appended subject to the reservation that in all cases where this Convention grants to refugees the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country this provision shall not be interpreted as involving the régime accorded to nationals of countries with which the Netherlands has concluded regional, customs, economic or political agreements.
(1) With reference to article 26 of this Convention, the Netherlands Government reserves the right to designate a place of principal residence for certain refugees or groups of refugees in the public interest.
(2) In the notifications concerning overseas territories referred to in article 40, paragraph 2, of this Convention, the Netherlands Government reserves the right to make a declaration in accordance with section B of article 1 with respect to such territories and to make reservations in accordance with article 42 of the Convention.

Nicaragua

28-03-1980

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Nieuw-Zeeland

30-06-1960

The Government of New Zealand can only undertake to give effect to the provisions contained in paragraph 2 of article 24 of the Convention so far as the law of New Zealand allows.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Niger

07-12-1964

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Nigeria

23-10-1967

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Noord-Macedonië

18-01-1994

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Noorwegen

23-03-1953

The obligation stipulated in article 17 (1) to accord to refugees lawfully staying in the country the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country in the same circumstances as regards the right to engage in wage-earning employment, shall not be construed as extending to refugees the benefits of agreements which may in the future be concluded between Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, or between Norway and any one of these countries, for the purpose of establishing special conditions for the transfer of labour between these countries.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Oekraïne

10-06-2002

Having transmitted to the Secretary-General the Instrument of Accession of Ukraine simultaneously to the 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol relating to the status of refugees, and in view of the fact that the Protocol provides in article I (2) that "the term 'refugee' shall [...] mean any person within the definition of article 1 of the Convention as if the words 'As result of events occurring before 1 January 1951 and [...] 'and the words '[...] as a result of such events' in article 1 A (2) were omitted" and thus modifies in effect the provisions of article 1 of the Convention, it is the position of the Government of Ukraine that no separate declaration under article 1 B (1) of the Convention is required in the circumstances.

Oostenrijk

01-11-1954

The Convention is ratified:
(a) Subject to the reservation that the Republic of Austria regards the provisions of article 17, paragraphs 1 and 2 (excepting, however, the phrase "who was already exempt from them at the date of entry into force of this Convention for the Contracting State concerned, or..." in the latter paragraph) not as binding obligation, but merely as a recommendation.
(b) Subject to the reservation that the provisions of article 22, paragraph 1, shall not be applicable to the establishment and maintenance of private elementary schools, that the "public relief and assistance" referred to in article 23 shall be interpreted solely in the sense of allocations from public welfare funds (Armenversorgung), and that the "documents or certifications" referred to in article 25, paragraphs 2 and 3 shall construed to mean the identity certificates provided for in the Convention of 30 June 1928 relating to refugees.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Oost-Timor

07-05-2003

In conformity with Article 42 of the Covention, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste accedes to the Convention with reservations in respect of Articles 16 (2), 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Panama

02-08-1978

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Papoea-Nieuw-Guinea

17-07-1986

The Government of Papua New Guinea in accordance with article 42 paragraph 1 of the Convention makes a reservation with respect to the provisions contained in articles 17 (1), 21, 22 (1), 26, 31, 32 and 34 of the Convention and does not accept the obligations stipulated in these articles.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".


20-08-2013

[...] In accordance with article 42, paragraph 2 of the Convention, I wish to communicate to you that Papua New Guinea withdraws its reservation with respect to the provisions contained in articles 17 (1), 21, 22 (1), 26, 31, 32 and 34 of the Convention in relations to refugees transferred by the Government of Australia to Papua New Guinea and accepts the obligations stipulated in these articles in relation to such persons. This withdrawal has immediate effect. The reservation remains in effect for all other persons [...].

Paraguay

10-01-1991

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Peru

08-12-1980

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Polen

27-09-1991

The Republic of Poland does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 24, paragraph 2, of the Convention.

Portugal

13-07-1976

In all cases in which the Convention confers upon the refugees the most favoured person status granted to nationals of a foreign country, this clause will not be interpreted in such a way as to mean the status granted by Portugal to the nationals of Brazil.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Roemenië

07-08-1991

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Russische Federatie

02-02-1993

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Rwanda

03-01-1980

[...] article 26:
For reasons of public policy (ordre public), the Rwandese Re public reserves the right to determine the place of residence of refugees and to establish limits to their freedom of movement.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Saint Kitts en Nevis

01-02-2002

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Saint Vincent en de Grenadines

03-11-1993

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Salomonseilanden

28-02-1995

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Samoa

21-09-1988

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Sao Tomé en Principe

01-02-1978

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Senegal

12-10-1964

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Servië

12-03-2001

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Seychellen

23-04-1980

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Sierra Leone

22-05-1981

The Government of Sierra Leone wishes to state with regard to article 17 (2) that Sierra Leone does not consider itself bound to grant to refugees the rights stipulated therein.
Further, with regard to article 17 as a whole, the Government of Sierra Leone wishes to state that it considers the article to be a recommendation only and not a binding obligation.
The Government of Sierra Leone wishes to state that it does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 29, and it reserves the right to impose special taxes on aliens as provided for in the Constitution.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Slovenië

06-07-1992

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Slowakije

04-02-1993

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951"

Somalië

10-10-1978

The Government of the Somali Democratic Republic acceded to the Convention and Protocol on the understanding that nothing in the said Convention or Protocol will be construed to prejudice or adversely affect the national status, or political aspiration of displaced people from Somali Territories under alien domination.
It is in this spirit, that the Somali Democratic Republic will commit itself to respect the terms and provisions of the said Convention and Protocol.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Bezwaar Ethiopië, 10-01-1979

The provisional Military Government of Socialist Ethiopia wishes to place on record its objection to the declaration [made by Somalia upon accession] and that it does not recognize it as valid on the ground that there are no Somali territories under alien domination.

Spanje

14-08-1978

a) The expression "the most favourable treatment" shall, in all the articles in which it is used, be interpreted as not including rights which, by law or by treaty, are granted to nationals of Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines or the Latin American countries or to nationals of countries with which international agreements of a regional nature are concluded.
(b) The Government of Spain considers that article 8 is not a binding rule but a recommendation.
(c) The Government of Spain reserves its position on the application of article 12, paragraph 1. Article 12, paragraph 2, shall be interpreted as referring exclusively to rights acquired by a refugee before he obtained, in any country, the status of refugee.
(d) Article 26 of the Convention shall be interpreted as not precluding the adoption of special measures concerning the place of residence of particular refugees, in accordance with Spanish law.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Sudan

22-02-1974

With reservation as to article 26.


07-03-1974

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Suriname

29-11-1978

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Tadzjikistan

07-12-1993

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Tanzania

12-05-1964

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Togo

23-10-1962

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Trinidad en Tobago

10-11-2000

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago considers itself bound by alternative (b) of Article 1 B (1) (of the Convention).

Tsjaad

19-08-1981

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Tsjechië

11-05-1993

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Tunesië

24-10-1957

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Turkije

24-08-1951

The Turkish Government considers moreover, that the term "events occurring before 1 January 1951" refers to the beginning of the events. Consequently, since the pressure exerted upon the Turkish minority in Bulgaria, which began before 1 January 1951, is still continuing, the provision of this Convention must also apply to the Bulgarian refugees of Turkish extraction compelled to leave that country as a result of this pressure and who, being unable to enter Turkey, might seek refuge on the territory of another contracting party after 1 January 1951.
The Turkish Government will, at the time of ratification, enter reservations which it could make under article 42 of the Convention.


30-03-1962

No provision of this Convention may be interpreted as granting to refugees greater rights than those accorded to Turkish citizens in Turkey;
The Government of the Republic of Turkey is not a party to the Arrangements of 12 May 1926 and of 30 June 1928 mentioned in article 1, paragraph A, of this Convention. Furthermore, the 150 persons affected by the Arrangement of 30 June 1928 having been amnestied under Act No. 3527, the provisions laid down in this Arrangement are no longer valid in the case of Turkey. Consequently, the Government of the Republic of Turkey considers the Convention of 28 July 1951 independently of the aforementioned Arrangements .
The Government of the Republic understands that the action of "re-availment" or "reacquisition" as referred to in article 1, paragraph C, of the Convention-that is to say: If
(1) He has voluntarily re-availed himself of the protection of the country of his nationality; or
(2) Having lost his nationality, he has voluntarily reacquired it"-does not depend only on the request of the person concerned but also on the consent of the State in question.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (a) "Events occurring in Europe before 1 January 1951".

Turkmenistan

02-03-1998

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Tuvalu

07-03-1986

[...] Tuvalu confirmed that it regards the Convention [...] as continuing in force subject to reservations previously made by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in relation to the Colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Uganda

27-09-1976

(1) In respect of article 7: The Government of the Republic of Uganda understands this provision as not conferring any legal, political or other enforceable right upon refugees who, at any given time, may be in Uganda. On the basis of this understanding the Government of the Republic of Uganda shall accord refugees such facilities and treatment as the Government of the Republic of Uganda shall in her absolute discretion, deem fit having regard to her own security, economic and social needs.
(2) In respect of articles 8 and 9: The Government of the Republic of Uganda declares that the provisions of articles 8 and 9 are recognized by it as recommendations only.
(3) In respect of article 13: The Government of the Republic of Uganda reserves to itself the right to abridge this provision without recourse to courts of law or arbitral tribunals, national or international, if the Government of the Republic of Uganda deems such abridgement to be in the public interest.
(4) In respect of article 15: The Government of the Republic of Uganda shall in the public interest have the full freedom to withhold any or all rights conferred by this article from any refugees as a class of residents within her territory.
(5) In respect of article 16: The Government of the Republic of Uganda understands article 16 paragraphs 2 and 3 thereof as not requiring the Government of the Republic of Uganda to accord to a refugee in need of legal assistance, treatment more favourable than that extended to aliens generally in similar circumstances.
(6) In respect of article 17: The obligation specified in article 17 to accord to refugees lawfully staying in the country in the same circumstances shall not be construed as extending to refugees the benefit of preferential treatment granted to nationals of the states who enjoy special privileges on account of existing or future treaties between Uganda and those countries, particularly states of the East African Community and the Organization of African Unity, in accordance with the provisions which govern such charters in this respect.
(7) In respect of article 25: The Government of the Republic of Uganda understands that this article shall not require the Government of the Republic of Uganda to incur expenses on behalf of the refugees in connection with the granting of such assistance except in so far as such assistance is requested by and the resulting expense is reimbursed to the Government of the Republic of Uganda by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or any other agency of the United Nations which may succeed it.
(8) In respect of article 32: Without recourse to legal process the Government of the Republic of Uganda shall, in the public interest, have the unfettered right to expel any refugee in her territory and may at any time apply such internal measures as the Government may deem necessary in the circumstances; so however that, any action taken by the Government of the Republic of Uganda in this regard shall not operate to the prejudice of the provisions of article 33 of this Convention.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Uruguay

22-09-1970

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Verenigd Koninkrijk

11-03-1954

(i) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland understand articles 8 and 9 as not preventing them from taking in time of war or other grave and exceptional circumstances measures in the interests of national security in the case of a refugee on the ground of his nationality. The provisions of article 8 shall not prevent the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from exercising any rights over property or interests which they may acquire or have acquired as an Allied or Associated power under a Treaty of Peace or other agreement or arrangement for the restoration of peace which has been or may be completed as a result of the Second World War. Furthermore, the provisions of article 8 shall not affect the treatment to be accorded to any property or interests which at the date of entry into force of this Convention for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are under the control of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by reason of a state of war which exists or existed between them and any other State.
(ii) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland accept paragraph 2 of article 17 with the substitution of "four years" for "three years" in sub-paragraph (a) and with the omission of sub-paragraph (c).
(iii) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in respect of such of the matters referred to in sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph 1 of article 24 as fall within the scope of the National Health Service, can only undertake to apply the provisions of that paragraph so far as the law allows; and it can only undertake to apply the provisions of paragraph 2 of that Article so far as the law allows.
(iv) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland cannot undertake to give effect to the obligations contained in paragraphs 1 and 2 of article 25 and can only undertake to apply the provisions of paragraph 3 so far as the law allows.
Commentary
In connexion with sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph 1 of article 24 relating to certain matters within the scope of the National Health Service, the National Health Service (Amendment) Act, 1949, contains powers for charges to be made to persons not ordinarily resident in Great Britain (which category would include refugees) who receive treatment under the Service. While these powers have not yet been exercised it is possible that this might have to be done at some future date. In Northern Ireland the health services are restricted to persons ordinarily resident in the country except where regulations are made to extend the Service to others. It is for these reasons that the Government of the United Kingdom while they are prepared in the future, as in the past, to give the most sympathetic consideration to the situation of refugees, find it necessary to make a reservation to sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph 1 of article 24 of the Convention.
The scheme of Industrial Injuries Insurance in Great Britain does not meet the requirements of paragraph 2 of article 24 of the Convention. Where an insured person has died as the result of an industrial accident or a disease due to the nature of his employment, benefit cannot generally be paid to his dependants who are abroad unless they are in any part of the British Commonwealth, in the Irish Republic or in a country with which the United Kingdom has made a reciprocal agreement concerning the payment of industrial injury benefits. There is an exception to this rule in favour of the dependants of certain seamen who die as a result of industrial accidents happening to them while they are in the service of British ships. In this matter refugees are treated in the same way as citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies and by reason of paragraphs 3 and 4 of article 24 of the Convention, the dependants of refugees will be able to take advantage of reciprocal agreements which provide for the payment of United Kingdom industrial injury benefits in other countries. By reason of paragraphs (3) and (4) of article 24 refugees will enjoy under the scheme of National Insurance and Industrial Injuries Insurance certain rights which are withheld from British subjects who are not citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies.
No arrangements exist in the United Kingdom for the administrative assistance for which provision is made in article 25 nor have any such arrangements been found necessary in the case of refugees. Any need for the documents or certifications mentioned in paragraph 2 of that article would be met by affidavits.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".


11-03-1954

(i) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland understand articles 8 and 9 as not preventing the taking in the Isle of Man and in the Channel Islands, in time of war or other grave and exceptional circumstances, of measures in the interests of national security in the case of a refugee on the ground of his nationality. The provisions of article 8 shall not prevent the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from exercising any rights over property or interests which they may acquire or have acquired as an Allied or Associated Power under a Treaty of Peace or other agreement or arrangement for the restoration of peace which has been or may be completed as a result of the Second World War. Furthermore, the provisions of article 8 shall not affect the treatment to be accorded to any property or interests which at the date of the entry into force of this Convention for the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are under the control of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by reason of a state of war which exists or existed between them and any other state.
(ii) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland accept paragraph 2 of article 17 in its application to the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands with the substitution of "four years" for "three years" in sub-paragraph (a) and with the omission of subparagraph (c).
(iii) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can only undertake that the provisions of sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph 1 of article 24 and of paragraph 2 of that article will be applied in the Channel Islands so far as the law allows, and that the provisions of that sub-paragraph, in respect of such matters referred to therein as fall within the scope of the Isle of Man Health Service, and of paragraph 2 of that article will be applied in the Isle of Man so far as the law allows.
(iv) The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland cannot undertake that effect will be given in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands to paragraphs 1 and 2 of article 25 and can only undertake that the provisions of paragraph 3 will be applied in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands so far as the law allows.
The considerations upon which certain of these reservations are based are similar to those set out in the memorandum relating to the corresponding reservations made in respect of the United Kingdom, which was enclosed in my note under reference.


25-10-1956

Territorial application to
Falkland Islands:
Same reservations, in essence, as those made for the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Sint-Helena, Ascension en Tristan da Cunha:
Same reservations, in essence, as those made for the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man under Nos. (i), (iii) and (iv).

Bezwaar Argentinië, 03-10-1983

[The Government of Argentina makes a] formal objection to the declaration of territorial extension issued by the United Kingdom with regard to the Malvinas Islands (and dependencies), which that country is illegally occupying and refers to as the "Falkland Islands".


28-02-1985

The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have no doubt as to their right, by notification to the Depositary under the relevant provisions of the above-mentioned Convention, to extend the application of the Convention in question to the Falkland Islands or to the Falkland Islands Dependencies, as the case may be.
For this reason alone, the Government of the United Kingdom are unable to regard the Argentine [communication] under reference as having any legal effect.

Zambia

24-09-1969

Subject to the following reservations made pursuant to article 42 (1) of the Convention:
Article 17 (2)
The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to state with regard to article 17, paragraph 2, that Zambia does not consider itself bound to grant to a refugee who fulfils any one of the conditions set out in sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) automatic exemption from the obligation to obtain a work permit.
Further, with regard to article 17 as a whole, Zambia does not wish to undertake to grant to refugees rights of wage-earning employment more favourable than those granted to aliens generally.
Article 22 (1)
The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to state that it considers article 22 (1) to be a recommendation only and not a binding obligation to accord to refugees the same treatment as is accorded to nationals with respect to elementary education.
Article 26
The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to state with regard to article 26 that it reserves the right to designate a place or places of residence for refugees.
Article 28
The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to state with regard to article 28 that Zambia considers itself not bound to issue a travel document with a return clause in cases where a country of second asylum has accepted or indicated its willingness to accept a refugee from Zambia.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Zimbabwe

25-08-1981

1. The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe declares that it is not bound by any of the reservations to the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the application of which had been extended by the Government of the United Kingdom to its territory before the attainment of independence.
2. The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe wishes to state with regard to article 17, paragraph 2, that it does not consider itself bound to grant a refugee who fulfills any of the conditions set out in subparagraphs (a) to (c) automatic exemption from the obligation to obtain a work permit. In addition, with regard to article 17 as a whole, the Republic of Zimbabwe does not undertake to grant to refugees rights of wage-earning employment more favourable than those granted to aliens generally.
3. The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe wishes to state that it considers article 22 (1) as being a recommendation only and not an obligation to accord to refugees the same treatment as it accords to nationals with respect to elementary education.
4. The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe considers articles 23 and 24 as being recommendations only.
5. The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe wishes to state with regard to article 26 that it reserves the right to designate a place or places of residence for refugees.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951"

Zuid-Afrika

12-01-1996

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

Zuid-Korea

03-12-1992

The Republic of Korea declares pursuant to article 42 of the Convention that it is not bound by article 7 which provides for the exemption of refugees from legislative reciprocity after fulfilling the condition of three years' residence in the territory of the Contracting States.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".


01-09-2009

Withdrawal of reservation in respect of Article 7 made upon accession.

Zuid-Sudan

10-12-2018

… the Republic of South Sudan considers itself bound by alternative (b) of Article 1 B (1) of the Convention which to say ‘events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1st January 1951'.

Zweden

26-10-1954

First, a general reservation to the effect that the application of those provisions of the Convention which grant to refugees the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country shall not be affected by the fact that special rights and privileges are now or may in future be accorded by Sweden to the nationals of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway or to the nationals of any one of those countries; and, secondly, the following reservations:
[...]
a reservation to article 8 to the effect that that article shall not be binding on Sweden;
a reservation to article 12, paragraph 1, to the effect that the Convention shall not modify the rule of Swedish private international law, as now in force, under which the personal status of a refugee is governed by the law of his country of nationality
[...]
a reservation to article 17, paragraph 2, to the effect that Sweden does not consider itself bound to grant a refugee who fulfils any one of the conditions set out in subparagraphs (a)-(c) an automatic exemption from the obligation to obtain a work permit;
a reservation to article 24, paragraph 1 (b), to the effect that notwithstanding the principle of national treatment for refugees, Sweden shall not be bound to accord to refugees the same treatment as is accorded to nationals in respect of the possibility of entitlement to a national pension under the provisions of the National Insurance Act; and likewise to the effect that, in so far as the right to a supplementary pension under the said Act and the computation of such pension in certain respects are concerned, the rules applicable to Swedish nationals shall be more favourable than those applied to other insured persons;
a reservation to article 24, paragraph [...] 3, to the effect that the provisions of this paragraph shall not be binding on Sweden;
and a reservation to article 25, to the effect that Sweden does not consider itself bound to cause a certificate to be delivered by a Swedish authority, in the place of the authorities of a foreign country, if the documentary records necessary for the delivery of such a certificate do not exist in Sweden.
With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".


14-11-2019

Withdrawal of the reservations to articles 8 and 24, paragraph 1 (b).

Zwitserland

21-01-1955

With the declaration under section B of article 1 of the Convention: (b) "Events occurring in Europe or elsewhere before 1 January 1951".

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