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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".