Cartagena Declaration

Definition

The Cartagena Declaration is a regional framework established in 1984 that expands the definition of refugees to include individuals fleeing widespread violence, foreign aggression, internal conflicts, and other circumstances that seriously disrupt public order. This declaration is crucial in addressing the needs of people displaced within Latin America and has significantly influenced contemporary approaches to refugee protection in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Cartagena Declaration was adopted at a Latin American conference in Cartagena, Colombia, with the aim of responding to the refugee crises during the Cold War era.
2. It recognized not only traditional refugees but also those fleeing generalized violence and human rights violations as deserving of protection.
3. The Declaration encouraged states to provide asylum seekers with legal status and access to social services.
4. It has served as a model for similar agreements in other regions, influencing how countries interpret their responsibilities toward displaced persons.
5. The Cartagena Declaration emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation in addressing refugee issues and highlights the need for comprehensive solutions.

Review Questions

• How does the Cartagena Declaration broaden the traditional understanding of who qualifies as a refugee?
  • The Cartagena Declaration broadens the traditional understanding of refugees by expanding the definition to include not just individuals fleeing persecution but also those escaping widespread violence, internal conflicts, and other serious disruptions to public order. This shift acknowledges the complex realities faced by many individuals in Latin America during times of crisis and aims to provide them with necessary protections under international law. By including these broader categories, it addresses the root causes of displacement more effectively.
• Discuss how the Cartagena Declaration has influenced contemporary policies on refugee protection in Latin America.
  • The Cartagena Declaration has significantly influenced contemporary policies on refugee protection in Latin America by establishing a framework that emphasizes humane treatment and comprehensive responses to displacement. Many countries in the region have adopted laws and practices that reflect the principles outlined in the Declaration, allowing for a more inclusive approach to asylum seekers. This influence can be seen in various national legislations that recognize broader categories of refugees and provide access to legal status and social services for those displaced by violence and conflict.
• Evaluate the impact of the Cartagena Declaration on global discussions surrounding refugee rights and protections.
  • The Cartagena Declaration has had a profound impact on global discussions surrounding refugee rights by challenging conventional definitions and advocating for a more inclusive understanding of who deserves protection. By addressing not only political refugees but also those affected by systemic violence and instability, it has prompted other regions to reconsider their own approaches to asylum and refugee policies. The Declaration's emphasis on regional cooperation has inspired initiatives worldwide that aim to create comprehensive frameworks for managing refugee crises, fostering dialogue among nations about shared responsibilities toward vulnerable populations.

Related terms

Refugee: A person who has been forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, or violence, and who cannot return safely.

Asylum: Protection granted to individuals in a foreign country because they have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

International Refugee Law: A body of law that governs the rights and protections of refugees and asylum seekers at international and national levels, primarily based on the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.