<P> A person who owing to a well - founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it . </P> <P> Several groups have built upon the 1951 Convention to create a more objective definition . While their terms differ from those of the 1951 Convention, the Convention has significantly shaped the new, more objective definitions . They include the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa by the Organisation of African Unity (since 2002 African Union) and the 1984 Cartagena Declaration, while nonbinding, also sets out regional standards for refugees in Central America, Mexico and Panama . </P> <P> In the general principle of international law, treaties in force are binding upon the parties to it and must be performed in good faith . Countries that have ratified the Refugee Convention are obliged to protect refugees that are on their territory, in accordance with its terms . There are a number of provisions that States parties to the Refugee Convention must adhere to . </P> <Ul> <Li> abide by the national laws of the contracting states (Article 2) </Li> </Ul>

1951 geneva convention relating to the status of refugees pdf