Right of asylum

The right of asylum is an important idea that helps people who are treated unfairly by their own leaders. It allows them to find safety in another country or place that can offer protection. This idea goes back a very long time, and was recognized by ancient groups like the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Hebrews.

Famous thinkers like René Descartes went to the Netherlands for safety, Voltaire went to England, and Thomas Hobbes went to France because these places agreed to protect people who were being treated badly by their own rulers.

Today, the right of asylum is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is a document that helps guide how countries should treat people, even those who are not their own citizens.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The right to find safety in another country when facing unfair treatment is protected by the United Nations in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from 1948. It says that everyone has the right to seek and enjoy safety in other countries from unfair treatment. This right cannot be used if someone is being punished for serious crimes that are not political.

This right is also supported by agreements from 1951 and 1967, which help protect people who cannot safely return to their home country because they fear unfair treatment.

Contemporary political asylum

The right of asylum helps people who are being treated unfairly by their own governments to find safety in another country. This idea is very old, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Hebrews supporting it.

Today, many countries follow rules set by international agreements to protect people seeking safety. These rules help make sure that those who need protection can get it, even if their home country is dangerous. Some countries have special laws to handle these requests, and they work together to create fair policies for everyone.

Main article: Refugee law

By country

Medieval boundary marker at St. Georgenberg, Tyrol

China

China has a law that allows it to grant safety to foreigners who ask for it for political reasons. However, since 1980, no one has been granted this right in China.

European Union

The European Union created common rules for giving safety to people fleeing danger, starting in the 1990s. These rules help make sure that people who ask for safety in one country won't have to start over again in another.

France

Sanctuary ring on a door of Notre-Dame de Paris (France)

France was one of the first countries to say that everyone being treated unfairly for their beliefs should have a right to safety. Today, France has special laws and follows international agreements to protect these people.

Estonia

In 2022, Estonia decided not to give safety to people from Russia who were trying to avoid being forced to fight in a war.

Latvia

In 2023, a court in Latvia allowed a person from Russia to stay because they were being forced to fight in a war and had spoken out against it.

Remains of one of four medieval stone boundary markers for the sanctuary of Saint John of Beverley in the East Riding of Yorkshire

Poland

In 2025, Poland decided not to follow some European Union rules about giving safety to people, especially those coming from Belarus.

United Kingdom

In the past, the United Kingdom gave safety to many people being treated unfairly, including activists. But later, rules became stricter.

United States

The United States allows people to ask for safety if they fear being treated unfairly because of their race, religion, or political beliefs. There are different ways to ask for safety, depending on where a person is and why they need help. Many people ask for safety each year, but not everyone is granted it.

History

People long ago believed in helping others, even if they had done wrong. This idea was used by Christian churches, which made rules about who could be kept safe and how.

Plaque at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel, Dingli, Malta, indicating that the chapel did not enjoy ecclesiastical immunity

In 511, leaders said that anyone who went to a church or a bishop's home for safety could be protected. This included people accused of serious crimes.

In England around 600 AD, laws were made about sanctuary, or safe places in churches. By 1066, churches could offer different levels of protection. Some churches could protect people even outside their walls, up to a mile away. To stay safe, people had to follow church rules, like giving up weapons and deciding whether to face trial or leave the country.

Over time, these rules changed. By 1623, the right of sanctuary in churches was ended by law.