The Implementation of the Right of Asylum According to Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Abstract

In recent times, many United Nations member states have adopted tougher measures and policies resulting in the refusal to admit immigrants seeking asylum in these countries. This study sought to analyze if the right of asylum is effective for the current times according to Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It underscores that the number of people suffering persecution for wars, conflicts, violence, and the violation of human rights has increased greatly. The UDHR was adopted by the United Nations (U.N.) at its third session on December 10, 1948, as Resolution 217 at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France. Therefore, the set of international and state standards that developed it and the factual situation of refugees and asylum seekers were reviewed. I collected relevant data from the databases of the UNHCR, UN member states, and scholarly materials. I then established the reason why the current international protection system fails and finally suggested a small proposal that allows greater visibility of the problem and how a more equitable distribution of refugees could be made. The significance of this study is structured such that the UN and its stakeholders can assess the progress made by this institution in terms of the effectiveness and quality of its work, with specific reference to the right of asylum as enshrined in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.