Final answer:
Individuals who flee their home country to seek safety due to war, persecution, or natural disasters are referred to as refugees. They are often stateless and protected under the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention. Unlike voluntary immigrants and illegal immigrants, refugees are compelled to leave due to serious threats to their safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
People who flee their country of origin due to war, persecution, or natural disasters seeking shelter or protection in another area or country are referred to as refugees. The term refugee specifically applies to individuals forced to leave their homes to escape imminent dangers and cannot safely return. These situations may include, but are not limited to, conflict, generalized violence, or other circumstances that severely disrupt public order. Notably, in tragic events like the Syrian and Ukrainian crises, millions have sought asylum elsewhere.
Since refugees are often unable to obtain proper travel documentation due to the urgent nature of their departure, and because they are stateless persons, they are protected under international law. The 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention, sourced from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, ensures that refugees have a right to seek asylum and be granted certain protections. Agencies like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) play a crucial role in providing assistance and coordinating international efforts to support refugees.
It is important to note that refugees differ from immigrants, who typically move voluntarily, and from illegal immigrants, who migrate outside the legally established channels of a host country. Refugees flee due to compelling threats to their safety and do not necessarily follow traditional emigration or immigration laws, making their situation particularly complex and necessitating international cooperation and compassion.