Guidelines on International Protection No. 14: Non-penalization of refugees on account of their irregular entry or presence and restrictions on their movements in accordance with Article 31 of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees

Laws, policies and practices penalizing people in need of international protection because of their unauthorized or irregular entry and presence and/or restricting their freedom of movement can breach Article 31 of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (1951 Convention). The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide substantive guidance for interpreting and applying Article 31 of the 1951 Convention and to promote consistency in such interpretation and application among Contracting States of the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees.