Asylum and Refuge. An approach from International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

“There is no greater sorrow in the world than the loss of your native land”. This phrase attributed to the Greek philosopher Euripides, reflects the drama that has suffered in our history those who had to leave their land as a result of persecution and conflict. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the refugee problem addressed the interest of the international community, which began to assume the task of protecting and assisting refugees through agreements and conventions. The Refuge as a humanitarian institution emerged primarily aimed at providing protection and attention to the victims of historical events in the world, which even with the evolution of societies remain solid. The present reflection article analyzes the state of art of the subject. Part of the question of the true meaning, use and whether there is a simple terminological confusion. The case of Cuba as a part of the International Community. The Cuban state, despite not being a signatory to the international conventions about refuges, has rights and responsibilities that are inherent to its interaction; as well as the procedure of the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).