Who is a refugee? A refugee is any uprooted, homeless, involuntary migrant who has left his own country. He is no longer protected by the Government of his own country. Before the 19th century, the movement from one country to another did not require passports or visas.
The right to asylum was commonly recognised and honoured.
For many centuries, refugee movements were a result of religious or racial suffering. Entire groups were uprooted, exiled or deported or chased out by political or religious authorities who disliked opposition.
Political differences have forced many refugee movements in modern times.
When the People's Republic of China was established in 1949, more than two million fled to Taiwan and Hong Kong.
The Korean War (1950-53) also forced many Koreans to flee their country.
Sometimes when a country is partitioned or broken up there have been refugee movements. Such examples are the Indian subcontinent and the Palestine.
