Law
The Principle of Non-Refoulement in Refugee Law
Quick fact
Non-refoulement is so fundamental to refugee protection that it is considered customary international law, binding on all states regardless of whether they've signed the 1951 Refugee Convention. It has been recognized as a rule of jus cogens by international bodies, meaning it cannot be overridden by other treaties.
Why this is interesting
What stops a country from simply sending a refugee back to the danger they fled? It's a legal principle so powerful that it can override national borders—but it has its limits.