States that have acceded to the 1951 Convention and/or its 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees

Refugees arrive in Hong Kong because Hong Kong is perceived to be a safe, multi-cultural and tolerant destination in a troubled region. The number of refugees seeking asylum in Hong Kong and all around the world fluctuates depending on political instability and human rights abuses taking place elsewhere. According to UNHCR, there are currently around 32.9 million refugees around the globe. These numbers are unavoidably approximate and hard to calculate.

Refugees are ordinary people who arrive in Hong Kong out of desperation, having fled their home countries with only what they could carry in transit. Over 90% of asylum-seekers claiming refugee status come from South and Southeast Asia. 10% arrive from Africa. They cannot return without risk of serious persecution. In many cases, they had to leave their family, friends, work, and property in order to find safety. Refugees have often escaped abuse, torture, rape, the abuse and murder of family and friends, or other atrocities. The courage and resilience of our clients in the face of desperate odds is often heartrending, humbling, and yet always inspiring.