Article 33.1 states:

No Contracting State shall expel or return ('refouler') a refugee in any manner to the frontiers of territories where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion."

This is the guiding principle that guides asylum laws around the world. United nations human rights commission is seriously concerned about the plight of refugees and those under fear of persecution and thus wants contracting states to extend assistance. However countries are concerned about their own security problems and thus refuse to acknowledge all refugee applications. The number of applications has thus gone down seriously. One key article states: "...2005 saw the lowest number of asylum-seekers since 1987. During the first months of 2006, applications dropped a further 14 per cent, compared to the same period last year. While this continued decline can be partially...
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