Advancing Protection under Article I(2) of the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention

Article I(2) of the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention is the Convention’s most celebrated feature. It is one of Africa’s chief contributions to international law-making in the post-colonial era and its normative significance stretches beyond Africa to refugee protection worldwide. By extending refugee protection beyond individuals fleeing persecution to those at risk from external aggression, occupation, foreign domination and events seriously disturbing public order, the Article I(2) refugee definition has been praised for its generosity and for addressing the realities of cross-border displacement in Africa. To date, Article I(2) has been applied predominantly to protect people fleeing situations involving conflict, violence and political unrest. More recently, some States have applied it in other contexts, such as those involving drought and famine. The purpose of this Issues Paper is to provide an introduction to the Article I(2) refugee definition and a reference point for further dialogue and collaboration amongst States and other stakeholders to advance its implementation in practice.