Jolie, Blanchett Lead Global Appeal to Defend Refugee Rights as UN Convention Marks 75 Years

Geneva: Actors Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett have joined prominent global figures in calling for renewed commitment to refugee protection as the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention marks its 75th anniversary amid growing pressure on asylum systems worldwide.

The appeal, titled “The Promise,” was issued by the United Nations refugee agency and signed by dozens of celebrities, athletes, business leaders, and faith representatives. It urges governments to uphold their obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which together form the cornerstone of international refugee law and have been ratified by 149 countries.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, himself a former refugee, stressed the enduring importance of the convention, saying the international community must honor the promise made 75 years ago to protect those forced to flee persecution, conflict, and violence. The anniversary was marked by a high-level meeting on refugee protection at the United Nations in Geneva.

Other notable signatories include actors Ben Stiller, Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Erivo, and Riz Ahmed, alongside Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and professional basketball player Wenyen Gabriel. The coalition emphasized that safeguarding refugee rights remains a shared global responsibility despite increasing political and financial pressures.

The appeal comes as many countries tighten border controls and introduce stricter asylum policies in response to record levels of global displacement. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over measures such as offshore detention proposals in Europe and restrictions on refugee admissions in the United States, warning that such policies risk undermining international legal commitments.

The UN refugee agency is also facing significant financial challenges after a sharp decline in donor contributions. Funding fell by approximately 30% in 2025, forcing the organization to reduce its workforce and scale back humanitarian operations at a time when global displacement remains near historic highs.

As the Refugee Convention reaches its 75th year, the UN and its supporters have urged governments to reaffirm their commitment to protecting people fleeing war, persecution, and violence, emphasizing that international solidarity remains essential to addressing one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.