What defines 'refugees' in international relations?

The term 'refugees' in international relations specifically refers to individuals who are forced to flee their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution, violence, or conflict. This legal definition is primarily rooted in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which established the criteria for refugee status. Refugees often escape war, ethnic or religious persecution, and other forms of violence that threaten their safety and wellbeing.

The correct understanding emphasizes that refugees seek safety and protection in another country and are not leaving for voluntary reasons such as economic improvement, which would categorize them differently, such as migrants. Refugees are recognized for their vulnerability and specific needs, often requiring international protection and assistance.

This definition highlights the urgency and traumatic nature of their circumstances, distinguishing them from individuals who migrate for economic opportunities or those displaced temporarily, like tourists, during crises. Each of these other groups lacks the clear legal and protective status that refugees possess, reinforcing why option B accurately represents the definition in international relations.