Guidelines on Non-penalization of Refugees for Irregular Entry

These critical guidelines address the protection of refugees from penalties related to irregular entry or presence, and the scope of movement restrictions under Article 31 of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Key topics covered:

• Non-penalization principle interpretation
• Scope of Article 31 protections
• Movement restriction guidelines
• Implementation standards
• State obligations and practices

The document provides essential guidance for protecting refugees’ rights regarding entry and movement, particularly relevant for camp-based populations.