Refugee Protection, Public Narratives and the Legacy of the Refugee Convention

On 6 July 2026, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer hosted a virtual event marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Moderated by Pro Bono Counsel Lara Nassif, the discussion featured Clarissa Ward, CNN’s Chief International Correspondent, Ruven Menikdiwela, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the time and Taban Shoresh OBE, human rights defender, former refugee, and founder of The Lotus Flower - with more than 200 participants from HSF Kramer and firms supporting the Global Refugee Forum Legal Community Pledge.

The panellists explored how public narratives influence perceptions of refugees and shape policy, particularly amid rising global displacement and increasing polarisation around migration. They discussed the damaging impact of misinformation, stereotypes and anti-refugee rhetoric, while highlighting the importance of accurate language and informed public debate.

Lara Nassif, commented: “Discussions about migration are often framed around polarised viewpoints, but many people find themselves somewhere in between. Our panel was designed for those who approach the topic with both empathy while also grappling with questions about economic security, pressure on public services, cultural change, and community safety, often called the ‘conflicted middle’. These concerns deserve to be acknowledged, explored, and addressed honestly to create space to shift the public discourse and ultimately laws and policies for refugee protection.”

Emphasising the power of human connection in shaping perceptions of refugees, Clarissa Ward said: “There is no substitute for having a friend who is a refugee, listening to someone speak who is a refugee. You will never find people who are braver, who are more resilient, who are more inspiring.”

The discussion concluded with a reminder that, 75 years after its adoption, the Refugee Convention remains as relevant as ever, and that narratives have the power to influence policy, public attitudes, and refugee protection outcomes. The speakers highlighted that one meaningful step audience members could take following the discussion was to critically examine the narratives presented to them and remain open to engaging in respectful, constructive dialogue with others on the subject. As Taban observed, “If everyone lays down one domino and takes one action, it sets off a chain reaction that compounds into something much bigger.” This powerful message underscored the idea that individual actions, however small, can collectively drive significant and lasting change.