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International Relations & Diplomacy vocabulary · International Law & Human Rights

Asylum

Meaning in international relations & diplomacy, with examples

/əˈsaɪləm/nounCore term

In international relations & diplomacy, asylum means: Protection given by a state to a person who has fled their own country because of danger or persecution.

In Turkish: sığınma, iltica

How it is used

People 'seek', 'apply for' or 'claim' asylum, or are 'granted' it; while their case is being decided they are 'asylum seekers'. If the claim is accepted, they usually receive refugee status. 'Diplomatic asylum' in an embassy is a separate and debated practice.

Example sentences

  1. He applied for asylum as soon as he arrived at the airport.

  2. Asylum seekers wait an average of eight months for a decision.

  3. The court ruled that she should be granted asylum.

Common collocations

  • seek asylum
  • apply for asylum
  • grant asylum
  • asylum seeker
  • asylum application
  • refugeeA person who is outside their own country and cannot return because of a well-founded fear of persecution; in wider use, also someone who has fled war or violence.
  • human rightsThe basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person, such as the right to life, freedom of expression and a fair trial, which states are expected to respect and protect.
  • international lawThe body of rules that governs relations between states and other international actors, based mainly on treaties, custom and general principles of law.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: International Law & Human Rights

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