The paper first reviews international human rights rules applicable to asylum-seekers and refugees. The most important international treaties pertinent to such people are the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (CSR) and its 1967 Protocol. These treaties define who is a refugee and establish rights attached to such a status. Refugees recognized under the CSR are those fleeing civil and international wars as well as events that seriously disturb public order. Those seeking asylum from torture and targeted abusive government practices are also protected under the CSR. The international protection of refugees and asylum-seekers encompasses a range of rights, notably the right to seek asylum, protection against forcible return, and various rights while in the asylum country. In turn, refugees are obligated to respect the laws, regulations, and measures for public order in the country of asylum. Further, the CSR provides that refugees shall not be punished for illegal entry or be subjected to detention except in accordance with procedures established by law.