A refugee is someone forced to flee their home country because of war, persecution, or disaster, seeking safety in another nation. Unlike people who move by choice, refugees leave because staying has become too dangerous. They might face violence because of their religion, race, or political beliefs, or they might be escaping a war zone where their homes have been destroyed.

The word comes from the French refugié, meaning someone seeking refuge (safety and shelter). Throughout history, millions of people have become refugees. After World War II, countless Europeans became refugees. More recently, families have fled conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and other troubled regions.

Refugees often arrive in a new country with very little, having left behind homes, possessions, and communities they loved. They face the enormous challenge of rebuilding their lives in an unfamiliar place, learning a new language, and adapting to different customs. Many refugees eventually become citizens of their new countries and build successful lives, though the journey is rarely easy.

The legal status of refugee means something specific under international law: a refugee is a person who cannot safely return home and deserves protection. Countries have systems to determine who qualifies as a refugee and what help they can receive.