This article examines the evolution of the current international system for responding to refugee problems and the climate within which the legal and institutional framework has developed. It reviews the background and handling of some of the key refugee movements since World War II and traces the legal and institutional adjustments that have been made to deal with new refugee movements that have occurred predominantly, but not exclusively, in the developing world. Finally, it assesses the adequacy of the present system to meet the challenges ahead. -Author

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asylum Obstacles Americas refugee population social policy demography Europe Migrants developing country Population Dynamics Developing Countries Refugees Asia Western Asia Developed Countries Asia, Western policy United Nations international cooperation Central America organization resettlement Population Policy International Agencies North America Southeast Asia Un international system International Refugee Organisation International Migration--legal aspects Africa Western Hemisphere Refugees--legal aspects Article organization and management Organization And Administration migration developed country Demographic Factors Southeastern Asia Emigration and Immigration Transients and Migrants Northern America Organizations public policy Migration Policy Asia, Southeastern