International protection, migration, and population
Following the Second World War, the Geneva Conventions began to take effect—both within the European Union and beyond—establishing standards for the treatment of prisoners of war (combatants) as well as non-combatants (civilians). The first Geneva Convention was signed as early as 1864, though by only 12 states. In contrast, the 1949 Geneva Conventions were signed by 63 governments. Today, there are 196 signatories to the Geneva Conventions. It is from these conventions that the concept of international protection (asylum) for individuals who do not receive protection in their country of citizenship or permanent residence (country of origin) has evolved. In the Republic of Slovenia, international protection encompasses both refugee status and subsidiary protection status. The same applies to other EU member states. Although not all countries worldwide implement international protection according to identical rules, migration—both authorized and unauthorized, including labor-relat...