The principle of non-refoulement is applied to both asylum-seekers and refugees.
If a person is applying for asylum in Armenia or has been granted refugee status, then he/she shall not be returned to the country of citizenship or permanent residence or another country against his/her will, where his/her life or freedom may be threatened for the following reasons:
• Race,
• Religion,
• Nationality,
• Membership of a particular social group,
• Political opinion,
• Generalized violence,
• External aggression,
• Internal conflicts,
• Massive violation of human rights, or
• Other serious events disrupting public order.
However, the principle of non-refoulement shall not apply if:
- A person recognized as a refugee poses a reasonable threat to the national security of the Republic of Armenia; or
- A person convicted of a particularly serious crime constitutes a danger to the community.
Nonetheless, under international and national human rights law, no person may be deported, returned, or extradited to any country where there is a real risk of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. This protection is absolute and admits no exceptions or exclusions, regardless of the person’s legal status, conduct, or criminal history.