Which of the following best describes a "refugee"?

A refugee is best described as a person who has fled their country due to fear of persecution. This definition aligns with the criteria set forth by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and international law, which stipulate that refugees are individuals who have been forced to leave their homeland because they face serious threats to their life or freedom, such as war, violence, or persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

This understanding emphasizes the context of vulnerability and danger that refugees experience, which distinguishes them from individuals who migrate for reasons related to economic opportunities, citizenship, or temporary visits. Such individuals, while they may face challenges in their migration experiences, do not share the same circumstances of compulsion and dire threats that characterize refugees.