The term political asylum refers to the protection granted by a country to individuals who flee their home country due to fear of persecution. This persecution can be based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. International law, particularly the 1951 Refugee Convention, outlines the rights of those seeking asylum and the responsibilities of governments to protect them. Asylum seekers must demonstrate credible fear of returning home, and the process often involves legal and bureaucratic challenges to validate their claims.