The 1967 Protocol refers to an amendment to the original 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines who qualifies as a refugee and outlines the rights of individuals granted asylum. The Protocol expanded the definition of a refugee by removing the geographical and temporal limitations that were present in the original convention, allowing more people to seek protection. By signing the Protocol, countries committed to protecting refugees regardless of when they fled their home country or where they came from. This significant change aimed to address the growing number of refugees due to conflicts and persecution worldwide, enhancing global cooperation in refugee protection.