Although the framework for the international protection of refugees is governed principally by the 1951 Convention, implementation of protection is highly contingent on the functioning of national mechanisms. These national systems for identifying and extending protection to refugees function within the larger legal and political infrastructure of individual states. As a consequence, the process of interpreting the refugee definition contained in the 1951 Convention within national refugee systems has resulted in denying certain populations the protection they are entitled to under the Convention. This discussion session seeks to identify tools for promoting the realization of protection for all refugees within the scope of the Convention. It will consider how national legislation and regulations, along with UNHCR guidance and other forms of advocacy have been instrumental in guaranteeing access to the refugee protection framework for categories of persons seeking protection who have historically been marginalized through adverse national-level interpretations of the refugee definition. Panelists: Pamela Goldberg, Acting Senior Protection Office, UN High Commissioner for Refugees; Deborah Anker, Director, Immigration and Refugee Clinic at Harvard Law School; and Anwen Hughes, Deputy Director, Refugee Protection Program at Human Rights First Facilitator: Tom Syring, Co-Chair, International Refugee Law Interest Group, American Society of International Law