Persons compelled to flee their country of origin principally to escape threats to their life, liberty, freedom or physical integrity must be able to call upon, and to receive, the protection and assistance of the international community. UNHCR's humanitarian action in pursuit of lasting solutions to refugee problems is therefore oriented, first and foremost, in favour of enabling a refugee to exercise the right to return home in safety and with dignity. The Handbook deals primarily with large-scale refugee situations. The term "refugee", as used in this Handbook, denotes all persons outside their country of origin for reasons of feared persecution, armed conflict, generalized violence or gross violations of human rights and who, as a result, need international protection.