What is a key characteristic to consider when determining if persecution is on a protected ground?

A key characteristic to consider when determining if persecution is on a protected ground is the applicant's characteristic or belief. This is fundamental because the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees identifies specific grounds for protection, which include race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The essence of persecution hinges on actions taken against individuals based on these inherent traits or beliefs.

Evaluating an individual's characteristics or beliefs helps establish whether they have faced harm or credible threats due to those traits, which is critical in the asylum process. Other factors, such as education level, family size, or financial situation, do not inherently relate to the basis of protection under international asylum law. They may impact the overall situation or context but do not directly inform whether the persecution is targeted at a protected ground.