The authors consider evolution of the “refugees” concept and of the international system of displaced persons’ rights protection on the basis of broad massive of historical facts and theoretical material. Making of regime for refugees and of respective branch of international law is connected with the Russian émigré community of the 1920s and 1930s. Causes of institutions’ transformation from the League of Nations High Commissioner for refugees to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for refugees and expansion of their authorities as well as of criteria for refugee status receiving are shown. Data on the present day status of refugee issue are adduced.