UNHCR seeks US$255 million to respond to COVID-19 outbreak
As the coronavirus pandemic accelerates, claiming thousands of lives each day, those at greatest risk include some 70 million children, women and men uprooted by war and persecution.
IOM, UNHCR announce temporary suspension of resettlement travel for refugees
As countries drastically reduce entry into their territories owing to the COVID-19 global health crisis, and restrictions around international air travel are introduced, travel arrangements for resettling refugees are currently subject to severe disruptions. Some...
UN Refugee Agency steps up COVID-19 preparedness, prevention and response measures
Geneva, 10 March 2020 – The world’s response to the COVID-19 crisis must encompass and focus on all, including those forced to flee their homes. The elderly among the world’s forcibly displaced population are particularly vulnerable, warned today...
The rights and health of refugees, migrants and stateless must be protected in COVID-19 response
Joint press release from UNHCR,IOM,WHO and OHCHR
Statement by Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, on the COVID-19 crisis
“With the world mobilizing to combat the spread of COVID-19, many countries are rightly adopting exceptional measures, limiting air travel and cross-border movements. And for many people around the world, everyday life has come to a standstill, or is being...
UNHCR statement on the situation at the Turkey-EU border
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is appealing for calm and an easing of tensions on Turkey’s borders with the European Union in light of the present increased movements of people there – including refugees and asylum-seekers. UNHCR is monitoring developments...
UNHCR’s airlift with vital medical aid lands in Iran
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, airlifted today (23 March) some 4.4 tonnes of much-needed medical aid items, including supplies to support the COVID-19 response in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Airbus A330-200 arrived at Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran from...
The coronavirus outbreak is a test of our systems, values and humanity
If ever we needed reminding that we live in an interconnected world, the novel coronavirus has brought that home. No country can tackle this alone, and no part of our societies can be disregarded if we are to effectively rise to this global challenge. Covid-19 is a...
UNHCR stepping up response to escalating violence and displacement in the Sahel region
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, wrapped up in Burkina Faso a three-nation visit to the Sahel region, and expressed his alarm about the rapidly deteriorating situation across the region, where escalating insecurity has forced a rising number of...