From Doha: UNHCR chief stresses the importance of international solidarity to address global displacement challenges

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, concluded an official visit to the State of Qatar, during which he reaffirmed the strength of the strategic partnership between UNHCR and Qatar in supporting refugees, forcibly displaced people, and host communities around the world.

During the visit, the High Commissioner met with senior officials and humanitarian partners including H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD), H.E. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation, H.E. Fahad Al Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, H.E. Yousef bin Ali Al Khater, President of the Qatar Red Crescent Society, and H.E. Yousef bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Charity.

The High Commissioner highlighted how international solidarity is vital to responding to humanitarian crises, underscoring the importance of UNHCR's strong partnerships in Qatar in coordinating efforts across humanitarian response, education, health care, and durable solutions for forcibly displaced people. Discussions also focused on ways to strengthen cooperation to address the needs of refugees and forcibly displaced people, including through sustainable responses that aim to increase self-reliance in line with UNHCR’s 50by35 vision.

"We express our appreciation to the State of Qatar for its steadfast commitment to supporting people forced to flee their homes. Our longstanding engagement with the State of Qatar reflects a shared vision of protection, solidarity, and opportunity for refugees and forcibly displaced communities. Together, we are helping people not only find safety but also rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. As humanitarian needs continue to rise worldwide, partnerships like these are indispensable to sustaining support, advancing solutions, and keeping hope alive for millions uprooted by conflict and crisis," said Salih.

Over the past years, Qatar has become a strategic partner of UNHCR through its sustained support for humanitarian responses across a wide range of emergencies worldwide. This support has bolstered UNHCR's programmes in many sectors, enabling more than 9.5 million refugees, internally displaced persons, and members of host communities to access essential support, services, and protection.