News Releases
We bring you the most up-to-date information from UNHCR Canada through news releases.
Photo: © UNHCR / Roger Arnold
UNHCR: Middle East crisis ripple effects strain aid efforts beyond region
The Middle East crisis has generated far‑reaching ripple effects well beyond the region, with growing consequences for global humanitarian supply chains and the delivery of aid, as spikes in transport costs and freight disruptions are forcing UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to adapt its delivery strategy.
UNHCR: 2025 was deadliest year yet for maritime movements of Rohingya refugees
In 2025, nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, making it the deadliest year on record for maritime movements in South and South‑East Asia, according to data from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
UNHCR’s Salih urges civilian protection and sustained support as escalation in Lebanon continues
Protection of civilians in Lebanon and sustained international support for the Government‑led response to the country’s huge displacement crisis are imperative, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, said on Wednesday.
UNHCR survey shows a third of displaced Venezuelans in Latin America could consider return
A significant minority of Venezuelans living outside their country in Latin America would consider returning home if socioeconomic and other conditions there improved, according to a survey from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
Three years on, war-weary Sudanese remain on the move
As the crisis in Sudan moves into its fourth year, fighting still rages in large parts of the country, causing new displacement and extending the daily tragedy for millions of people with no clear end in sight. Since the war started in April 2023, some 14 million people have been forced to flee, with 9 million remaining displaced inside Sudan and 4.4 million across borders.
UNHCR: Over 200,000 people cross into Syria after a month of hostilities in Lebanon
One month after hostilities intensified in the region and in Lebanon, Syria has seen a sharp rise in people crossing the border from Lebanon. Between 2 and 27 March, more than 200,000 people entered Syria through the three official crossing points, according to Syrian authorities.
UNHCR calls for urgent support in Lebanon as humanitarian catastrophe looms
Nearly a month into a rapidly escalating conflict, Lebanon is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis. Since 2 March, following intense Israeli strikes and widespread evacuation orders, more than 1 million people – one in five residents – have been forced to flee their homes. Displacement now stretches from the south and the Bekaa to Beirut and the north, and numbers continue to rise.
Urgent support needed as 33,000 Congolese refugees return home from Burundi in a month
More than 33,000 Congolese refugees have spontaneously returned from Burundi to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within a month, following the reopening of the Burundi–DRC border on 23 February. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling for urgent international support to ensure that returns take place in conditions of safety, dignity and sustainability.
UNHCR: Up to 3.2 million Iranians temporarily displaced in Iran as conflict intensifies
Between 600,000 and 1 million Iranian households are now temporarily displaced inside Iran as a result of the ongoing conflict, according to preliminary assessments, representing up to 3.2 million people. Most of them are reportedly fleeing from Tehran and other major urban areas towards the north of the country and rural areas to seek safety.
UNHCR warns regional conflicts could drive increased returns to Afghanistan
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today warned that the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East and worsening protection environment in the region could drive increased returns under adverse conditions of Afghans from neighbouring countries.
To inquire about news releases, please reach out to our Media Contact:
Media Contact
Levon Sevunts
Communications Officer
P: +1 613-286-6975
E: sevunts@unhcr.org
Darcy Knoll
Senior Communications Officer
P: +1 613-219-4446
E: knoll@unhcr.org
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