Landmines, improvised explosive devices pose deadly risks for displaced in Sahel and Lake Chad
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling for stronger efforts to mitigate the risks for...
“I chose to belong:” Entrepreneur shares extraordinary refugee journey from Cambodia to Canada
By Susan Pedwell Although Peng-Sang Cau hasn’t been a refugee for 40 years, she still identifies as one. “Being a refugee is always part of you,” she says. “It’s a feeling of being destabilized, of feeling unwanted. You never quite feel like you belong. But I chose to...
UNHCR saddened at death of former President of Tanzania Benjamin W. Mkapa
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is deeply saddened at the passing of former President of the United Republic of Tanzania Benjamin W. Mkapa. During his tenure as President between 1995 and 2005, Tanzania became host to the highest number of refugees on the African...
Persecution and perseverance: Survival stories from the Hazara community
By Derakhshan Qurban-Ali and Hannah Scott in Toronto, Canada | All photos by © UNHCR/Chris Young Few have heard of the Hazara, an ethnic group native to Afghanistan. For over a century, the Hazara community has suffered from targeted discrimination, persecution, and...
UNHCR stresses urgent need for States to end unlawful detention of refugees and asylum-seekers, amidst COVID-19 pandemic
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling today on States to urgently release refugees and asylum-seekers who are being unlawfully and arbitrarily held in detention. States must act to ensure their actions are in line with international law and that amidst the ongoing...
UNHCR expands support to refugees and host communities in Brazil as COVID-19 takes its toll
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is stepping up efforts in Brazil to protect tens of...
Refugee health workers lead COVID-19 battle in Bangladesh camps
Trained community health workers – all of them Rohingya refugees – refer suspected COVID-19 patients in the settlements for testing and care. By Areez Tanbeen Rahman and Iffath Yeasmine in Kutupalong refugee settlement, Bangladesh Saidul Karim spends his days moving...
UNHCR calls on Poland to ensure access for people seeking asylum
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, calls on the Government of Poland to ensure that people who wish to seek international protection have access to territory and asylum in Poland, in line with international obligations accepted by the country. On Thursday (23 July), in the...