Climate change threatens water supply for refugees — here’s what UNHCR is doing about it
Both lack and excess of water can be just as challenging for humanitarian workers 20 litres per person per day — this is the minimum amount of water UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency aims to provide for every refugee living in a refugee camp. Yet only in 43% of the camps...
Clearing landmines in Ukraine, one careful step at a time
Ukraine is one of the most mine-affected countries in the world, limiting freedom of movement and posing a serious threat to civilians crossing the contact line. By Oksana Grytsenko in Toretsk, Ukraine Sheltering in the basement of his family home in eastern Ukraine,...
UN refugee chief connects with Chinese companies at Boao Forum
As part of UNHCR’s growing engagement with China, High Commissioner Filippo Grandi calls on the private sector to collaborate on connectivity and innovation for refugees. BOAO, China – Connectivity is the foundation of security, said UN High Commissioner for Refugees...
The two tragedies that struck Christchurch: A reflection by UNHCR’s Richard Towle
Rick Towle, UNHCR’s Deputy Director in New York, reflects on the two tragedies that have struck Christchurch, including its refugee families, in the past decade. On Friday, March 15th, Rick Towle, Deputy Director of UNHCR’s New York Office, stood alongside fellow New...
UNHCR aid for Cyclone Idai survivors arrives in Mozambique
An aircraft carrying tents, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, solar lanterns and other vital relief lands in Mozambique to support 10,000 survivors. By Peter Holmes à Court DONDO, Mozambique – After Cyclone Idai tore through her village in Mozambique, destroying scores of...
First UNHCR relief flight lands in Mozambique
A plane carrying relief items from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency landed early Wednesday morning in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo (0100 hours local time) to support people affected by the Cyclone Idai. The airlift is one of the three flights meant to bring relief to some...
UNHCR prepares to send aid to Cyclone Idai survivors in Zimbabwe
UNHCR is readying tents, tarpaulins, solar lanterns, cooking utensils and other aid for thousands of refugees who lost homes in Zimbabwe. By Zinyange Auntony in Chipinge, Zimbabwe, and Catherine Wachiaya in Nairobi, Kenya UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is working to...
UNHCR’s Bathoul Ahmed describes some of the horrors she has witnessed while working in war-torn Yemen.
This is the shocking scale of human suffering I’ve seen in Yemen By Bathoul Ahmed, Aden, Yemen I have worked on several humanitarian emergencies in the Middle East, and have followed news of the conflict in Yemen for years. But nothing I’d read or experienced could...