Statement by UNHCR Representative on deadly attack on Dnipro, destroying humanitarian aid in UNHCR’s warehouse
I strongly condemn last night’s Russian missile and drone attack on Dnipro, that claimed at least two civilian lives, injured more, and also hit a UNHCR-contracted warehouse, resulting in the destruction of significant amounts of humanitarian aid and shelter...
UNHCR: ‘Asylum is not merely an act of generosity, it’s an expression of courage’
On April 29, 2026, UNHCR Canada was invited to appear before the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) as part of its study of Canada’s immigration system. UNHCR Canada Representative Tracey Maulfair and Senior Legal Officer Azadeh...
UNHCR: ‘We hope Canada continues to be a champion for fast, fair, and efficient asylum’
On November 18, 2025, UNHCR Canada was invited to appear before the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) as part of its study of Bill C-12. Azadeh Tamjeedi, UNHCR Canada senior legal officer, presented on behalf of UNHCR. Video of...Statement by Dr. Barham Salih upon His Election as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
I am honoured to have been elected as the incoming United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. As a former refugee, I know first-hand how protection and opportunity can change the course of a life. That experience will inform a leadership approach grounded in...
High Commissioner’s opening speech at the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review 2025
By Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in Geneva Consigliere federale – caro Ignazio, Chère Zakia, Distinguished delegates, Colleagues and friends, On 15 December 2023, exactly two years ago, the Second Global Refugee Forum came to its conclusion. It...
The Courage to Welcome: solidarity in a divided world
One People Oration, Westminster Abbey, London, UK By Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Good evening, dear friends, and thank you, Mr. Dean, for this warm introduction. And thank you all for coming. What a privilege to deliver an oration in such a truly...
High Commissioner’s Opening Statement to the 76th plenary session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme
By UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in Geneva, Switzerland (As delivered) Mr. Chairman, Señor Presidente, Distinguished Delegates, Dear colleagues, Please rest assured: although this is the last time for me to address this Committee as United...
High Commissioner Filippo Grandi’s message on World Refugee Day 2025
Today is World Refugee Day – a day to honour the courage and resilience of millions of people around the globe forced to flee war, violence and persecution. But it is also a moment to sound an alarm on their behalf. Record numbers of men, women and children – over 122...