New US border measures ‘not in line with international standards’, warns UNHCR — Global Issues

New US border measures ‘not in line with international standards’, warns UNHCR — Global Issues

According to reports, the reforms would deny migrants the chance to seek asylum in the US if they crossed from Mexico into the US without permission.  But President Biden also said that up to 30,000 people per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela could come legally, if they meet…

UN rights chief on Myanmar refugees and a future of ‘kindness, empathy and unity’ — Global Issues

UN rights chief on Myanmar refugees and a future of ‘kindness, empathy and unity’ — Global Issues

Expressing deep sadness that more than 200 Rohingya – who fled military persecution in Myanmar in 2017 – have died trying to cross the Andaman Sea from Bangladesh this year, Mr. Türk said that the boats used to make the crossings are not only “overcrowded and unsafe” but also “left…

UN refugee agency welcomes Indonesia’s ‘act of humanity’ in rescuing migrants adrift at sea — Global Issues

UN refugee agency welcomes Indonesia’s ‘act of humanity’ in rescuing migrants adrift at sea — Global Issues

UNHCR issued a statement explaining that two groups of survivors had been brought to shore off the coast of north-west Indonesia.  Believed to have been at sea for more than a month, the UN agency expressed relief that they are now safe in Indonesia.  After highlighting their plight, Ann Maymann,…

100 million displaced, ‘a record that should never have been set’ — Global Issues

100 million displaced, ‘a record that should never have been set’ — Global Issues

The 100 million figure, which includes those fleeing conflict, violence, human rights violations and persecution, was announced by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in May and described by Filippo Grandi, the head of the agency, as “a record that should never have been set”. The figure is up from some…

100 million displaced, ‘a record that should never have been set’ — Global Issues

UN refugee agency urges rescue of 190 desperate people adrift in Andaman Sea — Global Issues

However, its pleas continue to be ignored. “This shocking ordeal and tragedy must not continue”, said Indrika Ratwatte, UNHCR’s Director for Asia and the Pacific. “These are human beings – men, women and children”, he added. Unraveling the situation Reports indicate that they have been at sea in dire conditions for a month, lacking…

280 million people leave home for ‘a better life’ — Global Issues

280 million people leave home for ‘a better life’ — Global Issues

Secretary-General António Guterres credited the more than 80 per cent of those who cross borders in a safe and orderly fashion as powerful drivers of “economic growth, dynamism, and understanding”. “But unregulated migration along increasingly perilous routes – the cruel realm of traffickers – continues to extract a terrible cost”,…

100 million displaced, ‘a record that should never have been set’ — Global Issues

New UN report warns against ‘dehumanizing’ migrants looking for work — Global Issues

The report, We wanted workers, but human beings came, published just ahead of International Migrants Day, zeroes-in on schemes in operation across the Asia-Pacific region – the largest single migrant-producing region in the world.  “Migrant workers are often dehumanized”, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, reminding that…

100 million displaced, ‘a record that should never have been set’ — Global Issues

Netflix biodrama draws attention to real-life refugee-turned-Olympian — Global Issues

Communications chief Melissa Fleming also called the Netflix film The Swimmers, “a wakeup call” and a “hugely welcome step” for everyone to stand in solidarity with refugees.  Although Yusra and Sara Mardini were forced to flee Syria’s civil war in 2015, the biographical drama, which Netflix dropped on Wednesday, makes…

Rights expert urges Korea to play ‘enhanced leadership role’ — Global Issues

Rights expert urges Korea to play ‘enhanced leadership role’ — Global Issues

“The Republic of Korea can play a vital leadership role in denying the Myanmar junta the means to continue holding 54 million people hostage while becoming a leader in providing humanitarian support to those in desperate need’’, said Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in…

100 million displaced, ‘a record that should never have been set’ — Global Issues

UNHCR calls for ban on forced returns of asylum seekers to eastern DR Congo — Global Issues

Elizabeth Tan, UNHCR’s Director of International Protection, said on Friday at the regular Geneva press briefing that the agency is concerned about a rise in attacks on civilians, including those living in sites for displaced people. One of the worst examples came in February this year at the Plaine Savo…