Forced displacement tops 70 million

THE UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, chief Filippo Grandi, in his message for World Refugee Day, said he was “deeply moved” and “inspired” by the refugees he met during his 35-year career, praising their courage and determination.

World Refugee Day is observed on June 20.

In a video address, Grandi noted that while the UNHCR works hard to mobilise the world’s support, funding is low and resettlement places are too few.

“On this World Refugee Day, and also every day, my colleagues and I pledge to do all we can to help you – not just to get by, but also to thrive,” Grandi said.

This week, UNHCR issued its annual Global Trends report, which showed the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide had risen to over 70 million by the end of 2018, the highest number in the organization’s history.

Grandi said that despite the fact that more people have been forcibly displaced than ever before, “better ways” have been developed to mobilise the world to help the displaced.

In December, the UN General Assembly passed the Global Compact on Refugees, which seeks a more predictable and equitable sharing of responsibility to find lasting solutions for the displaced.

Acknowledging the challenges, Grandi said: “Some countries are introducing restrictions that are hurting your access to asylum. Boats are hindered from rescuing drowning refugees. Peace talks are slow to bear fruit.

“But many generous countries and communities are still welcoming places,” he continued. “And new partners from development and the private sector are offering investment and expertise. Ordinary people are donating and volunteering. Voices of humanity are holding their ground.”

Grandi has said he hopes the world will build on these positive examples and redouble its solidarity with refugees on June 20.

“On this World Refugee Day, we must have hope,” he concluded in his address.