Watershed moment as countries step forward to tackle global statelessness
In a historic moment in the global fight against statelessness, more than 85 governments, civil society and international and regional organizations have this week pledged hundreds of new commitments to end statelessness, a major cause of human rights deprivations for...
Conflict, violence in Burkina Faso displaces nearly half a million people
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Andrew Mbogori – 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 joining its partners to warn about the unfolding...
Second life-saving evacuation of vulnerable refugees from Libya lands in Rwanda
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. At around 11:20pm last night, a group of some 123 vulnerable refugees arrived at...
Citizenship hopes become reality for Iraq’s Bidoon minority
UNHCR-funded legal initiative has secured nationality for hundreds of formerly stateless families in southern Iraq, giving them access to basic rights and services. By Charlie Dunmore and Edith Champagne in Basra, Iraq Mohammad still remembers the day when, aged nine...
Afghan entrepreneur helps refugees and Iranians alike
After her husband died, Afghan refugee Zeynab Shaban set up a successful business making hospital gowns that helps refugee and Iranian employees alike. By Leah Cowan in Tehran, Iran When her husband passed way, Afghan refugee Zeynab Shaban was faced with the daunting...
“People really do care” — Vancouverite raises more than $3,000 for UNHCR in Ride for Refuge
Francis Fulton is among many Canadians who stood in solidarity with refugees by raising money and participating in Ride for Refuge. By Hannah Scott When Francis Fulton was rushing through a North Vancouver mall trying to run an errand between shifts, he didn’t think...
Hundreds of thousands in harm’s way in northern Syria
The escalation of conflict in northern Syria risks causing more human suffering and adding new displacement to what is already the largest displacement crisis in the world. Tens of thousands of civilians are on the move to escape the fighting and seek safety. UNHCR,...
Persecuted and uprooted, a young Yemeni finds safe haven in Canada
Mohammed arrived in Québec through Roxham Road, fleeing the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. By Emmanuelle Paciullo in Montreal, Canada “I was welcomed in Canada with much respect and dignity. I felt a strong emotion, a mixture of fear and relief – unsure what lay...