Worldwide displacement tops 70 million, UN Refugee Chief urges greater solidarity in response
The number of people fleeing war, persecution and conflict exceeded 70 million in 2018. This is the highest level that UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency has seen in its almost 70 years. Data from UNHCR’s annual Global Trends report, released today, shows that almost 70.8...
Massive displacement reported in north-eastern DRC amid new violence
Violence in north-eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is reported to have displaced more than 300,000 since early June. The situation in Ituri Province has deteriorated since the middle of last week, with multiple attacks involving the Hema and...
Syrian refugee finds success and a business partner in Amman
With a long history of hosting refugees, Jordan’s capital provided the opportunity Ehab needed to meet his local collaborator Amani and launch their tech start-up. By Charlie Dunmore and Rima Cherri in Amman, Jordan From a young age, Ehab was fascinated by how things...
Victoria city councillor inspired by his refugee past to serve community
Victoria city councillor Sharmarke Dubow wants to make his beautiful coastal city a more liveable place for everyone. It’s no surprise then that he based his 2018 electoral campaign on a vision of a more inclusive and vibrant urban community with a strong focus on...
UNHCR scales up response as record number of Venezuelans arrive in Peru
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has sent extra teams to the border between Peru and Ecuador to support the authorities to deal with an unprecedented number of Venezuelan refugees and migrants entering Peru. Peruvian authorities announced new visa requirements for...
Bad times, then good times, for Valens and his family
When deadly violence threatened his village in 2012, Valens Nzayisenga took immediate action to save the lives of his wife and children. “I found out that my brother, who has looking after his livestock, was abducted by one of the militias. That’s the day we decided...
Older Colombians and Venezuelans take care of each other under the same roof
Grandpa’s House hosts Colombian seniors who were left alone. Now it has increased its capacity to also shelter Venezuelans on the move. RIOHACHA, Colombia – Morato Martinez, a 75-year-old Colombian, spends his days painting the walls of Grandpa’s House, the care...
Angelina Jolie calls for leadership and humanity as millions flee Venezuela
On a two-day visit to Colombia, the UNHCR Special Envoy met with refugees, returnees and government officials to assess the human impact of a mounting exodus. By Christopher Reardon MAICAO, Colombia – With over 4 million Venezuelans now living in exile, UNHCR Special...