Mexican shelter provides safe space for Central Americans
Since 2011, Friar Tomás González Castillo has welcomed those fleeing violence and persecution in northern Central America. TENOSIQUE, Mexico – At a shelter near the Guatemalan border, a Mexican friar provides protection and humanitarian assistance to people fleeing...
The world must not turn its back on the Syrian refugee crisis
Conditions are not yet in place for the more than five million Syrians living as refugees in neighboring countries to return home. After more than six years of one of the deadliest, most destructive conflicts in recent history, the Syrian people are understandably...
How Honduran street violence threatens children’s education
Intimidation by Honduras’ notorious mara gangs makes going to school so dangerous some parents keep their teenagers at home. Intimidation by street gangs in the violent areas of Honduran towns and cities is a fact of life for teenagers like Mariela*, 15, and her...
Up to 15,000 newly arrived Rohingya refugees stranded at border
UNHCR concerned about humanitarian conditions as the refugees await permission to move away from the border. COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is concerned about the humanitarian conditions of thousands of newly arrived refugees stranded near the...
How UNHCR is Working to Help Refugees This Winter
The coming winter means many refugees face life-threatening danger from freezing temperatures, snow and winds. When winter hits and temperatures drop, refugees are generally the worst affected, stripped of the protection of home and often living in flimsy makeshift...
UNHCR readies aid amid Rohingya refugee surge in Bangladesh
Smoke rises on the Myanmar side of the border, as seen from Palangkhali in Bangladesh on 5 October 2017 – four days before a fresh influx of refugees arrived via the nearby Anjumanpara border crossing. © UNHCR/Roger Arnold The UN Refugee Agency is rushing relief...
Defying screams and gunfire, South Sudanese family flees to safety
For four days, Milly Lagu listened to the terrifying sound of gunfire and watched flames rising from neighbouring villages. When soldiers took away her husband on the fifth day, the fear became too much to bear. Knowing the soldiers would soon return for her two...
Preparations under way for larger Rohingya influx to Bangladesh
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. UNHCR is working with the Bangladesh authorities on a transit centre to prepare for a...