Mediterranean death toll soars, 2016 is deadliest year yet
With two months still to go in 2016, deaths of refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean hit all-time high. GENEVA – With two months still to go, deaths of refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean so far this year have hit a record high, the UN Refugee...
UN refugee chief warns of “forgotten population” in Egypt
Filippo Grandi met African refugees in Egypt, many of whom are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Two years ago in Ethiopia, Sayida’s husband left to buy something for the family. He never returned. Sayida thinks he was arrested, and now she thinks he is dead....
Syrian student flees guns, earns study place in Turkey
Would-be chemical engineer Rawan Batal learned Turkish and gained a university place in the central Anatolia province of Konya. The armed men knocking at the door said they just wanted to talk about a problem. Rawan Batal, then 16, opened hesitantly. They pushed into...
UNHCR focuses on preparations for Mosul exodus
A military operation to retake Iraq’s second city has so far uprooted a few thousand people, allowing the UN Refugee Agency to focus on continued preparations ahead of the expected exodus. The unfolding Iraqi military assault on Mosul has so far uprooted only a few...
UNHCR delivers aid in Yemen, welcomes ceasefire
More than 125,000 displaced people in the embattled southern town of Taizz in Yemen have received emergency supplies as part of a new aid push, UNHCR said today. The UN Refugee Agency said the latest aid distributions were part of an on-going humanitarian response...
Rohingya refugee shines at Malaysia learning centre
At age 15, Ishak bears the weight of his family’s expectations. He’s overcome racial discrimination and the additional challenges of his refugee status to become a school football star, a straight-A student and possibly the first person in the family to complete his...
Mosul civilians flee for fear of violence in Mosul
Speaking with families who fled in fear from the Mosul assault, UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi stresses the need to protect civilians and prevent further displacement. DEBAGA CAMP 2, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – After fleeing her hometown near Mosul, which came under...
UN refugee chief says protecting Mosul civilians is key
Speaking in Baghdad, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi stresses civilian protection must be part of the military strategy for retaking Iraq’s second city Mosul. BAGHDAD, Iraq – UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said the protection of...