Robust, coherent Europe response to refugee crisis still urgently needed
GENEVA, Sept 15 (UNHCR) –Reiterating its call for a robust and coherent European response to the current refugee crisis, the UN refugee agency today expressed deep disappointment that European Union member states failed to reach agreement over a wider relocation plan...
Mediterranean: another weekend of Tragedy
GENEVA, Sept 15 (UNHCR) –Tragedy marked the Mediterranean again last weekend as two more boats capsized in Greek waters, killing 39 people, including 15 children and four babies. The boats, which capsized on Saturday and Sunday off the coast of Farmakonisi and Samos,...UNHCR names Afghan refugee teacher Aqeela Asifi its 2015 Nansen Refugee Award winner
GENEVA, Sep 15 (UNHCR) – Afghan refugee teacher Aqeela Asifi, who has dedicated her life to bringing education to refugee girls in Pakistan, has won the 2015 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award. Aqeela Asifi, 49, is being recognized for her brave and tireless dedication to...
UNHCR urges full and swift implementation of European Commission proposals on refugee crisis
The UN refugee agency today welcomed the European Commission’s proposals unveiled on Wednesday to address the current refugee crisis in Europe. “Given the urgency of the situation, these proposals need to be implemented fully and swiftly,” UNHCR...
Worsening conditions inside Syria and the region fuel despair, driving thousands towards Europe
GENEVA, Sept 8 (UNHCR) –Deteriorating conditions in Syria and neighbouring countries are driving thousands of Syrians to risk everything on perilous journeys to Europe, the UN refugee agency cautioned on Tuesday. As the crisis digs deeper into its fifth year with no...
An Education, Multiplied
Aqeela Asifi, a schoolteacher who has helped more than 1,000 refugee girls complete their primary education since she fled Afghanistan two decades ago, was today named the winner of the 2015 Nansen Refugee Award. UNHCR, which presents the award annually, cited her...UNHCR praises the Government of Nova Scotia for its exemplary generous contribution to the Syrian refugee crisis
OTTAWA, Canada, September 8 (UNHCR) – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Canada thanks the People and the Government of Nova Scotia for their inspiring generous contribution of 50,000 Canadian dollars toward UNHCR’s...
Iris scan system provides cash lifeline to Syrian refugees in Jordan
AMMAN, Jordan, March 23 (UNHCR)– Sitting in the cold, windowless basement of an apartment block that he shares with his wife and two young children in Amman, Abu Ahmad describes himself as “one of the lucky ones.” The small damp room that serves as the...