Syria conflict at 5 years: the biggest refugee and displacement crisis of our time demands a huge surge in solidarity
As Syria’s war reaches another grim milestone today, refugees fleeing the 5-year conflict face greater hurdles to finding safety while international solidarity with its victims is failing to match and reflect the scale and seriousness of the humanitarian tragedy....
Some 80,000 refugees arrive in Europe in first six weeks of 2016
GENEVA, Feb 12 (UNHCR) – Despite rough seas and harsh winter weather, more than 80,000 refugees and migrants arrived in Europe by boat during the first six weeks of 2016, more than in the first four months of 2015, the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, announced today. In...IKEA Brighter Lives for Refugees campaign raises 30.8 million euros for renewable energy sources for refugee families
GENEVA, 18.01.16—IKEA Brighter Lives for Refugees campaign raises 30.8 million euros for renewable energy sources for refugee families IKEA’s global campaign has raised 30.8 million euros for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to provide light and renewable energy sources...
Solutions needed to stem global refugee crisis, says Grandi
GENEVA, Jan 7 (UNHCR)—With record numbers of refugees and displaced people worldwide, the new head of the UN Refugee Agency Filippo Grandi has urged greater diplomatic efforts to find solutions to conflicts and abuses driving people from their homes. “UNHCR is...
Filippo Grandi takes helm as UN High Commissioner for Refugees
GENEVA, Jan 4 (UNHCR)—Filippo Grandi, a UN official who has worked in refugee and political affairs in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, began his five-year term as UN High Commissioner for Refugees on January 1, succeeding António Guterres whose more than 10 years...
UNHCR battles cholera at world’s largest refugee complex
DADAAB, Kenya, Dec 31 (UNHCR)—Health workers at the world’s largest refugee complex in Kenya are gaining the upper hand in battling a cholera outbreak that has killed 10 people and sickened around 1,000 others since it broke out last month amid rains linked to...
Laughter, antics help refugee kids rediscover childhood
ERBIL, Iraq, Dec 30 (UNHCR)—A sense of excitement spread through the market area as dozens of children ran from their tents to find out where the music and laughter was coming from. It was a break from routine—the clowns were in town! The curious youngsters arrived to...
2015: The Year of Europe’s Refugee Crisis
Hundreds of thousands of people have fled across the Mediterranean Sea this year to escape war and persecution. Here are seven key events in this unfolding drama. The influx of refugees and migrants to Europe reached staggering new levels this year, dominating...