“The atrocities perpetrated in Gaza and [occupied] The West Bank, Ukraine, Sudan or Myanmar Evidence of deliberate abandonment of norms in the name of violent power, carried out with total impunity by states and non-state entities“, Said Filippo Grandi.
“People killed while waiting in line to receive food. Civilians massacred in camps where they fled for safety. Hospitals and schools were destroyed. Record number of aid workers killed.”
Addressing the agency’s annual executive meeting in Geneva for the last time before resigning in December, Granddi said its core mission remained as relevant today as when it was first mandated 75 years ago: providing refuge to those fleeing danger and finding solutions to their plight.
122 million people uprooted
And in the context of 122 million people displaced today by war and persecution – almost double the number a decade ago – THE UNHCR The leader highlighted failed efforts by governments to prevent an influx of asylum seekers, which had in turn led to growing calls for reform ‘or even elimination’ 1951 Refugee Convention.
The International Agreement obliges countries to provide protection to anyone fleeing war, violence, discrimination and persecution; Those who do not meet these criteria “may be returned to their country…or [to] A third country – in a dignified way,” he noted.
However, “I am concerned that the current debate – in Europe, for example – and some current deportation practices such as in the United States, pose real challenges in ways that are not consistent with international law,” Mr. Grande continued. “UNHCR is here to advise and support you so that any measures you choose remain legal.”
Numbed to violence
The top UN official insisted that parties to conflicts believe war and indiscriminate violence are “justifiable, as long as military means are met – and norms be damned”.
“No human cost is too great, no image of death or destruction too shocking,” Mr. Grande continued. “Let there be no mistake: the daily repetition of atrocities is intended to numb our conscience. To make us feel helpless. “
Funding crisis
Regarding the “incredibly damaging” impact of reduced funding for humanitarian work globally in the face of accelerating humanitarian emergencies, the UNHCR chief called for the goal to shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable response.
“Inclusion does not work if policies in host countries isolate refugees or cut them off from opportunities,” Grande insisted. “Instead, by opening access to services and jobs, lifting restrictions on freedom of movement, investing in the potential of refugees, host countries generate economic and social dividends, both for themselves and for refugees.”
Mr. Grandi, an Italian national, is the 11th United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He was elected by the United Nations General Assembly and took office in early 2016. His term ends on December 31.
UNHCR was established in 1950 and has twice received the Nobel Peace Prize for its humanitarian work – in 1954 and 1981.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
