Statement from UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi on brutal funding cuts:
This is not just a shortfall – it is a crisis of responsibility. The cost of inaction will be measured in suffering, instability and lost futures.
⬇️
www.unhcr.org/news/press-r...
To the little angels, who met so early human cruelty and, unfortunately, will never become adults...
Karkiyv
We, adults, bear the responsibility.
What will our generation be remembered for - from Gaza to Ukraine or Myanmar, from DRCongo to the Mediterranean Sea?
Alors qu’il y a de timides espoirs en Syrie ou peut-être même en Ukraine, le Congo retombe dans la violence
Jenny sait ce qu’être forcé de devoir fuir: c’est l’histoire de sa famille
Elle nous rappelle notre devoir de ne pas fermer les yeux-surtout ici
@lalibre.be
www.lalibre.be/debats/opini...
“Shall I stay or shall I go?” is probably on the minds of many Syrian refugees in the EU.
⬇️⬇️⬇️
“Pessimisme verlamt Europa, maar we zijn sterker dan we denken”
De Morgen vandaag
www.demorgen.be/ts-b4ed9274/
Very important meeting with Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The agency’s work in ensuring the protection of people and the good management of refugee flows is essential for the European stability. Its activity should be fully supported in these dire times.
“Lifting sanctions hindering Syria’s early recovery but making it conditional + scaling up humanitarian aid to address urgent needs in Syria” as announced by @kajakallas.bsky.social will help find solutions for 7+ mio internally displaced & pave the way for refugee returns 🙏
After an historical change in Damascus, what’s now - if not: next - for Syrian refugees in Europe?
www.eesc.europa.eu/en/news-medi...
During asylum processes, detention must be strictly justified by grounds clearly defined.
Even when such grounds exist, *alternatives* to detention must first & foremost be considered.
Check the EU Asylum Agency’s manual: euaa.europa.eu/sites/defaul...
Alternatives are often as effective.
Syria
Much welcome change of regime
But for most Syrians inside the country or in exile, no change… yet!
Still living in extremely dire conditions
As Commissioner Lahbib visits the region, the EU must demonstrate its humanitarian leadership by stepping up ECHO’s financial support
Here is what Poland & Denmark should consider as they lead Europe in 2025:
www.refworld.org/policy/polre...
Strengthen borders & asylum systems
+
make returns of failed asylum claimants more effective & invest more € in third countries
=
for both refugees’ & EU citizens’ benefits.
🚨 NOMINATION TIME 🚨
Each year, the UNHCR Nansen Award recognizes several individuals or organizations that have taken extraordinary action to protect and assist refugees, internally displaced or stateless people.
The nomination period for the 2025 awards is open! www.unhcr.org/about-unhcr/...
@jonasvernimmen.bsky.social @jnbeuze.bsky.social @mariabasultodiez.bsky.social @mmilova.bsky.social @lillitnaib.bsky.social
Lots to unpack here: Syria, EU Pact Implementation, Ukraine, resettlement, returns..
@unhcr.org listed 10 recommendations to the Council of the EU. 43% of people expect to give up their New Year's resolutions after just one month. Adopt these and do better PL & DK!
www.refworld.org/policy/polre...
🇮🇪
New government = new opportunities to do good on the refugee file.
Here are @UNHCRIreland’s recommendations to make sure that as wanted by Irish people, those fleeing wars & persecutions are welcomed in Ireland.
www.unhcr.org/ie/sites/en-...
🥖Not just a lockdown hobby! Baking bread takes care and attention—and is a great way to learn valuable job skills.
London’s "Breadwinners" helps refugees like Abdisa & Abdullah master business while serving tasty loaves to their community. 🍞🍞
bit.ly/4dcqE1g
Ik klink ondertussen grijsgedraaid, maar bij elke winterprik moet ik denken aan al die mensen zonder dak boven hun hoofd.
Dak- en thuisloosheid is elke dag van het jaar ernstig, maar op dagen zoals vandaag is het toch dat tikkeltje acuter.
Een rijk land als België kan beter.
We're a perfectly normal country. I swear.
This is why supporting refugees with cash is so important.
Help people forced to flee this winter.
Donate today: bit.ly/4fXMJD5
Lees hieronder het opiniestuk van UNHCR's Vertegenwoordiger in België @jnbeuze.bsky.social :
"Of het nu in verre landen is of hier in België, ik ben ervan overtuigd dat we heel wat medestanders hebben – soms een stille meerderheid – die nog steeds een verschil willen maken voor vluchtelingen."
A centre for refugees managed by refugees in BXL?
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
At @unhcr.org 🇪🇺 & 🇧🇪🇱🇺 it is not about us, but about refugees’ own resilience & leadership.
We amplify their voices (and it is not about “giving voice” as they already have theirs)…
Some are leaving violence.
Others are returning home.
Sounds familiar?
No, it is not Syria, but South Sudan.
And in both places & many others, without 🇪🇺 ECHO, we would not be able to be at the service of displaced - whatever directions they take…
1. Nobody shall be forcibly returned to Syria - nobody means nobody
2. Syrians shall continue to have access to asylum in third countries - including the EU
3. Syrians will need massive supports to reintegrate if/when they decide to return - let’s be ready
www.refworld.org/policy/count...
“Miljoenen vluchten voor conflicten, maar Europa stelt zijn traditie van het bieden van toevlucht ter discussie.
Laten we niet vergeten: een dak boven je hoofd hebben is een reddingsboei.”
A new chapter for Syria.
As millions of Syrians weigh up their options, one thing is certain. They need our support and solidarity more than ever.
bit.ly/3VBfsW6
“De onstabiele veiligheidssituatie op dit moment maakt het voor vluchtelingen moeilijk om een weloverwogen beslissing te maken”
- Frederik Bordon, VN-Vluchtelingenorganisatie @unhcr.org -
www.demorgen.be/nieuws/kunne...
In the last week, there has been a sharp increase in people fleeing violence in Sudan into South Sudan.
UNHCR’s latest update on their urgent protection needs:
www.unhcr.org/news/briefin...
