- UN Refugee Chief warns of worsening displacement crises.
- Urges addressing root causes, not just border control.
- Record 123 million people displaced worldwide.
- UNHCR funding severely under-resourced.
The UN refugee agency has issued a dire warning about the escalating displacement crises in Lebanon and Sudan, which could worsen unless urgent action is taken. Filippo Grandi, the head of the agency, emphasized that stricter border controls are not the solution, as they are often ineffective and unlawful.
Instead, Grandi urged leaders to address the root causes of displacement, such as conflicts, persecution, poverty, and climate change, which have led to an unprecedented 123 million people being displaced worldwide. He stressed the importance of working together to find solutions for refugees, rather than focusing solely on border security.
At the UNHCR’s annual meeting in Geneva, Grandi cautioned that initiatives to outsource or suspend asylum schemes are in breach of international law. He offered assistance to countries in developing fair, fast, and lawful asylum procedures. This warning comes as Western governments face growing pressure to take a tougher stance on asylum seekers.
The situation in Lebanon is particularly concerning, with over one million people displaced due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Grandi warned that continued airstrikes will only lead to more displacement and migration to other countries.
Sudan’s civil war has also resulted in a severe refugee crisis, with over 11 million people displaced internally or in neighboring countries. Grandi called for a significant increase in support for these refugees, citing the inadequate funding of UNHCR’s response, which currently stands at less than one-third of the required amount.
The number of displaced people worldwide has more than doubled in the past decade, with low- and medium-income countries hosting three-quarters of the world’s refugees. The international community must prioritize compliance with international humanitarian law and provide substantial support to affected countries.
Grandi’s warning is timely, as the global refugee crisis continues to worsen. The UNHCR’s funding, although recently improved due to US support, remains insufficient to meet the growing needs.
The agency is working to address the crisis, but more is needed from the international community. Grandi emphasized the importance of cooperation and humility in finding solutions for refugees.
The consequences of inaction will be severe, with displacement likely to increase in numbers and geographic spread. It is crucial for leaders to prioritize addressing the root causes of displacement.
The UN refugee agency’s warning highlights the urgent need for collective action to address the global displacement crisis. By prioritizing cooperation, compliance with international law, and support for affected countries, we can work towards finding solutions for the millions of refugees worldwide.
