“The atrocities perpetrated in Gaza and [occupied] West Bank, Ukraine, Sudan or Myanmar Proof of the deliberate abandonment of standards in the name of violent power, carried out with total impunity by states and non -state entities“Said Filippo Grandi.
“People have killed by queuing to receive food. Civilians massacred in camps where they fled for safety. Hospitals and schools have destroyed. A record number of humanitarian workers killed. “
Addressing the agency’s annual executive meeting in Geneva for the last time before resigning in December, Mr. Granddi said that his fundamental mission remained as relevant today as when it was compulsory 75 years ago: providing refuge to those who flee the danger and find solutions to their fate.
122 million uprooted people
And in the context of 122 million people displaced today by war and persecution – almost double the number a decade ago – THE Hcr The chief underlined the unsuccessful efforts of governments to prevent an influx of asylum seekers, which had in turn led to growing calls to reform “or even eliminate” 1951 refugee convention.
The international agreement obliges countries to ensure protection for anyone fleeing war, violence, discrimination and persecution; Those who do not meet these criteria “can be returned to their country … or [to] A third country-in a worthy way, “he noted.
However, “I am worried that the current debate-in Europe, for example-and certain current deportation practices such as in the United States, are part of real challenges in the ways that do not comply with international law,” continued Mr. Grande. “The UNHCR is there to advise you and support you so that all the measures you choose remain legal.”
Violence
The senior United Nations officials insisted that the parties to conflicts believe that war and blind violence are “justifiable, as long as military means are affected – and the standards are damned”.
“No human cost is too high, no image of death or destruction too shocking,” continued Mr. Grande. “” That there is no error: the daily repetition of atrocities is intended to numb our conscience. To make us feel helpless. “”
Funding crisis
With regard to the “incredibly harmful” impact of reducing humanitarian work financing worldwide in the face of acceleration of humanitarian emergencies, the UNHCR chief called for the objective of moving towards a more inclusive and lasting response.
“Inclusion does not work if policies in the host countries isolate refugees or cut them off opportunities,” insisted Mr. Grande. “Instead, by opening access to services and jobs, raising restrictions on freedom of movement, investing in the potential of refugees, the 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 mandate ends on December 31.
The UNHCR was created in 1950 and received the Nobel Peace Prize for its humanitarian work – in 1954 and 1981 twice.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
