UN: Refugee Rights Are Human Rights
Tawazon – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of people forced to flee their homes and countries, as well as protecting stateless individuals.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, October 22, under the title “Refugee Rights Are Human Rights”, UNHCR said it remains dedicated to supporting refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals at every stage of humanitarian crises, from emergency response to long-term resettlement.
The statement emphasizes that rapid response in times of crisis is critical. UNHCR says it is capable of delivering emergency supplies for up to one million people within 72 hours and can deploy trained personnel to support displaced populations. The statement added that people at risk are relocated to safe areas and provided with shelter, food, clean water, health services and family reunification support.
UNHCR emphasized that legal protection is essential for displaced and stateless individuals to fully enjoy their rights. Working with more than 100 countries, the agency helps ensure that refugees have access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities,while also supporting efforts to grant citizenship to stateless persons.
The organization noted that by creating job opportunities, education access, and safe housing, it helps refugees rebuild their lives. UNHCR also work toward durable solutions, from safe voluntary return to their home countries to integration in host communities or resettlement in third countries. Over the past decade, nearly one million refugees have started new lives in host nations with UNHCR’s assistance.
The statement also called on public and private donors to contribute to life-saving programs that protect displaced people and secure their future.
The statement comes amid a sharp increase in the forced return of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries such as Iran and Pakistan, where reports indicate that Afghans are being deported even with valid UNHCR documents.
