UNHCR

Princess Haya of Jordan calls on donors to support UN relief efforts in Pakistan

25 June 2009
Characterizing the ongoing crisis in north-west Pakistan as the largest humanitarian emergency in the world today, United Nations Messenger of Peace Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan has called for a massive international response to aid the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people forced to live in makeshift shelters.

UN urges Sweden to stress refugee rights during upcoming European Union presidency

23 June 2009
The United Nations refugee agency has called on Sweden to use its upcoming Presidency of the European Union, which begins on 1 July, to highlight the need to ensure that refugees, asylum-seekers and others requiring protection are able to find it throughout the Union.

Islamic law major influence on modern global refugee law – UN study

22 June 2009
The 1,400-year-old Islamic custom of welcoming people fleeing persecution has had more influence on today’s international refugee law than any other traditional source, according to a new study sponsored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Top UN officials urge donors to step up support for displaced on World Refugee Day

20 June 2009
Senior United Nations officials marked World Refugee Day on Saturday with a call for greater efforts to protect the over 42 million people worldwide forced to flee violent conflict and persecution, many lacking basic humanitarian needs, such as shelter, clean water and food.

At least 18 dead in latest smuggling tragedy off Yemeni coast – UN

19 June 2009
Eighteen people drowned and another 29 are missing and presumed dead after the smuggling boat they were travelling in capsized amid rough weather this week off the coast of Yemen, according to the United Nations refugee agency.
UNHCR/K. McKinsey

Some 42 million people uprooted worldwide in 2008 – UN report

16 June 2009
The United Nations refugee agency said today that the number of people forced to flee their homes because of deadly violence and persecution stood at 42 million worldwide at the end 2008.

Camps straining under weight of massive Pakistani displacement – UN agency

5 June 2009
The lifting of a curfew for several hours this morning in the conflict zone of the Swat region of Pakistan is expected to release an estimated 20,000 people into already overcrowded and under-funded camps in the neighbouring province, the United Nations refugee agency reported today.
UNHCR/L.Boldrini

European migration policies must not undermine refugee rights – UN official

2 June 2009
The top United Nations refugee official has called on the European Union (EU) to ensure that migration control measures do not undermine fundamental rights of asylum-seekers and refugees.