“The atrocities perpetrated in Gaza and the West Bank (busy), in Ukraine, Sudan or Myanmar are Evidence of the deliberate abandonment of norms in the name of violent power, carried out with total impunity by the states and non -state entities equally“Filippo Grandi said.
“People killed while waiting in row to receive food. The civilians massacred in camps where they fled for security. Hospitals and schools destroyed. A record number of murdered humanitarian workers.”
When heading to the annual executive meeting of the agency in Geneva for the last time before resigning in December, Grandi said that his fundamental mission remains as relevant today as when it was ordered 75 years ago: providing refuge to those who flee from danger and find solutions to their difficult situation.
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 ACNUR head highlighted the failed efforts of governments to avoid an influx of asylum applicants, which in turn had led to growing calls to reform “or even discard” the 1951 refugee convention.
The International Agreement forces countries to provide protection to anyone who flees from war, violence, discrimination and persecution; Those who do not comply with these criteria “can be returned to their countries … or (a) A third country, dignified, ”he said.
However, “I am concerned that the current debate, in Europe, for example, and some current deportation practices, as in the United States, address real challenges in manners are not consistent with international law,” Mr. Grandi continued. “ACNUR is here to advise and support it so that any measure you choose is still legal.”
Numb with violence
The UM high official insisted that conflict parties believe that indiscriminate war and violence are “justifiable, as long as military means are achieved, and the norms will be condemned.”
“No human cost is too high, there is no image of death or destruction too impressive,” Mr. Grandi continued. “There is no mistake: the daily repetition of atrocities is destined to numb our consciousness. To make us feel helpless. “
Financing crisis
Returning to the “incredibly harmful” impact of the reduction of funds for humanitarian work worldwide compared to accelerated humanitarian emergencies, the ACNUR head requested that the approach change to a more inclusive and sustainable response.
“Inclusion does not work if policies in host countries isolate refugees or separate them from opportunities,” Grandi insisted. “On the other hand, when opening access to services and jobs, by raising restrictions on freedom of movement, by investing in refugee potential, host countries generate economic and social dividends, both for them and for refugees.”
Mr. Grandi, an Italian citizen, is the 11th UN High Commissioner for Refugees. He was elected by the UN General Assembly and assumed the position in early 2016. His term ends on December 31.
UNHCR was established in 1950 and has received twice the Nobel Peace Prize for its humanitarian work, in 1954 and in 1981.