New York: Europe and the Arabs

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has launched a new global campaign, “Hope Far From Home,” calling for renewed solidarity and firm pledges by states to support the rights of people seeking safety from war, violence and persecution.

The UNHCR said in a press statement issued yesterday, Wednesday, that the campaign comes amid record global levels of forced displacement, as the number of displaced persons and refugees around the world has reached 110 million people, noting that “opportunities to access asylum are at risk in many parts of the world due to the tightening of policies in a way.” increasingly, and shrinking options in terms of long-term solutions and resettlement.”

She emphasized that in some places, populist anti-refugee sentiment, the “export” of asylum obligations outside the country, high levels of discrimination and xenophobia, and stricter and more restrictive entry policies threaten the right to seek safety.

"compassion and kindness"
“People fleeing war, violence and persecution should be met with compassion and kindness, not barriers, restrictions and discrimination, which should have no place in today’s world,” said Elizabeth Tan, Director of UNHCR’s Department of International Protection. “They need safety and protection, and it is the responsibility of the international community.” “The responsibility to work together to find lasting solutions that give them the opportunity to live in safety and dignity.”

Under the slogan “Hope Far From Home,” the campaign calls for transforming enhanced global solidarity into concrete action and solutions through greater international cooperation, legal reforms and policy adjustments.

Over the next three years, through this campaign, UNHCR will work with partners and other stakeholders to advocate for law and policy change in five key areas.