Latest news with #WorldRefugeeDay
Ya Biladi
a day ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Geneva meeting urges UN to grant «refugee status» to Sahrawis in Tindouf
On the sidelines of the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, held from June 16 to July 9, a meeting focused on the right of return for Sahrawis was held on June 25 in Geneva, organized by international advocacy groups. «The conference aimed to advocate for the right of return of Sahrawis held in the Tindouf camps in Algeria», Abdelouahab Gaïn, president of the Africa Watch Human Rights Association, told Yabiladi. «These camps are the scene of ongoing human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, rape, torture, and degrading treatment that undermines human dignity», said Gaïn, who took part in the meeting. Participants called on the international community to intervene and ensure the protection of those held in the Tindouf camps, in line with international human rights conventions and the resolutions of the UN Human Rights Council. Gaïn also noted that an appeal had been made to UN special rapporteurs on human rights to urge Algeria to conduct a census of the population in the camps. Mustapha Salma's Call from Mauritania The Africa Watch president also deplored the fact that residents of the Tindouf camps are still denied refugee status in accordance with the 1951 Geneva Convention and its 1967 Protocol. This status would allow displaced persons the option to return to their country of origin or settle in a host country. Gaïn emphasized that the camp population is also denied freedom of movement. Permits to leave the camps are issued sparingly by Algerian authorities and the Polisario Front. Thousands of kilometers away, Mustapha Salma—an outspoken critic of the Polisario leadership since his fallout with the group in 2010—echoed this concern on the occasion of World Refugee Day, marked each year on June 20. He recalled UN Security Council resolutions calling on Algeria to register Sahrawis living in the camps. «Refugee status is a contract between the host country and the asylum seeker, coordinated through the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)», he explained on social media. «Once the application is approved, the UNHCR assumes responsibility for the refugee, in coordination with the host country and its institutions». Salma warned that such a development is deeply feared by the Polisario. «Stripped of its authority over the Sahrawis in the Tindouf camps, the Polisario Front would no longer be able to freely recruit them or exploit them for its political agenda», said the exile, currently based in Mauritania.
Maroc
4 days ago
- Politics
- Maroc
UNHCR Official Lauds Morocco's Humanist, Solidarity-Based Approach to Refugee Rights
The Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Morocco, François Reybet-Degat, praised on Friday in Rabat Morocco's commitment to refugee rights, highlighting the Kingdom's humanist and solidarity-based approach in this area. Thanks to this approach, enshrined in the National Immigration and Asylum Strategy (NIAS) launched in 2013, Morocco has become both a transit and host country for asylum seekers, currently hosting 18,463 refugees and asylum seekers from more than 60 countries, noted Reybet-Degat during a press conference in Rabat held on the occasion of World Refugee Day. The Kingdom has established itself as a key player in managing migration flows in Africa and beyond, he emphasized, adding that the UNHCR works closely with Moroccan authorities to integrate refugees and asylum seekers into national education, healthcare, and employment systems. "Morocco embodies a tradition of hospitality and openness," stated the official, commending the efforts made to ensure the inclusion of refugees in national initiatives. On a global scale, Reybet-Degat noted that the number of forcibly displaced people has increased for the 13th consecutive year, reaching a record 123 million people, including 43 million refugees. This figure was 41 million in 2010 and has nearly tripled in just a decade, he pointed out. MAP: 20 June 2025
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- General
- Qatar Tribune
QFFD, UNHCR mark World Refugee Day with ‘Walk in Their Shoes' exhibition
QNA Doha In commemoration of World Refugee Day, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in collaboration with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, organised an exhibition titled 'Walking in Their Shoes', at Place Vendome Mall in Lusail. This unique public exhibition brings to life the personal journeys of displaced people from around the world, giving the public in Qatar the opportunity to experience their stories firsthand. The exhibition was inaugurated on Monday with an opening ceremony attended by Chairperson of QFFD HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al Thani, Director-General of QFFD Fahad bin Hamad Al Sulaiti, and UNHCR Representative to Qatar Ahmed Mohsen, alongside several distinguished guests. Attendees were guided through the exhibition, where they explored photos and narratives capturing the resilience and dignity of displaced individuals and families. Set within a UNHCR family tent, similar to those used in refugee sites, the exhibition showcases a glimpse into the living conditions of those forced to flee their homes. It also highlights the vital support and contributions generously provided by donors such as QFFD, and its impact on the lives of displaced populations globally. Speaking at the event, the UNHCR Representative to Qatar expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration, saying: 'No one chooses to be a refugee. People fleeing war and persecution carry with them untold stories of resilience, strength, and hope. This exhibition helps us all reflect on their journeys and be reminded that behind the numbers are people with dreams, defying adversity to build a brighter future for their families. We are grateful to QFFD for standing with displaced people around the world and for joining us in creating this meaningful space where the public can connect with refugees' stories.' Reflecting on the significance of this day, Head of Partnership Planning and Evaluation at QFFD Shaikha Al Shaibi said, 'At the Qatar Fund for Development, we remain unwavering in our commitment to supporting forcibly displaced populations. Through our long-standing partnership with UNHCR, we strive not only to address urgent humanitarian needs but also to invest in long-term resilience and opportunity. This exhibition serves as a powerful call to action, a moment to reaffirm our shared humanity and collective responsibility toward those facing displacement and hardship. It brings to life the individual stories behind the crisis, stories of courage, hope, and perseverance.' World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of those forced to flee. This year, World Refugee Day is marked amid severe aid funding cuts putting millions of lives at risk. According to UNHCR's latest Global Trends Report, there may be more than 123 million forcibly displaced people by the end of 2025, including 42.7 million refugees and 73.5 million internally displaced people. The 'Walking in Their Shoes' exhibition is open to the public free of charge from June 22 to 27 at Place Vendome Mall, offering an opportunity to learn about the realities faced by forcibly displaced people and the joint UNHCR-QFFD humanitarian efforts to support them.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- General
- Business Standard
Support for refugees erodes as funding gaps surge globally and in India
The latest figures from the UNHCR's global report reveal that the number of people displaced across the world had risen to 122.1 million as of April 2025, up from 120 million a year earlier Shikha Chaturvedi New Delhi Listen to This Article The World Refugee Day, on June 20, reminds us of the journey millions of people around the world have been forced to take. Entire communities are uprooted by war, violence, and persecution. The latest figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' (UNHCR's) global report reveal that the number of people displaced worldwide had risen to 122.1 million as of April 2025, from 120 million a year earlier. India remains a longstanding haven for
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Fund for Development opens exhibition to mark World Refugee Day
DOHA: Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in collaboration with UNHCR, has inaugurated an exhibition at Place Vendome in Doha to mark World Refugee Day. The opening ceremony was attended by Chairperson of QFFD Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al Thani, Director General of QFFD Fahad bin Hamad Al Sulaiti, and UNHCR Representative to the State of Qatar Ahmed Mohsen, along with partners. This exhibition reaffirms QFFD's collective commitment to upholding dignity, fostering hope, and standing in solidarity with refugees around the world. The exhibition shares the powerful stories of refugees, individuals, and families who have faced unimaginable challenges and upheaval. Through their own voices and experiences, people witness resilience, courage, and hope that persist even in the hardest of times. These stories also show how, through collective solidarity, lives can be rebuilt, even in the face of adversity. They stand as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of shared compassion to shape brighter futures.
