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“The world must stay the course with the people of Ukraine”

PRESS RELEASE

“The world must stay the course with the people of Ukraine”

A younger woman and an older woman stand together, arms around each other.

Highlights from UNHCR country offices in Europe

A snow covered swing for children in front of a destroyed building.
UNHCR Ukraine: Winter has arrived in war-torn Ukraine - how UNHCR helps people stay warm in their homes through the cold months
UNHCR’s winter response is underway to support people during the challenging winter season as they face increased hardship due to damaged homes and energy infrastructure across the country.
Unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and accompanying persons from the cantonal accommodation centre “PHC les Augustins” as well as employees of the Anouk Foundation celebrate together the successful completion of the artistic project.
UNHCR Switzerland: A refuge for young people forced to flee
An artistic project by the Anouk Foundation offers unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in Geneva the opportunity to process difficult experiences and develop a sense of belonging.


A family reunited family hug each other at the airport in Athens, Greece.
UNHCR Greece: “Family Means Together” UNHCR launches its 28th Annual Student Contest
UNHCR is pleased to announce ahead of World Children’s Day the 28th Annual National Student Contest in Greece for the 2024-2025 school year.


What role does UNHCR play in Europe?

UNHCR works to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless people and internally displaced persons by providing guidance and support to governments across Europe, collaborating closely with partners, and promoting the best international standards in legislation, policy and procedures.

As the custodian of the 1951 Refugee Convention, UNHCR supports efforts by governments and other stakeholders to ensure access to asylum and to international protection for refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as promoting durable solutions.  UNHCR works to strengthen partnerships with state and non-state actors in order to ensure the inclusion of refugees,  to garner support for both refugees and the communities hosting them, as well as enhancing joint advocacy efforts in the spirit of the Global Compact on Refugees.

With a Regional Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland, and office presence in 36 European countries, UNHCR is covering 49 States, including 27 EU Member States, and one territory in the Europe region.

 

Key global facts and figures

89.3 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced

at the end of 2021 as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.

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83% are hosted in low- and middle-income countries

Low- and middle-income countries hosted 83 per cent of the world’s refugees and Venezuelans displaced abroad.*

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Highlights from UNHCR country offices in Europe

A Ukrainian family of a construction site
UNHCR Ukraine: UNDP and UNHCR partner to support recovery and durable solutions for war-affected communities in Ukraine
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have joined forces to facilitate the rehabilitation and recovery of war-affected communities in Ukraine.
Mohamad Kanan Almalham, restaurateur from Aleppo, Syria, posing in his restaurant.
UNHCR Netherlands: Flavours of Home - 5 restaurants bringing refugees' recipes to life
Why not grab a bite to eat in a restaurant or café run by refugees? UNHCR Netherlands introduces you to a few inspiring and above all delicious catering establishments that were set up by refugees or employ refugees.

The opening ceremony of the 20th Para Sports Festival of Armenia took place at Yerevan State Sports College of Olympic Reserves, as tribute to inclusiveness, unity among and resilience by refugee and non-refugee para athletes, as well as their host communities.
UNHCR Armenia: National Paralympic Games in Yerevan
This event was jointly organized by the National Paralympic Committee of Armenia (NPCA) and UNHCR Armenia, supported by esteemed partners, including the Government of Armenia, Yerevan Municipality, and the Embassy of France.

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