Statement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, Regarding Solutions for the Residents of Camp New Iraq (Ashraf)

GENEVA - I want to express my deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Martin Kobler, to reach an agreement with the Government of Iraq regarding a process for the voluntary relocation of the residents of Camp New Iraq (former Camp Ashraf).

UNHCR is fully engaged in this initiative and looks forward to the voluntary and peaceful transfer of the asylum seekers to a temporary site so that UNHCR can proceed immediately with the determination of their status in accordance with its mandate.

I wish to commend the Government of Iraq for extending the deadline for the closure of the camp and for agreeing to provide the necessary facilities with safety and security, so that the process of verification and adjudication can be conducted in a timely and appropriate manner.

I urge all sides to cooperate in good faith to ensure a peaceful process and I reiterate my appeal to the international community to contribute to the achievement of durable solutions for those recognized as refugees through offering resettlement places.

For further information on this topic, please contact:

In Geneva, Leigh Foster, on mobile +41 79 557 9124

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Global Refugee Forum - list of stocktaking events in 2021

3 May 2021

This document contains a list of GFR stocktaking events taking place in 2021 (please check webpage www.unhcr.org/high-level-officials-meeting for further updates). In the lead-up to the High-Level Officials Meeting in Dec 2021, UNHCR is convening regional, thematic and stakeholder-specific stocktaking events throughout the year, to identify both progress and the areas where more efforts are needed, particularly in light of the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stocktaking is conducted either through standalone events or integrated into other events or processes.

Clean and Safe Energy in Refugee Settings: Moving forward on the Clean Energy Challenge

3 May 2021

Event flyer - On 3 June 2021, UNHCR will host an event called "Clean and Safe Energy in Refugee Settings: Moving forward on the Clean Energy Challenge". Referring to key energy pledges made in the context of the Global Refugee Forum in 2019, this event will spotlight how clean energy projects are already transforming the lives of refugees and local populations, present opportunities for further engagement and launch a Call to Action to anchor humanitarian energy to the global climate and energy agenda.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Private Sector Support for Refugees

3 May 2021

Event Flyer: On 5 May 2021, UNHCR is hosting an event called "Looking back, moving forward - Private sector support for refugees", which is a follow-up event to the Global Refugee Forum in 2019. This event aims to foster insightful conversation on the many ways the private sector can help refugees today and in a post COVID-19 world.

Evaluation of UNHCR-led Initiatives to End Statelessness

May 2021

This evaluation was commissioned by the UNHCR Evaluation Service to generate evidence and insights regarding UNHCR's work to support States to end statelessness and was timed to inform potential adjustments for the remaining years of GAP implementation. The evaluation covered the period of 2001 to 2020 with particular focus on actions and advocacy efforts of UNHCR and partners to support the GAP since 2014.