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UNHCR’s observations on proposal to amend Finland’s Aliens Act

UNHCR’s observations on proposal to amend Finland’s Aliens Act

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has submitted our comments to the draft Law Proposal of 10 November 2015, amending the Aliens Act of the Republic of Finland. The proposal includes three proposed amendments to the law: To abolish the protection category...

Denmark funds protracted refugee crises in Africa at risk of being forgotten

Denmark funds protracted refugee crises in Africa at risk of being forgotten

UNHCR’s annual meeting of its executive committee, bringing together 140 states, came to a close Friday 9 October. Much attention was focused on the Afghan situation, and the world’s largest humanitarian crisis unfolding in Syria leading to refugees arriving in the thousands in Europe. However, the High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, also urged donor countries not to forget the needs of the millions of people displaced from protracted crises creating refugee emergencies in several regions of Africa.

In person: Pavel’s successful integration in Lithuania

In person: Pavel’s successful integration in Lithuania

Pavel, a 45-year-old refugee in Lithuania, escaped from Belarus when the government suppression of opposition activists intensified in 2010. He arrived in Lithuania with the hope, like many Lithuanians who fled their country in the 1940s, that his flight was only a temporary solution and he would soon go back home. Unfortunately, even after 5 years, returning to Belarus is still not an option for Pavel. His life continues in Lithuania away from his beloved family and friends.

Knowledge of language is the key for becoming a citizen in Latvia

Knowledge of language is the key for becoming a citizen in Latvia

“I am very old, maybe too old,” says Georgij when asked about his age. He has spent almost all his life in Latvia yet he is one of 262,622 non-citizens in the country. Now he is about to leave the premises of the Office of Citizenship and Migration (OCMA) where he has attended a consultation on the naturalization process.

Sweden Boosts Funding for UNHCR Appeals

Sweden Boosts Funding for UNHCR Appeals

UNHCR received a significant donation of SEK 15.2 million from the Government of Sweden. Swedish support to UNHCR assists in improving conditions in major refugee and displacement crises.