This week alone, over 800 refugees were set to make America their new home, but instead find themselves barred from travelling to the United States.
Syrian refugees Aya, 8, and Layth, 6, from Aleppo, pictured with their mother, Fatima (not her real name) at a train station in Slanishte, Macedonia, on the border with Serbia. The children's father is still in Syria. Fatima says, "I am scared to travel as a lone woman with no man to protect us. The children cry all the time and say they want to go back. The most difficult part of our journey has been here in Macedonia, we were very afraid crossing the border because we heard that gangs might attack us. And now the weather has been very bad but thank God we found shelter here." ; Travelling with groups of Syrian refugees who are making their way through the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (fYROM) towards Serbia and on to Germany and Scandinavia. Regulations in Greece prohibit asylum-seekers from residing in border regions. The large group of Syrian refugees, numbering around 400, had spent the previous day walking through the rain and finally found shelter at the train station late in the evening. Hundreds of refugees and migrants are traveling through Macedonia everyday on their way north through the Balkans, in an attempt to reach western Europe. They use whatever means of transport is available including trains and bicycles, however many end up walking the entire distance
GENEVA, Switzerland – UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi is deeply worried by the uncertainty facing thousands of refugees around the world who are in the process of being resettled to the United States.
This week alone, over 800 refugees were set to make America their new home, but instead find themselves barred from travelling to the U.S. UNHCR estimates that 20,000 refugees in precarious circumstances might have been resettled to the United States during the 120 days covered by the suspension announced Friday, based on average monthly figures for the last 15 years. Refugees are anxious, confused and heartbroken at this suspension in what is already a lengthy process.
Refugees share the very same concerns about security and safety that Americans have. They themselves are fleeing war, persecution, oppression and terrorism. The individuals and families UNHCR refers to governments for resettlement are the most vulnerable – such as people needing urgent medical assistance, survivors of torture, and women and girls at risk. The new homes provided by resettlement countries are life-saving for people who have no other options.
Refugees share the very same concerns
about security and safety that Americans have.
The vast majority of the world’s refugees are hosted in developing countries, and less than 1 percent will ever be resettled globally. Those accepted for resettlement by the United States, after a rigorous US security screening process, are coming to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. UNHCR hopes that they will be able to do so as soon as possible.
Resettlement has been a sign of tangible solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable refugees. It is also an important way governments and communities can help share responsibility with major refugee-hosting countries, which have been shouldering the brunt of the displacement crisis in recent years.
For decades, the United States has been a global leader in refugee protection, a tradition rooted in the tolerance and generosity of the American people. UNHCR hopes the U.S. will continue its strong leadership role and its long history of protecting those who are fleeing conflict and persecution.
The High Commissioner underlines once again UNHCR’s position that refugees should receive equal treatment for protection and assistance, and opportunities for resettlement, regardless of their religion, nationality or race.
Media contacts:
In Washington, Chris Boian, [email protected] or [email protected]
In Geneva, Vannina Maestracci, [email protected]
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