New York, N.Y. As the unprecedented influx of refugees and migrants into Europe strains host countries’ medical resources, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) opened a high-level meeting in Rome today to draft a common strategy on health care for the newcomers, ranging from prompt vaccination against measles and polio to dealing with childbirth complications. […]
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Ban Warns of ‘Misplaced Suspicions’ of Muslim Refugees, Migrants
New York, N.Y. As last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut continue to reverberate round the world with calls to restrict refugee and migrant movement in the name of security, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today warned against “misplaced suspicions” about refugees and migrants, especially Muslims, who can help fight violent extremism. A group of […]
No Cuts in Development Aid to Refugee Crisis Urged
New York, N.Y. Reducing development assistance to finance the cost of refugee flows is counter-productive, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned today, declaring that “helping people in need should not be a zero-sum game.” Asylum-seekers from the Syrian Arab Republic, including children, arrive on the shores of the island of Lesbos, in the North Aegean region […]
‘Boats Packed with Thousands of New Arrivals’ Land in Greece
New York, N.Y. Despite a four-day shipping strike that affected refugees, migrants and host communities, the United Nations refugee agency has continued its work in the Greek Islands, where an estimated 20,000 refugees and migrants are currently staying, placing considerable strain on the limited reception facilities of several islands. UNHCR staff welcome newly arrived Syrian […]
‘Looming’ Refugee Crisis as Women Flee Central America
New York, N.Y. Women in Central America and Mexico are fleeing their countries in rising numbers to escape a surge in deadly, unchecked gang violence, fuelling a looming refugee crisis in the Americas that demands urgent and concerted action by the States of the region, the United Nations refugee agency is warning. At the Casa […]
UNHCR: Migrant Women and Children Face Sex Abuse
Washington, D.C. The United Nations refugee agency is warning that migrant women and children traveling to Europe are particularly subject to sex abuse, calling on countries to do more for their protection. Speaking to reporters Friday in Geneva, UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said that extortion of children appears to be happening “in every single country” […]
Greek Refugee Centers Overstretched as Arrivals Hit Half Million Mark
New York, N.Y. As the number of refugee and migrant arrivals in Greece hits half a million, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned today of continuing “chaos” at overburdened reception centers – possibly threatening to undo Europe’s recently-agreed relocation program – unless reception conditions in frontline islands are […]
Top U.N. Refugee Official Thanks Greece for Response to Arrivals
New York, N.Y. During a two-day mission to Greece – the main European Union entry point for nearly 450,000 refugees and migrants so far this year – the United Nations’ most senior refugee official said he had witnessed the improved humanitarian response mounted by Greek local authorities and civil society while lamenting the continued lack […]
