UN Refugee Official Calls for Broader Supports to Empower Those in Exile

Refugees forced from their homes should receive necessary support in education, health, and livelihoods to live dignified lives, highlighted Hai Kyung Jun, UNHCR’s Regional Director for Asia and Pacific, at the 15th Summer Davos Forum. [para. 1][para. 2] She stressed the need to raise awareness about the resilience and strength of refugees amidst challenging circumstances. [para. 2] The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), established in 1950 in Geneva, now operates in over 130 countries, providing protection and support to those fleeing conflict and persecution, and seeking long-term solutions for them. [para. 3] UNHCR collaborates with governments and partners to ensure compliance with refugee rights and asylum laws. [para. 4]

Jun, with over 20 years in the humanitarian field, has previously worked with UNHCR in Afghanistan and Myanmar, and UNICEF in Chile, before her current role since February 2024. [para. 5] Key refugee issues in the Asia-Pacific region include the situations in Myanmar and Afghanistan, which have led to massive refugee movements to neighboring countries. [para. 6] The 2017 military operations in Myanmar against the Rohingya forced over 750,000 to flee to Bangladesh where nearly 1 million still reside in camps. [para. 7] Jun emphasized the importance of ensuring safe, dignified return conditions for Rohingya refugees while providing Bangladesh with humanitarian assistance including food, health, shelter, and protection. [para. 8][para. 9] Additionally, UNHCR seeks resources from various donors, including governments and private sectors, to aid their efforts. [para. 9]

In terms of Afghan refugees, there are 6.4 million registered worldwide, with 2.2 million in Pakistan and Iran. [para. 10] Afghanistan faces severe humanitarian crises and natural disasters, making support to Afghan women and girls particularly crucial. [para. 11] Jun noted refugees have skills that aid self-reliance and community contributions, highlighting private sector involvement as beneficial. [para. 12] However, the Asia-Pacific region is significantly affected by climate change, which exacerbates risks for refugees living in extreme weather-prone areas. [para. 13] Local government and private sector support is essential for enhancing climate resilience among vulnerable communities. [para. 14]

Refugee-host communities also face challenges; thus, resilience projects should support both refugees and local communities. [para. 15] Jun acknowledged the UNHCR’s collaboration with the private sector in providing shelters, infrastructure, and livelihoods for refugees. [para. 16] Refugees with education and training can contribute to local economies with private sector backing, creating potential win-win situations. [para. 17] Chinese enterprises are noted for their contributions, not only financially but also in offering solutions, such as providing renewable energy like solar panels to refugees. [para. 18]

China, neighboring Myanmar and Afghanistan, has a crucial role in addressing refugee issues, leveraging its experience as a permanent UN Security Council member and its success in poverty eradication. Jun emphasized that China’s experience could benefit other countries. [para. 19]