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[INTERNATIONAL] · Switzerland, Venezuela, Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan · 3 sources

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UN High Commissioner Barham Salih warns of politicisation of refugee rights

UN refugees Barham Salih asylum politicisation global displacement Promise initiative

At a Geneva event marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih said the debate on protection has become increasingly politicised. He warned that refugees are too often portrayed as burdens or threats rather than fellow human beings.

UN data show 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced at the end of 2025, down from a record 123.2 million in 2024 – the first decline in a decade. Of those, 35.6 million are refugees, with two‑thirds originating from Venezuela, Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan and Sudan. Salih announced a planned visit to Syria next week and highlighted the “Promise” initiative, signed by figures such as Angelina Jolie and Nobel laureates, to reaffirm the right to seek safety.

UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres reiterated that the Convention has saved millions of lives but noted that its promise is under strain. Funding for UNHCR fell by about 35 % last year, even as the United States, its biggest donor, scaled back overseas aid. The statements underscore growing concerns over restrictive asylum policies worldwide.

Entities

Antonio Guterres · Barham Salih · Yusra Mardini

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What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources

UN sounds alarm on politicization of refugees and asylum [www.arabnews.pk]
about 2 months ago
UN sounds alarm on politicization of refugees and asylum [www.koreaherald.com]
about 2 months ago
UN sounds alarm on politicisation of refugees, asylum seekers [www.freemalaysiatoday.com]
about 2 months ago