Isabella H. de Carvalho – Vatican
Meeting in the Vatican
Salih, who took office at the beginning of this year, was received in audience by the Holy Father yesterday in the Vatican. As he says, it was a “great honor” for him and an important signal at the beginning of his term. “I am grateful for the Pope’s continuous support for refugees worldwide. His moral authority truly matters,” he emphasizes. He adds that UNHCR’s partnership with the Church is absolutely crucial in fulfilling its mission to help refugees.
Priorities of the new term
The new Commissioner takes office at a time of a growing refugee crisis: there are already over 117 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, including 42.5 million refugees. “These people are stuck in camps for years, becoming dependent on humanitarian aid. This is unacceptable,” he notes. His goal is not only immediate assistance but also lasting solutions and the inclusion of refugees in the life of host countries.
Lack of funds and urgent crises
Although the United States has contributed $2 billion to the UN fund, Salih does not hide his concerns: “Given the scale of the problem, available resources are very limited.” The most urgent needs concern, among others, refugees from Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Venezuela, and also the Rohingya expelled from Myanmar to Bangladesh.
An appeal to the world
“This is our legal responsibility, moral obligation, and an expression of our common humanity,” says Salih, calling on the international community for greater engagement. He also emphasizes the role of Churches: “Faith-based organizations are present on the ground and genuinely help. “I hope that we will be able to cooperate much more closely with other faith-based organizations and develop interfaith aid activities that can unite around the fundamental values of our religions – humanity and helping our neighbors in need,” notes the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
