GENEVA – UNHCR Urged World Not To Block Asylum-Seekers Over Coronavirus. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), on Thursday, voiced his concerns over the border closures impact. Which are in place to halt the spread of COVID-19.
According to details, the number of deaths from the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 have passed 9,000 worldwide. On Thursday, UNHCR Chief, Filippo Grandi said he understood why many countries were adopting exceptional measures. These measures also include limiting air travel and cross-border movements.
The UNHCR acknowledged that it was up to each country to manage their borders during the ongoing crisis “as they see fit”. But these measures should not result in closure of avenues to asylum, or of forcing people to return to situations of danger”. UNHCR Urged World Not To Block Asylum-Seekers Over Coronavirus
Grandi stressed that “solutions exist”, including screening, testing and the use of quarantines, to allow authorities to manage the arrival of asylum-seekers and refugees safely while still respecting international refugee protection standards. “In these challenging times, let us not forget those who are fleeing war and persecution,” he said, insisting there was a need for “solidarity and compassion now more than ever before.”