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UNHCR decries 120 million persons forced to flee war and persecution, while recognizing Polish solidarity in a complex global context [EN/PL]

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Warsaw, 20 June 2024

On World Refugee Day, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is deeply disturbed that over 120 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to war and persecution — the highest recorded number in history — as the world yearns for peace. The number of forcibly displaced persons globally has risen dramatically — almost doubling from 59 million in 2014 — as wars rage on and human rights are violated, often with impunity.

In this fraught global context, UNHCR commends the Polish authorities, civil society organizations and ordinary people for their exemplary response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, and Poland’s continuing solidarity with those forced to flee.

"Poland has stepped up on the global stage in exemplary fashion,” said Kevin J. Allen, UNHCR Representative in Poland, “and demonstrated remarkable solidarity and humanitarian leadership. In addition to protecting the most vulnerable, Poland has supported refugees to work, to start businesses and to contribute to the Polish economy — indeed, generating 1 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of Poland in 2023, while paying taxes.”

“But many Ukrainian refugees — in addition to refugees from other countries — are highly vulnerable and require additional support,” said Mr. Allen. “UNHCR and our 102 partners in Poland work with the Government of Poland to provide this complementary support, including to survivors of severe violence, single women with young children, the disabled, and elderly persons.”

UNHCR expresses hope that Poland can build upon its response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis to reinforce its asylum system for all refugees, while acknowledging that this is a challenging endeavor in the current geopolitical context.

“Border management systems are necessary to address complex migration and national security concerns in Poland,” said Kevin J. Allen, “but this can be achieved with sensible safeguards for asylum seekers who require international protection. Indeed, a robust border management system is necessary to preserve the institution of asylum for those fleeing war and persecution, provided that access to screening mechanisms and a legal procedure are assured.”

On the world stage, UNHCR applauds Poland’s increasing engagement in 2024 to respond to humanitarian crises, providing important financial support to UNHCR and other UN agencies to deliver life-saving assistance in Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza and Armenia. This demonstration of international solidarity inspires hope in a world where peace remains elusive.

On World Refugee Day and every day, UNHCR applauds the courage and strength of forcibly displaced persons who, notwithstanding tremendous adversity, manage to thrive and preserve hope for a brighter future — including the prospect of returning home one day, for those who choose to do so when conditions permit.

**ENDS**

Note to Editors:

About UNHCR

UNHCR is a global organization, dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution.

UNHCR is present in Poland since 1992. In support of the Government, UNHCR coordinates the work of over 100 organizations, most of them Polish NGOs, working for refugees in Poland. Together, these organizations appealed for USD 377 million in the Refugee Response Plan for Poland, to assist and empower the most vulnerable refugees from Ukraine.

About World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

This press release is available here: https://www.unhcr.org/pl/15207-wrd2024.html

Media contact:
Rafał Kostrzyński kostrzy@unhcr.org, 788 22 40 10