On Monday, the head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, extended his concern over the reports of widespread racial discrimination and violence against some fleeing Ukraine.
In a statement issued marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Grandi indicated that he refused the “ugly reality” that some refugees fleeing across the Ukraine border and Third Country Nationals have been subjected to racism and discrimination.
“We also bore witness to the ugly reality, that some black and brown people fleeing Ukraine – and other wars and conflicts around the world – have not received the same treatment as Ukrainian refugees," the statement noted.
“They reported disturbing incidents of discrimination, violence, and racism. These acts of discrimination are unacceptable, and we are using our many channels and resources to make sure that all people are protected equally.”
In the same spirit, the UNHCR chief affirmed that the refugee experience is universal, with “the same pain and sorrow; the same loss and anguish; the same relief at finding safety and trepidation of an uncertain future,” experienced by everyone on the run, “who also and equally deserve our compassion, our empathy, and our support.”
“We can – and must – salute solidarity while also resolutely condemning acts of discrimination and bias," Mr. Grandi declared.
Moreover, he said it was important to “sit in the discomfort of recognizing that while our organization exists to safeguard the human rights of people forced to flee, some among us have experienced exclusion and inequity.
He explained that anti-racism meant “actively identifying and opposing racism and racial discrimination, urging the global community and the world’s nations to raise their voices against policies, practices, and behaviors which exclude.”
In the conclusion, Grandi called on people to unite around “global common humanity and speak as one for equality, justice, and dignity for all.”
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