United Nations Radio

The challenges facing the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in caring for tens of millions of uprooted people in an increasingly complex international environment were highlighted Thursday by High Commissioner Antonio Guterres.

The high commissioner told the UN Security Council that since his last appearance in 2006, when refugee numbers were at their lowest in nearly 25 years, there has been a significant increase in displacement - primarily due to the conflicts in Iraq and Somalia.

He says a series of conflicts worldwide have generated millions of refugees. Guterres says these conflicts have major implications for global peace and security.
And he adds, they require a strong humanitarian response, and any lasting solution must be political:

High Commissioner for Refugees

"While it is absolutely vital that the victims of armed conflict be provided with essential protection and assistance, we must also acknowledge the limitations of humanitarian action and its inability to resolve deep-rooted conflicts within and between states. The solution as always can only be political."

Guterres laments that in Afghanistan, intensified conflict and the deliberate targeting of aid workers has now restricted humanitarian access to around half of the country.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
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