United Nations Radio

In the seven and a half years since the Durban conference, it has likely become more rather than less difficult for those seeking protection from persecution to access territories where it may be available.

UNHCR mobile registration in Colombia

That's what the head of the UN refugee agency Antonio Guterres told the high-level segment of the Durban Review Conference in Geneva Wednesday.

He says more border security, more restrictive policies on visa issuance, more recourse to detention and summary returns have reduced the ability of asylum seekers to find the protection they need.

But he says UNHCR is engaged in a variety of activities to promote reconciliation and peaceful co-existence.
At the same time, he adds, UNHCR has broadened the base of countries willing to resettle refugees and advocated for even-handed treatment of all refugees by resettlement countries.

"We have also sought to take advantage of the increased willingness of some countries, notably in Africa to allow refugees to remain and integrate in their first host countries, overcoming objections based on economic conditions or fears of disrupting ethnic balance."

Guterres says going forward, UNHCR intends to increase its anti-xenophobia efforts in developed countries as well, forging closer partnerships with academia and other elements of civil society.

Donn Bobb, United Nations Radio.

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