United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)’s Post

“We do not want handouts; we want to get back on our feet." These words, brought to Brussels from the Central #Sahel, resonated throughout today’s #EU meeting on the Sahel, echoed in the voices and interventions of governments, UN agencies including UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, NGOs, and development actors. As the humanitarian crisis escalates, there is an important consideration about how best to respond in such a fragile context and mobilize sufficient funding to meet the needs of the people and invest in their futures. Across the Sahel, 6.4 million people have been forced to move within their own country, and 2.1 million are refugees. Three years ago, these figures were very different, with half the number of refugees, highlighting the severe insecurity driving people to flee their homes multiple times and cross borders in search of safety. The consensus in Brussels was clear: We must continue to protect and assist the people of the Sahel while investing in development interventions for their future. A joint approach connecting #humanitarian, #development, and #peace efforts is crucial.

New GLD executive summary stresses humanitarian crises in the MENA. Focusing on the harsh realities of people living in #Palestine, #Sudan, and #Syria, efforts by non-governmental agencies to distribute aid, and how the circumstances might be improved. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4cjaqUQ Dina Melhem, Khalid Medani, UNRWA, UNHCR Higher commissioner for refugees, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Canada, World Central Kitchen, Future Doctors for South Sudan, United Nations Mission In South Sudan (UNMISS), UN in Syria

🎥 What does UNHCR do on the ground? Maarten Loeckx, who worked as a Belgian 🇧🇪 Junior Professional Officer in the DRC for 3 years, explains how UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency, protects forcibly displaced people in eastern Congo. As JPO, he was involved in providing humanitarian assistance and monitoring the human rights situation for refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises. The Belgian JPO programme gave him the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the United Nations to improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations in the DRC. From building emergency shelters to finding durable solutions, thanks to our partners Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium we can make a difference to better protect people fleeing armed conflict. Read the full story here: https://ow.ly/n3B450UfMc4

The Rohingya refugee crisis stands as one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time. My article, "The Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) Issue – Ways Forward," published in the Daily Observer, explores sustainable solutions to this complex issue. From the need for safe repatriation to Myanmar and international oversight to the challenges of third-country resettlement, the piece delves into actionable strategies while shedding light on the immense strain placed on Bangladesh, a nation grappling with limited resources. The article also highlights the global inequities in refugee management, the role of international bodies, and the urgent need for a collaborative global response. This crisis is not just a regional concern—it has far-reaching implications for peace, security, and human rights. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gEHp9Z2P

I saw this child when I was taking part in camp-level outreach programmes. Many children around the world are without hope and are either living in camps, as refugees, or as internally displaced people (IDPs). Let's ensure that they have hope in life. Make children happy everywhere. Not even those living in refugee camps are left behind. Children living in temporary camps are frequently denied the opportunity to develop and realise their full potential; nonetheless, their worth is contingent upon their ability to demonstrate to the outside world their innate abilities through a variety of pursuits. The world of tomorrow will be led by today's kids. Who can say where they originated? The children of today will return to us a world we wish for and will develop something, especially for the benefit of future generations, if international diplomacy and the political realm can secure safe spaces for them. It is our current responsibility to provide them with the environments they need to grow and yield positive outcomes for the world in which we all aspire to live. Prominent politicians, the UN, and humanitarians must act quickly to provide them permission. Many children are living haphazardly and without hope in camps for internally displaced people (IDPs), refugees, and FDMN across the world.UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency #FutureIsHere #AutomobileEngineer #NoOneLeftBehind #ChildrenHasRightstoExplore.

💬 Let’s explore how the power of data can disrupt and reshape how we view and question the world. I will be sharing fresh insights from a multi-country study focused on often understudied domains within #CVA #cashassistance and #voucherassistance #humanitarianaid programming from a #women- and #children- centered lens . #CollaborationInAction #DisruptTheConversation #DataDrivenInsights #CVAResearch #GenderAndCVA #MHPSS #ResilienceAndWellbeing #WomenAndChildrenFocused #ImpactThroughPartnerships

Thank you for sharing this crucial update, Levon Sevunts. The release of the UNHCR’s “Preparedness and Response Plan” for Syria marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to support displaced Syrians and those returning home. With the forecasted return of up to 1 million refugees, it is imperative that the international community not only provides immediate relief but also invests in sustainable solutions to support recovery, reconstruction, and livelihoods. As Rema Jamous Imseis rightly highlighted, Syrians are eager for self-sufficiency, a desire that extends beyond basic aid to include long-term opportunities for economic empowerment and rebuilding their lives. The need for international commitment in these areas cannot be overstated. To truly help Syrian returnees and the communities receiving them, we must prioritize both humanitarian assistance and durable solutions that enable them to thrive in their home country once again. This comprehensive approach—balancing emergency relief with long-term development goals—holds the potential to help Syrian refugees transition from dependency to self-reliance. The focus on empowerment and livelihood opportunities also underscores the importance of creating an environment where Syrians can rebuild not only their homes but also their futures. It is encouraging to see that UNHCR is leading this charge with such a thoughtful plan that responds to both immediate and future needs. Let us hope that the international community will rise to the challenge, ensuring that Syrians are supported not only in their return but in the rebuilding of their lives, their communities, and their country. #Syria #RefugeeResponse #SelfSufficiency #HumanitarianAid #RecoveryAndReconstruction #InternationalSolidarity #WithRefugees #UNHCR

As a former refugee and UNHCR professional, strongly encourage "go and see" visits like this before making any concrete plans to return to fragile and unstable contexts such as Syria. This beautiful nation didn't have to lose and suffer so much, thanks to geopolitics. https://lnkd.in/eGHrStP5

🌍 A New Chapter for Syria: The Role of Local Governments in Recovery and Reconstruction 🌍   "The Netherlands have accompanied Syrians, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the NGO community in this crisis from the beginning. I remember very well the support we received over the years but also through direct engagements of the VNG (Vereniging van Nederlandse Gemeenten) and Dutch municipalities who came to help us support develop the Al Za’atari refugee camp," said Mr. Alexander Tyler of UNHCR during a recent meeting of the Dutch Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Trade and Development. He emphasized the significant contributions of Dutch municipalities and VNG International in promoting stability in the region and supporting Syrian refugees and local governments in Lebanon and Jordan.   As Syria enters a critical phase of recovery, the road ahead is filled with both challenges and opportunities. Rebuilding infrastructure, fostering social reconciliation, and ensuring stability will require coordinated efforts from all levels of society.   In this pivotal moment, local authorities will play a central role in Syria’s immediate recovery and long-term development. From managing the influx of displaced populations to ensuring essential services, these local institutions are the backbone of crisis response. Their experience and deep understanding of community needs are key to laying the foundation for a stable and prosperous future. 🔑 Local governments need our support. It is essential that they receive the resources and guidance to rebuild their communities and contribute to the lasting stability of the nation. As VNG International, we urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other international donors not to overlook this critical aspect of Syria’s recovery.   As we look to Syria’s future, VNG International stands ready to continue its support for sustainable local development. Together, we can help Syrian communities build resilience and pave the way for a brighter future. 🌱 #Syria #LocalGovernments #Rebuilding #Stability #Development #HumanitarianSupport #VNGInternational #UNHCR #Resilience #Municipalities #GlobalPartnership   Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken Nathalie Olijslager-Jaarsma Pieter Jeroense Renske Steenbergen Miriam Collaris Finn Speulman

THE REFUGEE CRISIS A Risk Strategist’s Perspective on Leadership Failures and Global Implications. The ongoing global refugee crisis is a stark indicator of leadership failures in conflict-ridden and economically unstable regions. This article explores the root causes driving mass migration, focusing on the role of state leaders in exacerbating conditions that force people to flee their homes. By examining case studies from countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Venezuela, the article highlights the consequences of mismanagement, corruption, and shortsighted policies. It calls for a comprehensive and coordinated response that addresses economic instability, promotes good governance, and ensures the protection of human rights. The article concludes by urging state leaders and the international community to adopt proactive measures that prevent displacement and foster a more just and equitable world. #GlobalRefugeeCrisis #LeadershipFailures #MassMigration #EconomicInstability #GoodGovernance #HumanRights #InternationalCooperation #SustainableDevelopment #Peace #Lebanon #Syria #Palestine #Venezuela #Corruption #Incompetence #RiskManagement #StrategicRiskAnalysis UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Human Rights Watch United Nations