António Guterres sounds alarm over worsening global refugee crisis
António Guterres highlighted the importance of economic inclusion for refugees, emphasising that allowing displaced people to participate in local economies benefits both the refugees and host communities, while reducing dependence on foreign aid.
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has sounded the alarm over the escalating global refugee crisis, noting that the challenges faced by displaced populations worldwide have intensified over the past two years.
Speaking at the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review in Geneva, Guterres highlighted the growing strain on countries that host refugees, particularly low- and middle-income nations, which shelter most of the world’s displaced people.
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According to Guterres, the combination of rising conflicts, stricter border policies, and declining humanitarian funding is making it increasingly difficult for host countries to provide adequate support
“Since the Global Refugee Forum two years ago, we have seen more conflict, more displacement, more closed borders, and sharp cuts in humanitarian funding,” Guterres said in a video address.
“We must increase support for host countries - especially the low- and middle-income countries welcoming nearly three quarters of the world’s refugees.”
The Secretary-General also highlighted the importance of economic inclusion for refugees, emphasising that allowing displaced people to participate in local economies benefits both the refugees and host communities, while reducing dependence on foreign aid.
“We must boost refugee inclusion and self-reliance - a dignified way to unlock human potential, lift local economies and lower dependency on aid,” he said.
Guterres also urged the international community to create more opportunities for refugees who cannot stay in their host countries while ensuring those who can return home do so safely and voluntarily.
“We must expand third-country solutions, like family reunification and resettlement, recognising that for some refugees, there simply are no local solutions. We must enable people to safely return home, as 1 million Syrians have done in the past 12 months,” he said.
“I commend the 1,300 partners working to advance these aims – from governments and development banks to businesses, civil society, refugee-led organisations, and faith leaders.”
According to Guterres, recent examples of progress, such as improvements in asylum systems, increased access to education and expanded employment opportunities for refugees, demonstrate what coordinated action can achieve.
However, Guterres warned that these gains remain fragile and uneven across regions, calling for sustained commitment from governments, international organisations, and civil society.
Guterres also commended outgoing United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, for steering the agency towards stronger refugee protection initiatives that have helped millions of displaced people access education, employment, and safer living conditions.
Grandi, who assumed the position in 2016, will be leaving the agency at the end of the year.
“I am deeply grateful to Filippo Grandi, who has championed this vision while leading UNHCR during some of the biggest humanitarian crises in living memory,” said Guterres.
“As his mandate draws to a close, let us continue working together to invest in refugees and host communities and to defend and uphold the right to seek asylum and protection, a fundamental pillar of international law.”
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