On 18 March, the UN APPG hosted Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, to brief parliamentarians on the role of UNHCR and the challenges that the organisation is facing in the current geopolitical climate.
There are now more refugees and forcibly displaced people worldwide than ever before - the High Commissioner outlined many of the reasons for this and spoke of the UNHCR’s role in addressing these issues. The 2025 UNHCR Global Appeal underscores that “we live in an era of relentless emergencies, of crises without end”. Amid escalating conflicts, political instability, and climate-related disasters, UNHCR provides humanitarian aid, protection, and support to millions of refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced persons, as well as stateless people. It advocates for international refugee laws and coordinates efforts among governments, NGOs, and stakeholders to ensure the safe return or resettlement of displaced populations, or inclusion.
In response to questions from parliamentary attendees, the High Commissioner addressed the impact of funding cuts to the agency’s work, the situations in ongoing conflict zones, as well as opportunities for the UK to support UNHCR.
On 12 March, ahead of the meeting with High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, the UN APPG also hosted a private briefing with Ambassador Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, for UN APPG members and other parliamentarians.
UNA-UK acts as the secretariat for the UN APPG. For more information on the group and its activities, please contact Lauren on muir@una.org.uk.
Read more:
- Read UNA-UK's response to the UK Government's update to citizenship guidance
- Read UNA-UK's response to the UK Government suspension of decision making in Syrian asylum cases
- Read UNA-UK's statement in response to the passing of the Rwanda Bill
- Read UNA-UK's statement in response to the Illegal Migration Bill
Photo: Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, speaks at the Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, addressing matters relating to refugees, returnees, and displaced persons and humanitarian operations. Credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe.
