During our Global Town Hall with colleagues across the world, I reaffirmed our commitment to improving efficiency and cost‑effectiveness as we adapt and move forward to deliver on UNHCR’s mandate—providing protection, humanitarian assistance, and durable solutions for refugees.
UNHCR’s mandate to protect those forced to flee is as vital as ever. And it is the professionalism and commitment of our staff and colleagues that make this possible—every day.
On a visit to Geneva last week, I made a nostalgic visit to @refugees and had the chance to meet with its new High Commissioner @salih and offer my support. Having been a refugee himself, as well as a leader of his country - Iraq- that also was a place of refuge, he was clear on one thing: that most people forced to flee want to return home. His goal is to multiply solutions to dramatically reduce the number of people in limbo.
Until it is safe to help refugees return or given the possibility to integrate, they need meaningful support, but also opportunities. He is passionate about expanding refugee education and scholarships, and my team will help through our @unitednations Academic Impact network of 1800 universities.
He takes on his mandate at a time when UNHCR is adjusting to massive funding cuts and a reduced workforce. I wish him all the very best in this challenging new role at the helm of this great organization and a warm welcome to the United Nations family.
UNHCR / Alexandre St-Denis
When we speak about refugees, we often refer to large numbers. But each number is a person, someone forced to leave home, not by choice, but because there was no other option.
During my visit to Türkiye, including at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, discussions returned to what responsibility truly means. It is not only about legal obligations, but about shared humanity and a shared interest in getting this right.
Today, most refugees are hosted in low- and middle-income countries. This reality calls for stronger international solidarity and a more collective response.
At the 152nd IPU Assembly, alongside @georginamagesa , we talked about the importance of including those most affected in shaping solutions, particularly young people, whose energy and urgency are unmatched. Parliamentarians also have a critical role to play in advancing solutions at the national level, through legislation, oversight, and sustained political commitment.
The Refugee Convention, now in its 75th year, remains as relevant as ever. Its principles must be matched by action: expanding legal pathways, supporting host countries, and advancing solutions alongside emergency response and protection.
Most people forced to flee want to return home.
The responsibility we share is to ensure they can do so in safety and dignity, and until then, to support them meaningfully where they are.
Over one million people in Lebanon have been forced to flee their homes in a matter of weeks.
I saw destruction, lives interrupted, families uprooted, and fear replacing what should have been safety.
I met families who fled in minutes, some more than once, and now sharing single rooms, trying to hold on. The human cost of this war is devastating.
Lebanon’s resilience is remarkable, but it is being stretched to its limits. UNHCR is supporting the Government-led response, yet needs are rising faster than resources, and the situation is becoming more complex every day. Sustained international support is critical.
But no amount of aid will end this crisis. Peace is the only solution. Civilians must be protected. The violence must stop. What people are asking for is simple: for the chance to return home in safety and dignity.
There is no such thing as “just” another year of war.
Every life lost, every family forced to flee, leaves a mark.
Sudan cannot become a crisis that the world learns to ignore.
UNHCR's high commissioner told me the humanitarian disaster in Lebanon is "beyond comprehension" during an emergency visit.
More than a million people have been displaced, over 2,000 killed and tens of thousands of homes damaged or destroyed since hostilities erupted.
#lebanon #UNHCR
Just arrived in Beirut after last week’s devastating strikes.
Over 1 million people displaced in this small country.
I am here in solidarity and to urgently push for protection of civilians and an end to this spiraling conflict.
Wishing a happy Easter to all those who celebrate around the world.
May this holiday be a reminder that even in the darkest of times, compassion endures.
Everybody talks about conflicts, violence, and disasters. Too few talk about the millions of lives at stake because of them.
Across multiple crises, families forced to flee need protection and life-saving support. Humanitarian action saves lives. #87MillionLives
I am honored to be sworn in by Secretary-General @antonioguterres as UN High Commissioner for @refugees .
I take this oath with a deep sense of responsibility to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and stand with those forced to flee.
To stand with women and girls is to stand for humanity’s future.
Let’s make International Women’s Day not just a day of recognition, but a daily commitment to act.
#IWD2026
