In person: Pavel’s successful integration in Lithuania
Pavel, a 45-year-old refugee in Lithuania, escaped from Belarus when the government suppression of opposition activists intensified in 2010. He arrived in Lithuania with the hope, like many Lithuanians who fled their country in the 1940s, that his flight was only a temporary solution and he would soon go back home. Unfortunately, even after 5 years, returning to Belarus is still not an option for Pavel. His life continues in Lithuania away from his beloved family and friends.
Knowledge of language is the key for becoming a citizen in Latvia
“I am very old, maybe too old,” says Georgij when asked about his age. He has spent almost all his life in Latvia yet he is one of 262,622 non-citizens in the country. Now he is about to leave the premises of the Office of Citizenship and Migration (OCMA) where he has attended a consultation on the naturalization process.
Sweden Boosts Funding for UNHCR Appeals
UNHCR received a significant donation of SEK 15.2 million from the Government of Sweden. Swedish support to UNHCR assists in improving conditions in major refugee and displacement crises.
Norway donates NOK 31.5 million to refugees and IDPs
UNHCR welcomes the Norwegian Government’s generous donation of NOK 31.5 million (USD 4 million) to UNHCR appeals and activities for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ukraine and Myanmar.
Mediterranean Crisis 2015 at six months: refugee and migrant numbers highest on record
The large majority of the 137,000 people who crossed the Mediterranean Sea into Europe during the first six months of 2015 were fleeing from war, conflict or persecution, making the Mediterranean crisis primarily a refugee crisis, a UNHCR report released today concludes.
UNHCR launches a report about refugee integration in Latvia
The UNHCR Regional Representation for Northern Europe (RRNE) launched its report “Integration of refugees in Latvia: Participation and Empowerment”, at a public event attended by participants from government ministries, public institutions, non-governmental organizations and the refugee community. The launch, held in the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) in Riga on 11 June, was jointly organized by UNHCR, the Ministry of Culture and NGO “Shelter “Safe House”” (Drošā māja).
Refugees and famous chef cook together during World Refugee Day celebrations in Latvia
2015. June 19th, Salvador Merlos, Riga The event brought together more than 70 people, including refugees, asylum-seekers, journalists and NGO staff, who met to remember and pay tribute to the 59.5 million people around the world forced to flee their homes due to...
RFSL: A safe space for asylum-seekers fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation
“From the first moment I stepped into RFSL, I felt like this is the place I belong” says Haris, 22, from the Western Balkans. He is a dancer, model and writer, back home he was a university student. Haris is currently seeking asylum in Sweden based on his sexual orientation.
A safe space for asylum-seekers fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation
“From the first moment I stepped into RFSL, I felt like this is the place I belong” says Haris, 22, from the Western Balkans. He is a dancer, model and writer, back home he was a university student. Haris is currently seeking asylum in Sweden based on his...
From Syria to Sweden: Eiad´s perilous voyage across the Mediterranean
As Syria’s civil war intensified, Eiad Alasha knew he had to try and save his family from the bombings and the killings.
World Refugee Day 2015 – 20 June
Millions of families have fled their homes to escape war or human rights abuses. Millions of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers – who are also students, musicians, cooks, and so much more. Please get to know these remarkable individuals and introduce them to your friends.
Latvian aid worker helps refugees in Iraq
Liene Veide, a Latvian national currently working for UNHCR as a Public Information and External Relations Officer in Dohuk, Iraq, joined the United Nations in 2010.