Almost 2.7 million people have fled the war in Ukraine in the last 17 days.
Filippo Grandi has recently visited Poland, which has received close to 1.66 million people from the neighboring country, and Moldova and Romania, which have received around one hundred thousand refugees each in recent days, according to UNHCR estimates.
- I want to praise the way it is done.
It is done not only in an organized way, but also in a humane way, says the UNHCR head of SVT's Agenda.
- I think this is a moment that defines Europe.
A moment when Europe understands that there is a correlation between war and flight, and a moment when all European countries understand that they can become recipients of large waves of refugees and most importantly, that we need the support of others.
No one can do this alone.
"Others go through the same thing"
During previous refugee crises, it has not been very easy to persuade some European countries to keep their borders open to people who have been forced to flee the Middle East, Syria and Afghanistan, among other places, he emphasizes.
- It is understandable that there is solidarity and sympathy for this crisis in Europe, but it does not justify a different treatment of other refugees, he says.
- My message to Europe is that other people go through exactly the same thing.
They also escape from great dangers and risks, so they need the same hearing.
Many people who come to Europe have genuine claims to a sanctuary, and deserve protection, Grandi emphasizes.
- Regardless of whether they come from the local area or a place far away, they have the same rights.
They have the right to have their cases investigated.