UN High Commissioner for Refugees Grundy said in an interview with NHK that the situation in Ukraine has led to a surge in refugees and internally displaced persons, raising concerns about the lack of support for refugees in other regions such as Syria and Afghanistan. He also pointed out that global food shortages could lead to new refugees.
High Commissioner for Refugees Grundy responded to an interview with NHK ahead of the United Nations' World Refugee Day on the 20th of this month.
He welcomed the gathering of support for Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons who had been invaded by Russia, and said, "It is possible that these supports have been diverted from support to other regions. Yes, problems in other areas that already exist tend to be neglected, "he said, raising concerns about the lack of support for refugees and displaced persons such as Syria and Afghanistan.
Regarding the global food shortage in the wake of the situation in Ukraine, "Africa's vulnerable regions are affected by climate change in addition to conflict and poverty. If food shortages are added, more people will be forced to move. It is no wonder that the number will increase, "he said, pointing out that there is a possibility that new refugees and refugees from Africa and other countries will be born.
On top of that, the High Commissioner for Refugees, Grundy, told Japan, "I understand that the new corona measures are increasing the financial burden, but now it is time to continue to support refugees and reach out to the vulnerable people affected by the war. He called for continued support for refugees.