News

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) met with Lithuania’s representative to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Rytis Paulauskas, and stressed the importance of Lithuania’s political solidarity and humanitarian help in conflict areas.

“Your political solidarity in times of crisis is very important and highly appreciated”, A.Guterres said.

He suggested that Lithuanian experience in providing humanitarian assistance to the UNHCR Office activities should be used more actively.

R.Paulauskas noted the close cooperation of the Lithuanian institutions with the regional UNHCR office in Stockholm and its representatives in Vilnius.

Ambassador presented to the UN high official the main priorities of Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council, including the EU’s external border security enhancement.

Lithuanian steps in implementing international obligations in the refugees and persons requesting this status rights’ protection area, assurance of their social and health care and improvement of asylum procedures were also discussed during the meeting.

 It was agreed to use the experience of the Office more actively while informing society about the problems of refugees in the world.

The UNHCR office, established by UN general Assembly’s decision in 1950, is authorized to lead and coordinate international actions, ensuring the protection of the rights of refugees all around the world.

 According to the data provided by the Office located in Geneva, there are currently about 42.5 million refugees and more than 27.5 million internally displaced people due to civil wars and other similar conflicts.