World NewsPoliticsHealthEnvironment

UN Refugee Agency To Suspend Resettlements Because Of Coronavirus

New air travel and border restrictions are disrupting the refugee resettlement process.
Reuters
Open Image Modal
Venezuelan migrant children play soccer in a camp run by the UN refugee agency UNHCR in Maicao, Colombia.
Luisa Gonzalez / Reuters

TORONTO, March 17 (Reuters) - The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration will temporarily suspend refugee resettlement departures because of new air travel and border restrictions, a UNHCR spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

“As countries drastically reduce entry into their territories, and restrictions around international air travel are introduced, refugee resettlement is being subject to disruptions,” said Melanie Gallant, spokeswoman for the UNHCR in Canada. “To respond to this new reality, UNHCR and IOM will be temporarily postponing refugee resettlement departures.”

(Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny in Toronto)

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip