Catherine Stubberfield

UNHCR is aware of recent public statements suggesting that refugees wishing to apply for asylum in the United Kingdom should do so via the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ respective offices in their home region. Our statement here:

“Flawed and inefficient screening procedures are currently undermining the UK’s asylum capacity — placing vulnerable people at risk and adding to the pressure on public resources.” Our full report here: tinyurl.com/7bekfbxm

There is no requirement under international law for asylum-seekers to seek protection in the first safe country they reach. This would undermine the Refugee Convention, to which the UK is signatory, as well as the global asylum system at large. channel4.com/news/factcheck…

‘The UK does receive some refugees through resettlement schemes operated by the UNHCR. But there is no application process for these schemes, and it’s not possible to apply through the UNHCR to seek asylum specifically in the UK.’ via ⁦@FullFact⁩ fullfact.org/immigration/UN…

There is no mechanism through which refugees can approach UNHCR with the intention of seeking asylum in the UK. There is no asylum visa or queue for the United Kingdom. bbc.in/3oQD2QR

I left #Sudan in December to hop across the border to @UNHCRSouthSudan with memories of a beautiful country and kind people. The violence in #khartoum has been heartbreaking and my thoughts are with all my colleagues @UNHCRinSudan right now, to my Sudanese colleagues - keep courage you will rise again

There is no mechanism for refugees to approach #UNHCR to seek #asylum in the UK  There is no asylum visa or ‘queue’ for the UK 👇🏼 unhcr.org/uk/news/statem…

Australia's partnership with UNHCR is crucial to our humanitarian and resettlement efforts. Today I met with @FilippoGrandi - the first visit to Australia by a High Commissioner in more than a decade.

An impressive and encouraging meeting with Foreign Minister @SenatorWong: we had a very strategic discussion about Australia’s strong humanitarian role in responding to refugee crises worldwide and especially in the region — including through resettlement and other pathways.

We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of harmful disinformation online, which can result in people being left uninformed, unprotected & vulnerable. Pause and verify facts before sharing content online.

📺 On @RidgeOnSunday 🔵Levelling Up Secretary @michaelgove 🔴Labour’s @LucyMPowell 🇺🇳UNHCR’s Vicky Tennant 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Scottish Greens @lornaslater 👨‍⚕️BMA’s @RobLaurensonD4P ➕ @Laura__Farris ➕ @AlistairBurtUK & @Heidi_Labour ➕ @SamCoatesSky ⏰ Live 8.30 @SkyNews w/@SophyRidgeSky

The UK has commendably provided protection to over 191,000 Ukrainians under the Ukraine visa schemes. But safe and regular pathways for other refugees are severely limited. Our latest Fact Sheet➡️ unhcr.org/641c7acc4

Explainer ➡️ Why the UK Illegal Migration Bill is an Asylum Ban. UNHCR has expressed its profound concern that this bill would breach the UK's obligations under international law. Here, we look at the facts and break down the issues at stake: unhcr.org/641c788b4

Resettlement is a lifeline for those forced to flee. But available to less than 1% of refugees worldwide. There is no asylum visa. Resettlement does not replace the right to seek asylum itself. UNHCR’s Fact Sheet on Safe and Regular Routes to the UK ➡️ unhcr.org/641c7acc4

Most people arriving recently in the UK by small boat are likely to be refugees in need of international protection. These are the very people the global asylum framework is designed to protect. Our new fact sheet on arrivals over the Channel here: unhcr.org/641c7951d

Under the Illegal Migration Bill, refugees fleeing war + persecution will see their right to apply for asylum in the UK extinguished – with very few exceptions. No matter how compelling their claim, or how grave the risks they face back home. UNHCR's legal observations below.

UNHCR’s formal legal observations on the Illegal Migration Bill have just been released. The impact of this Bill would be that refugees in need of protection would be unable to seek it in the UK, no matter how compelling their claims may be. More: unhcr.org/641c7cfea

Small boats carry big talent. Congratulations to #KeHuyQuan, Oscar for best supporting actor and a former refugee. @CNN photo

“It breaches the Refugee Convention” UK Rep. of the UN Refugee Agency, Vicky Tennant, says “we’re very concerned” about the Illegal Immigration Bill #Newsnight | bbc.in/2Ps915G