Tánaiste welcomes the visit of UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi & announces fundin
Press release
11 July 2019
Tánaiste Simon Covenvey welcomes the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi to Dublin 10-11 July.
Speaking ahead of the visit of High Commissioner Grandi, the Tánaiste said:
“Ireland remains a strong supporter of UNHCR. I am delighted to announce €9 million in core funding to the organisation in 2019. This will bring Ireland’s total funding to UNHCR in 2019 to an estimated €15.5 million.”
“In Ireland’s development policy, A Better World, the Government set out its clear commitment to assisting those in greatest need around the world. Refugees, often displaced by violent conflict or the impact of climate change, are the among the most vulnerable. Remembering the generosity of those who helped Irish refugees and migrants in difficult times, Ireland is proud to support UNHCR in its efforts to provide vital assistance to refugees, to offer protection, and to try to find durable solutions”.
During his visit, the High Commissioner will meet President Michael D Higgins, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and the Tánaiste Simon Coveney. He will also meet Minister for Justice and Equality Charles Flanagan, and Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora Ciarán Cannon.
High Commissioner Grandi’s visit comes at a time when numbers of people forced from their homes by conflict, poverty, and the impact of climate change has exceeded 70 million, including 25.9 million refugees. This is twice the level of a decade ago.
The UN’s Refugee Agency, UNHCR, leads international efforts to assist and protect refugees.
ENDS
Press Office
11 July 2019
