UN Refugee Chief Criticizes US Deportation Practices Amid Funding Cuts

The head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, has raised serious concerns regarding the deportation practices of the United States, suggesting they may violate international law. In a speech delivered on October 2, 2023, Grandi highlighted a troubling global trend of increasing hostility towards migrants and refugees.

During the opening of UNHCR’s executive committee, Grandi described a challenging year for the agency, marked by significant funding cuts that have led to the elimination of nearly 5,000 jobs, which constitutes about a quarter of its workforce. He indicated that further cuts may be on the horizon, stating, “This was certainly not an easy year for any of us. But remember, please: There has never been an easy year to be a refugee, and there never will be.”

Despite these challenges, Grandi acknowledged some positive developments, including ongoing peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which have the potential to stabilize the region and facilitate the return of displaced individuals.

While addressing the U.N. General Assembly last month, the Trump administration argued that the global system of seeking asylum is being abused and called for reforms that would include stricter controls on migration. This stance aligns with a broader narrative in several countries that has seen a reduction in support for international humanitarian aid. Traditionally, the UNHCR has operated with an annual budget of approximately $5 billion, covering only half of its requirements as conflicts in regions such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan, Venezuela, and Ukraine have driven the number of displaced individuals to around 122 million globally over the past decade.

In his remarks, Grandi warned that undermining the U.N. Refugee Convention and the principle of asylum could have catastrophic consequences. He emphasized that national sovereignty and the right to seek asylum are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary.

He expressed concern about the erosion of respect for international law in developed nations, noting that poorer countries host the majority of the world’s refugees. “I am worried that the current debate — in Europe, for example — and some current deportation practices — such as in the United States — address real challenges in manners not consistent with international law,” he stated.

As the Trump administration defends its deportation policies by claiming a duty to remove individuals deemed the “worst of the worst,” Grandi pointed out that there are instances of hope as well. For example, more than 1 million refugees from Syria have returned home, and there is cautious optimism regarding a potential resolution to the conflict in eastern Congo, driven by peace efforts supported by the United States.

The UNHCR continues to face a critical funding landscape, with other traditional donors also reducing their financial contributions this year. Grandi’s speech serves as a stark reminder of the pressing humanitarian challenges confronting refugees worldwide and the need for a coordinated international response grounded in respect for human rights and international law.