PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad-based Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR) Tuesday expressed its “deep sadness” at the closure of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) office here from August 31 this year.
“The UNHCR has been a pillar of strength and compassion in its tireless advocacy for the rights and dignity of refugees. Their impact in Trinidad and Tobago and across the region has been nothing short of transformative,” the CCHR said in a statement.
“For those of us at CCHR who have had the privilege of partnering with UNCHR, this journey has been both humbling and inspiring,” it said.
The UNCHR said the closure was due to funding constraints and that operations will be managed remotely from the UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office in Panama.
“In many countries, funding has been significantly reduced. This means that while needs are still great, there is less money available to support everyone. This has caused financial uncertainty and global, regional, and local budget restrictions,” the UNHCR said.
The Donald Trump administration in the United States government has cut US foreign significantly impacting international organizations, leading to job losses, program closures, and reduced services.
The new US policy has raised widespread concerns about the ability of UN agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to effectively deliver aid, particularly in areas such as global health and humanitarian response.
The CCHR said it was calling on the Trinidad and Tobago government and all stakeholders to join it “in preserving the progress achieved under UNCHR leadership,” adding that their departure marks “the end of a significant chapter but not the end of the mission.”
The CCHR said it is fully committed to ensuring the continuation of vital services for refugees and asylum seekers and that it has written to the relevant government authorities “to express both our readiness and a strong desire to continue the essential work the UNCHR began.
“The humanitarian mandate must endure and grow,” the CCHR said.
In announcing its closure last week, the UNCHR stated that it is aware that “in these uncertain times, there is the potential for rumors and the spreading of false information.” The UNCHR will continue to advocate for a national asylum system and access to rights for refugees in partnership with its counterparts in Trinidad and Tobago.
“UNHCR, as a global organization through its regional and international offices, will also continue this important work. Due to the closure of the national office, the way these efforts will continue will change. However, the UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office in Panama will continue to monitor the protection environment to ensure that the rights of refugees are respected. ”
The UNCHR warned that some individuals may attempt to exploit the current situation by making false promises to provide services, including the issuance of documentation in exchange for money or favors.
“Please be cautious of rumors and unverified information and check UNHCR’s Help webpage (help.unhcr.org/trinidadandtobago) for official updates and guidance,” it said, adding that “personal data you have shared remains confidential.”
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