Episode 11: A welcome partner – Working together to support refugees by Universal Postal Union published on 2022-05-03T08:40:14Z In 2021, Switzerland saw the arrival of around 15,000 new asylum seekers. At the beginning of 2022, over just two months, the number of arrivals from Ukraine alone hit 40,000 people. This staggering number of people seeking protection and safety outside their national borders need much more than access to basic means of subsistence – they need access to a dignified life and a variety of special assistance services. Providing those in a timely manner requires a collective and coordinated effort. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a specialized UN agency mandated to assist and protect refugees, internally displaced people and stateless persons in every region of the world facing a displacement crisis. Taking on a major humanitarian, coordination and advocacy role in affected and host communities alike, the UNHCR works hand in hand with essential social service providers on the ground, including the Post. From cash assistance programmes to information campaigns and social integration – Posts are very welcome partners to support refugees on their challenging journey. Learn more first-hand in a special interview with Anja Klug, Head of UNHCR Office for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, on Voice Mail episode 11.
