United News of Bangladesh

UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Sheldon Yett on Friday said UNICEF is “deeply concerned” about the devastating flood situation unfolding in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh. “The rivers are flowing dangerously high, and the situation is expected to worsen over the next 24 to 48 hours,” he said. Over 2,000,000 people, including over 772,000 children, are already affected by flash floods and in urgent need of assistance, said the UNICEF Representative.  “As waters rise, children are the most vulnerable, facing heightened risks of drowning, malnutrition, deadly waterborne diseases, the trauma of displacement, and potential abuse in overpopulated shelters,” Yett said in a statement. Sylhet floods: Waters start receding, some respite for victims He said their priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of children and adolescents. In coordination and partnership with the government of Bangladesh and local stakeholders in the field, they have already distributed safe water to reach more than 100,000 people for over 5 days, and while these efforts continue. “We have also distributed more than 3,000 ten-liter water containers. We are urgently bringing in additional emergency supplies to the affected communities in case the situation worsens,” he said. Over 810 government schools in the Sylhet division have been flooded and almost 500 are being used as flood shelters. In addition, almost 140 community clinics are also affected by flood waters. HSC exams in Sylhet division postponed till July 8 due to flood “Child Protection Social Workers are offering support to mitigate potential violence and counseling to help children overcome trauma during this difficult time,” Yett said.   

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday formally announced that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay a state visit to India on June 21-22 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be the first bilateral state visit after the formation of the government in India following the 18th Lok Sabha elections, according to MEA. During the visit, apart from holding bilateral consultations with the Indian Prime Minister, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to call-on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is scheduled to call on the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among the international leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of the Indian Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9. Bangladesh and India are likely to sign a dozen of bilateral instruments with some new initiatives by identifying new areas of cooperation during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s state visit to India on June 21-22, officials in Dhaka have said. The two-day state visit might carry some directives giving a picture of greater cooperation between the two countries in the future, they said. This will be Hasina’s second trip to the Indian capital in less than 15 days. Though it is unlikely to see any breakthrough on Teesta water sharing deal specifically at this moment, the issue will come up for discussion in addition to a likely discussion on broader Teesta and relevant projects on development and management, a senior official told UNB on Tuesday. Earlier on May 9, India reportedly expressed interest to finance Bangladesh's Teesta project, which is known as “Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project”. "You know, we have taken a big project on Teesta. India wants to finance this project. It will have to be implemented in line with our needs. We want to see our needs fulfilled," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters after his meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 9. The renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty will also come of for discussion, officials said. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen recently said the two countries are scheduled to sign a number of MoUs and agreements, and there is an issue of making some announcements on some areas of cooperation. “There will be continuity of the relations, and we expect to see some new initiatives in our relations,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a reception recently. Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said they would take the Bangladesh-India relations to a new height in the next five years as there are new governments in place in the two neighbouring countries with continuity amid new mandate. “There will be a stock-taking on what we left in September 2022 and we will take the relations to a new height in the next five years,” he said on Friday, noting that the expectations and aspirations are sky-high.” Recalling earlier discussions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during her state visit to India in September 2022, reiterated Bangladesh’s long pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta River, the draft of which was finalised in 2011. Sources in the Foreign Ministry indicate that key issues on the agenda include cross-border connectivity initiatives, Indian investments in the Teesta special economic zone, management of Mongla port, and power trade. Additionally, discussions on a potential trade pact are expected. Over the past decade, numerous cross-border initiatives have been launched as part of a robust regional partnership plan. The Modi-Hasina summit on June 22 might also focus on enhancing the defence partnership between the two nations. Bangladesh says India is a friendly country, and Bangladesh does not compare  the Dhaka-Delhi relations with anyone else. “India stood beside us during the War of Liberation in 1971. Our relationship with India is multifaceted. We share borders with India. We are supportive of each other,” Hasan Mahmud said. A flight from Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying PMHasina and her entourage will depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday at about 2 pm, according to the sources in the Foreign Ministry. The flight will land at Palam Airport, New Delhi at about 4 pm (Delhi time), where high-level dignitary  of India and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md. Mustafizur Rahman will welcome her. At 6 pm (Delhi time) on Saturday, the prime minister will depart from Palam Airport, New Delhi, by a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and will land in Dhaka at about 9 pm.  

Donors from the international community including the United States, European Union and other countries on Thursday said they remain deeply concerned by the worsening situation in Rakhine State of Myanmar and the cross-border implications. “Today we reiterate the importance of protecting all civilians,” they said in a joint media release marking World Refugee Day. The donor countries said the hope remains that safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation will be possible for Rohingya refugees in the long-term. Bangladesh urges international community to invest for supporting Rohingyas' reintegration in Rakhine However, they observed the escalating conflict and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Myanmar mean that this is unlikely in the near future. “Today, on World Refugee Day, we stand in solidarity with the more than 120 million people that is 1 in 69, worldwide who are forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence, and persecution. Among these individuals are over 1 million Rohingyas, who fled from their homes in Myanmar and sought refuge in Bangladesh,” the media release reads. Landslides in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps leave 9 dead They appreciated the government of Bangladesh for continuing to host the Rohingya in their time of need. “We also continue to honour the incredible resilience and strength of spirit of the Rohingya people in adversity,” they said. The donor countries said they all continue to make dedicated efforts to provide essential services for Rohingya refugees, and Bangladesh's host communities. “We continue to advocate for global attention for this protracted crisis, amid emerging new crises and growing global humanitarian need,” the joint media release shared by the US Embassy in Dhaka said. In the camps, improved opportunities for refugees to pursue meaningful education and livelihoods could build essential resilience and self-reliance. Almost 20pc of Rohingyas tested in Cox's Bazar camps have active hepatitis C infection: MSF “This is important to overcome cycles of poverty and marginalization for future generations,” they said. At the Global Refugee Forum in December 2023, they made a collective pledge to share global responsibility and enhance partnerships to address the complexities of forced displacement. “We remain committed to ensure a better and more dignified life for the Rohingyas while they remain in Bangladesh. We will continue to pursue regional coordination and collective efforts towards sustainable solutions for Rohingya refugees, partnering with the Government of Bangladesh,” they said. The European Union also shared the joint media release from its verified Facebook page. Other donor countries are the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Norway and Italy. US says it will remain Bangladesh’s steadfast partner in Rohingya refugee response  

Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union in Bangladesh Charles Whiteley has said Bangladesh’s economic trajectory is “undeniably impressive” but ensuring this sustained growth demands a skilled and adaptable workforce. “As we continue to support Bangladesh’s economic transformation towards LDC graduation, the EU remains steadfast in our mutually beneficial partnership with the government of Bangladesh,” he said. Recognizing this critical need, Ambassador Whiteley said the EU has been a steadfast partner in Bangladesh’s journey to reform and strengthen its technical and vocational education training center. “For strategic investment, capacity building initiatives and policy support, we have collaborated closely with the Bangladesh government strengthening the country’s national skill system,” he said in a video message shared by the ILO. EU legislative developments important for Bangladesh: Charles Whiteley By investing in the potential of Bangladeshi youth, the EU envoy said they can unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity, paving the way for a brighter future for all. “Together, let us continue to work hand in hand, towards a more skilled, resilient and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said. Ambassador Whiteley said the EU is pleased to note the substantive achievements in the field of skills development and TVET in Bangladesh over the past 15 years. Bangladesh made strong progress towards transition to GSP plus: Charles Whiteley This success, he said, is a testament to the common vision and enduring partnership between the EU and the government of Bangladesh during this period. “Our collaboration with the International Labour Organization has also played a pivotal role in realizing these accomplishments,” Ambassador Whiteley said.

Bangladesh has called upon the international community to invest in improving livelihood opportunities for the Rohingya to support their reintegration in Rakhine. “Bangladesh has been hosting around 1.2 million Rohingya for nearly seven years despite various constraints. Sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar is the only durable solution to this crisis," said Chargée d'affaires of the Bangladesh Permanent Mission in Geneva Shanchita Haque. She was delivering her remarks at an interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims held during the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council on June 18. The CDA informed the Council that Bangladesh will continue engaging with all parties concerned for the commencement of Rohingya repatriation. In this regard, she Bangladesh also expressed grave concern at the recent reports of burning of Rohingya villages in Buthidaung in Rakhine, forced displacement of Rohingyas, and their forced conscription. She urged all warring parties in Myanmar to protect the Rohingya and ensure their safety and security. Referring to the recent shooting from Myanmar targeting people and property in Bangladesh, the CDA reiterated that the internal conflicts in Myanmar must not affect the people of Bangladesh. Bangladesh also called for sufficient humanitarian aid for the Rohingya temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh and requested the High Commissioner to prioritize the Rohingya issue until justice prevailed and a sustainable situation of the Rohingya crisis is achieved. The Council heard the presentation of the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. The High Commissioner voiced serious apprehension over the recent escalation of violence, forced conscription of the Rohingya, and heinous war tactics in Rakhine, and urged all parties to prevent the recurrence of the atrocity crimes committed against the Rohingya in 2016 and 2017. The 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council commenced in Geneva on 18 June 2024 and will continue till 12 July 2024.

Bangladesh and India are likely to sign over a dozen of bilateral instruments with some new initiatives by identifying new areas of cooperation during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s state visit to India on June 21-22, officials have said. The two-day state visit is taking place at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that might carry some directives giving a picture of greater cooperation between the two countries in the future, they said. This will be the first full-fledged bilateral visit by any head of government to India after  the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed its government for the third consecutive term. This will be Hasina’s second trip to the Indian capital in less than 15 days. She was among the dignitaries invited to Modi's swearing-in ceremony on June 9. Though it is unlikely to see any breakthrough on Teesta water sharing deal specifically at this moment, the issue will come up for discussion in addition to a likely discussion on broader Teesta and relevant projects on development and management, a senior official told UNB on Tuesday. PM’s India Visit: Dhaka, New Delhi eye renewed efforts to take ties to new height in next 5 years Earlier on May 9, India reportedly expressed interest to finance Bangladesh's Teesta project which is known as “Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project”. "You know, we have taken a big project on Teesta. India wants to finance this project. It will have to be implemented in line with our needs. We want to see our needs fulfilled," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters after his meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 9. The renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty will also come of for discussion, officials said.  Earlier, in 2022, the two leaders welcomed the formation of a Joint Technical Committee to conduct a study for optimum utilisation of water received by Bangladesh under the provisions of Ganges Water Sharing Treaty. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen recently said the two countries are scheduled to sign a number of MoUs and agreements and there is an issue of making some announcements on some areas of cooperation. “There will be continuity of the relations, and we expect to see some new initiatives in our relations,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a reception recently. Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said they would take the Bangladesh-India relations to a new height in the next five years as there are new governments in place in the two neighbouring countries with continuity amid new mandate. “There will be a stock-taking on what we left in September 2022 and we will take the relations to a new height in the next five years,” he said on Friday, noting that the expectations and aspirations are sky-high. Recalling earlier discussions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during her state visit to India in September 2022, reiterated Bangladesh’s long pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta River, the draft of which was finalised in 2011. In exclusive talks Hasina and Modi vow to deepen Dhaka-New Delhi relations: FM Hasan Referring to Land Boundary Agreement – LBA – and resolving maritime dispute with India, Shahriar said the countries would gradually be able to resolve the unresolved issues as complex issues had been resolved. He said there was a 33-point joint statement issued during the state visit of prime minister of Bangladesh to India in September 2022 where issues like Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), energy cooperation, people to people contacts, broader connectivity and others were mentioned. Shahriar said the upcoming visit of the prime minister will help advance the relations on those areas. He hoped that the next meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) will be held soon, noting that the 38th meeting of the JRC was held in New Delhi in August, 2022 wherein various matters pertaining to cooperation in water resources sector were discussed. Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) has been functioning since 1972. It was established with a view to maintain liaison in order to ensure the most effective joint effort in maximising the benefits from common river systems. The JRC is headed by water resources ministers of both the countries. Sources in the Foreign Ministry indicate that key issues on the agenda include cross-border connectivity initiatives, Indian investments in the Teesta special economic zone, management of Mongla port, and power trade. Dhaka, Delhi to further boost travel of nationals from both sides Additionally, discussions on a potential trade pact are expected. Over the past decade, numerous cross-border initiatives have been launched as part of a robust regional partnership plan. The Modi-Hasina summit on June 22 might also focus on enhancing the defence partnership between the two nations. This visit marks Sheikh Hasina's third trip to New Delhi since September, 2023, underscoring the strengthening ties between India and Bangladesh. Bangladesh says India is a friendly country and Bangladesh does not compare  the Dhaka-Delhi relations with anyone else. “India stood beside us during the War of Liberation in 1971. Our relationship with India is multifaceted. We share borders with India. We are supportive of each other,” Hasan Mahmud said. PM’s Engagements in New Delhi A flight from Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying PMHasina and her entourage will depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday at about 2 pm, according to the sources in the Foreign Ministry. The flight will land at Palam Airport, New Delhi at about 4 pm (Delhi time) where high-level dignitary  of India and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md. Mustafizur Rahman will welcome her. Dhaka, Delhi cooperation must continue: Hasan Mahmud In the evening, Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar will call on her at the Meeting Room of her Place of Residence, Hotel Taj Palace. On Saturday morning, a red carpet will be rolled out at Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by her Indian counterpart through a ceremonial reception where the National Anthems of Bangladesh and India will be played. She will also inspect the Guard of Honour. After that, she will go to Raj Ghat to pay tribute to the father of the Indian Nation Mahatma Gandhi by placing a wreath at his Samadhi. She will also sign the visitor’s book there. Later on the same day, Sheikh Hasina will go to Hyderabad House to hold a tete-a-tete with Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed by delegation- level talks. Both will witness the signing ceremony of the MoU and agreements. After that, both the Prime Ministers will give their press statements. Then they will attend a Banquet Luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister of India in honour of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh at Hyderabad House. In the afternoon, Hasina will call on the Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar at his Secretariat. In the evening Sheikh Hasina will call on the President of India Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. At 6 pm (Delhi time), the prime minister will depart from Palam Airport, New Delhi by a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and will land in Dhaka at about 9 pm.

More than 40 foreign guests from 18 countries will attend the 10th International Primakov Readings Forum in Moscow to discuss external challenges facing Russia. The anniversary event, themed "Russia in the Global Context," will take place on June 25-26 at the World Trade Center. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, will deliver the keynote speech. Alexander Dynkin, Deputy Chairman of the Forum's Organising Committee and President of IMEMO, announced at a press conference at TASS. "The West miscalculated its ability to isolate our economy. Sanctions against Russia only strengthen ties between countries of the Global South, BRICS, SCO, and the EAEU, hindering the fragmentation of the global economy. Experts in the West understand Russian realities less and less. Therefore, we decided to focus this year on the theme of Russia in the world," noted Dynkin. This year's Forum will honor Yevgeny Maksimovich Primakov, whose 95th birthday will be celebrated this autumn. The conference will open with a session on Primakov's scientific and political legacy. Dynkin emphasized that over 1,000 representatives from the Russian and foreign expert communities, government agencies, and political and business circles are expected to participate. Discussions will cover the role of BRICS in shaping a new global economic architecture, vectors of interaction between Greater Eurasia countries, the emerging polycentric world order in the military-strategic sphere, the impact of modern crises on European security, opportunities for the Russian economy, and the role of culture in international relations. Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, highlighted the Forum's significance amidst major global changes. "We are experiencing a major era rift, similar to the end of the Cold War. The level of uncertainty has significantly increased, making it important to develop a shared vision of future institutions and security contours on authoritative platforms like the Primakov Readings," stated Kosachev. Special attention will be given to arms control in the context of a polycentric world, moderated by Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. "The Primakov Readings set the highest bar for discussion platforms, not just in Russia. It is a national treasure, crucial for active dialogue among participants from a wide range of countries," emphasized Ryabkov. Alexey Arbatov, Head of the Center for International Security of IMEMO, noted the importance of transitioning from the old world to the new while preserving peaceful conflict resolution and arms control. "We are going through a difficult period with both tracks largely at an impasse. The main task for Russian foreign policy and global politics is to transit while preserving these tested methods," said Arbatov. Experts will also focus on Greater Eurasia as a territory of opportunities. Sergey Lebedev, Secretary-General of the CIS, highlighted the significance of Eurasian integration and cooperation within the CIS amidst Western sanctions. "The CIS countries and the Eurasian region must stand together, preserving relations of friendship and good-neighborliness," noted Lebedev. The Ukrainian crisis and the future of Eurasian security will also be addressed. Konstantin Bogdanov, Senior Researcher at the Center for International Security of IMEMO, stressed the importance of multilateral dialogue on Eurasian security. "The settlement of the Ukrainian crisis will be a cornerstone for a new global security architecture," shared Bogdanov. Guests from 18 countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, Egypt, India, Kazakhstan, China, Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, the USA, Uzbekistan, and Switzerland, will attend. Confirmed participants include Ambassadors and Advisers from India, Brazil, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Bangladesh, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Argentina, and France.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said refugees need global solidarity and the ability to rebuild their lives in dignity. “Generous host countries, mostly low- or middle-income countries, need the support and resources to fully include refugees in societies and economies,” he said in a message marking the World Refugee Day-2024 that falls on June 20. When given the opportunity, refugees make significant contributions to their host communities, but they need access to equal opportunities and to jobs, housing, and healthcare. Young refugees need quality education to achieve their dreams, he said. Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. From Sudan to Ukraine, from the Middle East to Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond, conflict, climate chaos and upheaval are forcing record numbers of people from their homes and fueling profound human suffering, said the UN chief. The latest figures show that a total of more than 120 million people around the world are forcibly displaced, including 43.5 million refugees. “World Refugee Day is about honouring their strength and courage – and stepping up efforts to protect and support refugees on every step of their journey,” he said. “Let us pledge to reaffirm the world’s collective responsibility in assisting and welcoming refugees … in upholding their human rights including the right to seek asylum … in safeguarding the integrity of the refugee protection regime … and ultimately, in resolving conflicts so that those forced from their communities can return home,” Guterres said. On 20 June every year, WHO joins UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and partners in marking the World Refugee Day. This year's campaign focuses on solidarity with refugees – for a world where refugees are welcomed, universal health coverage must include them as well. At the end of 2023, an estimated 117.3 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events seriously disturbing the public order.

A major survey on attitudes towards refugeesLink is external across the Global North and South showed that three-quarters of adults continue to believe that those fleeing war or persecution should be able to seek safety in other countries. The findings of the survey conducted by Ipsos – one of the world's leading market research companies – with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, were released just ahead of World Refugee Day on 20 June. They paint a complex picture of perceptions of refugees, with significant differences in opinion based on the question and the location of those surveyed. More than 120 million people were forcibly displaced globally by May 2024, according to UNHCR. Foreign Minister urges global community to change definition of climate migrants and refugees The sample consisted of approximately 1,000 individuals each in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, and the U.S., and 500 individuals each in Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Finland, Ghana, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, and Uganda. The sample in India consisted of approximately 2,200 individuals, of whom approximately 1,800 were interviewed face-to-face and 400 were interviewed online. Overall, 73 per cent of people across the 52 countries surveyed agreed that people should be able to take refuge in other countries, including their own, according to the survey report released from Geneva. However, support for providing refuge has dampened in a number of countries from the high levels in 2022 in the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Those surveyed in countries with a long tradition of hosting refugees, such as Uganda and Kenya, generally showed higher degrees of optimism about refugee integration and its positive impact. While attitudes varied, half of those surveyed believe in refugees being able to integrate and – for example – access their full right to education, while nearly as many support their full access to health care and jobs. Around three-quarters expressed support, to a varying degree, for policies that allow refugee families to be reunited in the country of asylum. Israel unveils tunnels underneath Gaza City headquarters of UN agency for Palestinian refugees Still, some major hosts and Western countries showed less positive sentiment including concerns about refugees' ability to integrate. While a third believe refugees will positively contribute to their country's labour market, economy and culture, another third hold the opposite view. The survey also showed concerns about the impact of refugees on national security and public services, notably in countries with large refugee populations. "It is essential to listen to and understand public perceptions of refugees – both the positive and the negative, the generosity but also the concerns and fears. This is the best way to address these worries and ensure that those fleeing the world's worst tragedies continue to receive the help and support they deserve. Better understanding must lead to better policies and communication,’’ said Didier Truchot, Chairman and Founder of Ipsos. ‘’This is also a call to action for all of us, including the business community, which can help by employing and training refugees to support their integration into their host country.”Despite the concerns and scepticism about refugees' impact on host societies, many people are still taking action to support refugees. A third has shown support for refugees, including by donating or through social media. Currently, 75 per cent of refugees live in low- and middle-income countries, and 37 per cent said they believe that international aid for countries hosting refugees is insufficient. “These days, we hear much about how to keep refugees out – they get blamed by populists for society's ills. But this survey reminds us that there is an enduring groundswell of support for the right to seek safety. That is a heartening sign of hope in a sometimes-dark world,” said Dominique Hyde, UNHCR’s Director of External Relations. “Still, we need to do much more to explain to the sceptics why refugees should be embraced, not ostracized. Erosion of public trust and empathy is a huge barrier to creating a safe and welcoming environment for refugees.” The results, released on the International Day of Countering Hate Speech as part of UNHCR’s Hope Away from Home campaign, showed traditional media and social media remain trusted sources of information about refugees, indicating the importance of responsible reporting in shaping public perception. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend to target refugees on social media including via dis- and misinformation campaigns. Overall, there are also differences in attitudes, mainly by age, with younger people tending to be more positive about refugees than older people. Over 33,000 adults across 52 countries participated in the online survey in April and May, the largest on refugees by Ipsos, which aimed to improve understanding of refugee issues and examine the degree of public support for refugees.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud has exchanged greetings with Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud at a royal reception at Mina Palace in Saudi Arabia during the holy Hajj. The Foreign Minister is now in Saudi Arabia and scheduled to go to New Delhi, India from the Saudi Arabia. He will accompany Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her state visit to India on June 21-22.