The UNHCR in 7 images by Filippo Grandi

To mark the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, gives us his point of view through a selection of commented images from the Magnum Photos collection. 

 

Germany, 1950

"2021 marks the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Thanks to the Convention millions of lives have been saved. Seventy years since it was drawn up, it is crucial that the international community defends its principles."

 

Greece, 2016

"Behind every photo is a person forced from their home and a story of displacement, dispossession and suffering. They merit our attention and support not just with humanitarian aid, but in working together to find solutions to their plight."

 

Afghanistan, 1994

"UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is committed to staying in Afghanistan and continuing to support Afghan women and men, as we have done for over 40 years."

 

Sudan, 1972

"Education will prepare refugee children and youth for the world of today and of tomorrow. In turn, it will make the world more resilient, sustainable and peaceful."

 

Lebanon, 2006

"The trauma of war. Of violence. Of discrimination. Of abuse. And then, flight - and the trauma of exile, loss, loneliness, sometimes more abuse. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is committed to helping refugees and displaced people heal their inner wounds"

 

Yemen, 1992

"As old conflicts continue and new ones erupt, displacing millions of people, we need smart, inspiring, engaging and inclusive ways of helping refugees and host communities. We all have a role to play – governments, private companies, individuals and foundations"

 

Vietnam, 1968

"None of us can do this alone. But if we work together – together! – with courage and humility, and in a true spirit of solidarity, putting the common good before individual and national considerations, then we have a chance to succeed."