Ruben Fierens
@rfierens.bsky.social
#WithRefugees. UNHCR Brussels. Previously Kenya & Somalia. Views my own. RT not endorsement.
Statement from UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi on brutal funding cuts:
This is not just a shortfall – it is a crisis of responsibility. The cost of inaction will be measured in suffering, instability and lost futures.
⬇️
www.unhcr.org/news/press-r...
This is not just a shortfall – it is a crisis of responsibility. The cost of inaction will be measured in suffering, instability and lost futures.
⬇️
www.unhcr.org/news/press-r...
Statement by UNHCR’s Filippo Grandi on the impact of global aid cuts on refugees | UNHCR
Brutal funding cuts in the humanitarian sector are putting millions of lives at risk. The consequences for people fleeing danger will be immediate and devastating, UNHCR’s Filippo Grandi says of the i...
www.unhcr.org
March 20, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Statement from UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi on brutal funding cuts:
This is not just a shortfall – it is a crisis of responsibility. The cost of inaction will be measured in suffering, instability and lost futures.
⬇️
www.unhcr.org/news/press-r...
This is not just a shortfall – it is a crisis of responsibility. The cost of inaction will be measured in suffering, instability and lost futures.
⬇️
www.unhcr.org/news/press-r...
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
To the little angels, who met so early human cruelty and, unfortunately, will never become adults...
Karkiyv
We, adults, bear the responsibility.
What will our generation be remembered for - from Gaza to Ukraine or Myanmar, from DRCongo to the Mediterranean Sea?
Karkiyv
We, adults, bear the responsibility.
What will our generation be remembered for - from Gaza to Ukraine or Myanmar, from DRCongo to the Mediterranean Sea?
February 24, 2025 at 6:09 PM
To the little angels, who met so early human cruelty and, unfortunately, will never become adults...
Karkiyv
We, adults, bear the responsibility.
What will our generation be remembered for - from Gaza to Ukraine or Myanmar, from DRCongo to the Mediterranean Sea?
Karkiyv
We, adults, bear the responsibility.
What will our generation be remembered for - from Gaza to Ukraine or Myanmar, from DRCongo to the Mediterranean Sea?
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
Alors qu’il y a de timides espoirs en Syrie ou peut-être même en Ukraine, le Congo retombe dans la violence
Jenny sait ce qu’être forcé de devoir fuir: c’est l’histoire de sa famille
Elle nous rappelle notre devoir de ne pas fermer les yeux-surtout ici
@lalibre.be
www.lalibre.be/debats/opini...
Jenny sait ce qu’être forcé de devoir fuir: c’est l’histoire de sa famille
Elle nous rappelle notre devoir de ne pas fermer les yeux-surtout ici
@lalibre.be
www.lalibre.be/debats/opini...
Le cycle de souffrance en RDC doit s'arrêter : voici mon histoire car, aujourd'hui encore, le cauchemar se répète
En l'espace de quelques semaines, plus de 500 000 personnes ont été déplacées, s'ajoutant aux près de 7 millions déjà arrachées à leur foyer. Ce chiffre, relayé par le HCR, l'Agence des Nations Unies ...
www.lalibre.be
February 7, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Alors qu’il y a de timides espoirs en Syrie ou peut-être même en Ukraine, le Congo retombe dans la violence
Jenny sait ce qu’être forcé de devoir fuir: c’est l’histoire de sa famille
Elle nous rappelle notre devoir de ne pas fermer les yeux-surtout ici
@lalibre.be
www.lalibre.be/debats/opini...
Jenny sait ce qu’être forcé de devoir fuir: c’est l’histoire de sa famille
Elle nous rappelle notre devoir de ne pas fermer les yeux-surtout ici
@lalibre.be
www.lalibre.be/debats/opini...
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
“Shall I stay or shall I go?” is probably on the minds of many Syrian refugees in the EU.
⬇️⬇️⬇️
⬇️⬇️⬇️
February 10, 2025 at 10:53 AM
“Shall I stay or shall I go?” is probably on the minds of many Syrian refugees in the EU.
⬇️⬇️⬇️
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
“Pessimisme verlamt Europa, maar we zijn sterker dan we denken”
De Morgen vandaag
www.demorgen.be/ts-b4ed9274/
De Morgen vandaag
www.demorgen.be/ts-b4ed9274/
EU-watcher Caroline de Gruyter: ‘Het pessimisme verlamt Europa, terwijl we sterker zijn dan we denken’
EU-correspondente Caroline de Gruyter waarschuwt dat ook Europa een speelbal kan worden van grootmachten die azen op nieuwe kolonies. We zitten plots in een ander tijdperk, maar we staan sterker dan w...
www.demorgen.be
February 8, 2025 at 10:23 AM
“Pessimisme verlamt Europa, maar we zijn sterker dan we denken”
De Morgen vandaag
www.demorgen.be/ts-b4ed9274/
De Morgen vandaag
www.demorgen.be/ts-b4ed9274/
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
Very important meeting with Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The agency’s work in ensuring the protection of people and the good management of refugee flows is essential for the European stability. Its activity should be fully supported in these dire times.
February 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Very important meeting with Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The agency’s work in ensuring the protection of people and the good management of refugee flows is essential for the European stability. Its activity should be fully supported in these dire times.
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
“Lifting sanctions hindering Syria’s early recovery but making it conditional + scaling up humanitarian aid to address urgent needs in Syria” as announced by @kajakallas.bsky.social will help find solutions for 7+ mio internally displaced & pave the way for refugee returns 🙏
EU Foreign Ministers just agreed on a roadmap to ease the EU’s sanctions on Syria.
While we aim to move fast, the lifting of sanctions can be reversed if wrong steps are taken.
While we aim to move fast, the lifting of sanctions can be reversed if wrong steps are taken.
January 27, 2025 at 6:52 PM
“Lifting sanctions hindering Syria’s early recovery but making it conditional + scaling up humanitarian aid to address urgent needs in Syria” as announced by @kajakallas.bsky.social will help find solutions for 7+ mio internally displaced & pave the way for refugee returns 🙏
On #EducationDay, we celebrate the power of education to transform lives, build resilience and shape brighter futures. 🌍
Follow this thread to learn more 📚
Follow this thread to learn more 📚
January 24, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
After an historical change in Damascus, what’s now - if not: next - for Syrian refugees in Europe?
www.eesc.europa.eu/en/news-medi...
www.eesc.europa.eu/en/news-medi...
January 21, 2025 at 6:25 AM
After an historical change in Damascus, what’s now - if not: next - for Syrian refugees in Europe?
www.eesc.europa.eu/en/news-medi...
www.eesc.europa.eu/en/news-medi...
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
During asylum processes, detention must be strictly justified by grounds clearly defined.
Even when such grounds exist, *alternatives* to detention must first & foremost be considered.
Check the EU Asylum Agency’s manual: euaa.europa.eu/sites/defaul...
Alternatives are often as effective.
Even when such grounds exist, *alternatives* to detention must first & foremost be considered.
Check the EU Asylum Agency’s manual: euaa.europa.eu/sites/defaul...
Alternatives are often as effective.
January 20, 2025 at 7:44 AM
During asylum processes, detention must be strictly justified by grounds clearly defined.
Even when such grounds exist, *alternatives* to detention must first & foremost be considered.
Check the EU Asylum Agency’s manual: euaa.europa.eu/sites/defaul...
Alternatives are often as effective.
Even when such grounds exist, *alternatives* to detention must first & foremost be considered.
Check the EU Asylum Agency’s manual: euaa.europa.eu/sites/defaul...
Alternatives are often as effective.
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
Syria
Much welcome change of regime
But for most Syrians inside the country or in exile, no change… yet!
Still living in extremely dire conditions
As Commissioner Lahbib visits the region, the EU must demonstrate its humanitarian leadership by stepping up ECHO’s financial support
Much welcome change of regime
But for most Syrians inside the country or in exile, no change… yet!
Still living in extremely dire conditions
As Commissioner Lahbib visits the region, the EU must demonstrate its humanitarian leadership by stepping up ECHO’s financial support
January 18, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Syria
Much welcome change of regime
But for most Syrians inside the country or in exile, no change… yet!
Still living in extremely dire conditions
As Commissioner Lahbib visits the region, the EU must demonstrate its humanitarian leadership by stepping up ECHO’s financial support
Much welcome change of regime
But for most Syrians inside the country or in exile, no change… yet!
Still living in extremely dire conditions
As Commissioner Lahbib visits the region, the EU must demonstrate its humanitarian leadership by stepping up ECHO’s financial support
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
Here is what Poland & Denmark should consider as they lead Europe in 2025:
www.refworld.org/policy/polre...
Strengthen borders & asylum systems
+
make returns of failed asylum claimants more effective & invest more € in third countries
=
for both refugees’ & EU citizens’ benefits.
www.refworld.org/policy/polre...
Strengthen borders & asylum systems
+
make returns of failed asylum claimants more effective & invest more € in third countries
=
for both refugees’ & EU citizens’ benefits.
January 14, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Here is what Poland & Denmark should consider as they lead Europe in 2025:
www.refworld.org/policy/polre...
Strengthen borders & asylum systems
+
make returns of failed asylum claimants more effective & invest more € in third countries
=
for both refugees’ & EU citizens’ benefits.
www.refworld.org/policy/polre...
Strengthen borders & asylum systems
+
make returns of failed asylum claimants more effective & invest more € in third countries
=
for both refugees’ & EU citizens’ benefits.
🚨 NOMINATION TIME 🚨
Each year, the UNHCR Nansen Award recognizes several individuals or organizations that have taken extraordinary action to protect and assist refugees, internally displaced or stateless people.
The nomination period for the 2025 awards is open! www.unhcr.org/about-unhcr/...
Each year, the UNHCR Nansen Award recognizes several individuals or organizations that have taken extraordinary action to protect and assist refugees, internally displaced or stateless people.
The nomination period for the 2025 awards is open! www.unhcr.org/about-unhcr/...
Nominate | UNHCR
Each year, the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award recognizes several individuals, groups or organizations that have shown exceptional dedication in protecting and assisting refugees, internally displaced or s...
www.unhcr.org
January 14, 2025 at 1:49 PM
🚨 NOMINATION TIME 🚨
Each year, the UNHCR Nansen Award recognizes several individuals or organizations that have taken extraordinary action to protect and assist refugees, internally displaced or stateless people.
The nomination period for the 2025 awards is open! www.unhcr.org/about-unhcr/...
Each year, the UNHCR Nansen Award recognizes several individuals or organizations that have taken extraordinary action to protect and assist refugees, internally displaced or stateless people.
The nomination period for the 2025 awards is open! www.unhcr.org/about-unhcr/...
Lots to unpack here: Syria, EU Pact Implementation, Ukraine, resettlement, returns..
@unhcr.org listed 10 recommendations to the Council of the EU. 43% of people expect to give up their New Year's resolutions after just one month. Adopt these and do better PL & DK!
www.refworld.org/policy/polre...
@unhcr.org listed 10 recommendations to the Council of the EU. 43% of people expect to give up their New Year's resolutions after just one month. Adopt these and do better PL & DK!
www.refworld.org/policy/polre...
UNHCR’S 2025 Recommendations for the Polish and Danish Presidencies of the Council of the European Union (EU) | Refworld
www.refworld.org
January 14, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Lots to unpack here: Syria, EU Pact Implementation, Ukraine, resettlement, returns..
@unhcr.org listed 10 recommendations to the Council of the EU. 43% of people expect to give up their New Year's resolutions after just one month. Adopt these and do better PL & DK!
www.refworld.org/policy/polre...
@unhcr.org listed 10 recommendations to the Council of the EU. 43% of people expect to give up their New Year's resolutions after just one month. Adopt these and do better PL & DK!
www.refworld.org/policy/polre...
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
🇮🇪
New government = new opportunities to do good on the refugee file.
Here are @UNHCRIreland’s recommendations to make sure that as wanted by Irish people, those fleeing wars & persecutions are welcomed in Ireland.
www.unhcr.org/ie/sites/en-...
New government = new opportunities to do good on the refugee file.
Here are @UNHCRIreland’s recommendations to make sure that as wanted by Irish people, those fleeing wars & persecutions are welcomed in Ireland.
www.unhcr.org/ie/sites/en-...
January 9, 2025 at 1:51 PM
🇮🇪
New government = new opportunities to do good on the refugee file.
Here are @UNHCRIreland’s recommendations to make sure that as wanted by Irish people, those fleeing wars & persecutions are welcomed in Ireland.
www.unhcr.org/ie/sites/en-...
New government = new opportunities to do good on the refugee file.
Here are @UNHCRIreland’s recommendations to make sure that as wanted by Irish people, those fleeing wars & persecutions are welcomed in Ireland.
www.unhcr.org/ie/sites/en-...
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
🥖Not just a lockdown hobby! Baking bread takes care and attention—and is a great way to learn valuable job skills.
London’s "Breadwinners" helps refugees like Abdisa & Abdullah master business while serving tasty loaves to their community. 🍞🍞
bit.ly/4dcqE1g
London’s "Breadwinners" helps refugees like Abdisa & Abdullah master business while serving tasty loaves to their community. 🍞🍞
bit.ly/4dcqE1g
January 10, 2025 at 10:38 AM
🥖Not just a lockdown hobby! Baking bread takes care and attention—and is a great way to learn valuable job skills.
London’s "Breadwinners" helps refugees like Abdisa & Abdullah master business while serving tasty loaves to their community. 🍞🍞
bit.ly/4dcqE1g
London’s "Breadwinners" helps refugees like Abdisa & Abdullah master business while serving tasty loaves to their community. 🍞🍞
bit.ly/4dcqE1g
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
Ik klink ondertussen grijsgedraaid, maar bij elke winterprik moet ik denken aan al die mensen zonder dak boven hun hoofd.
Dak- en thuisloosheid is elke dag van het jaar ernstig, maar op dagen zoals vandaag is het toch dat tikkeltje acuter.
Een rijk land als België kan beter.
Dak- en thuisloosheid is elke dag van het jaar ernstig, maar op dagen zoals vandaag is het toch dat tikkeltje acuter.
Een rijk land als België kan beter.
January 9, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Ik klink ondertussen grijsgedraaid, maar bij elke winterprik moet ik denken aan al die mensen zonder dak boven hun hoofd.
Dak- en thuisloosheid is elke dag van het jaar ernstig, maar op dagen zoals vandaag is het toch dat tikkeltje acuter.
Een rijk land als België kan beter.
Dak- en thuisloosheid is elke dag van het jaar ernstig, maar op dagen zoals vandaag is het toch dat tikkeltje acuter.
Een rijk land als België kan beter.
We're a perfectly normal country. I swear.
Belgium issues food advisory against consuming Christmas trees
Belgium issues food advisory against consuming Christmas trees
Message came after Ghent, a city in the country’s northern region, posted tips for recycling the conifer as a dish
At a time when most people have probably polished off their holiday leftovers, Belgium’s food agency has issued a surprising seasonal…
www.theguardian.com
January 8, 2025 at 2:34 PM
We're a perfectly normal country. I swear.
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
This is why supporting refugees with cash is so important.
Help people forced to flee this winter.
Donate today: bit.ly/4fXMJD5
Help people forced to flee this winter.
Donate today: bit.ly/4fXMJD5
January 3, 2025 at 2:09 PM
This is why supporting refugees with cash is so important.
Help people forced to flee this winter.
Donate today: bit.ly/4fXMJD5
Help people forced to flee this winter.
Donate today: bit.ly/4fXMJD5
Lees hieronder het opiniestuk van UNHCR's Vertegenwoordiger in België @jnbeuze.bsky.social :
"Of het nu in verre landen is of hier in België, ik ben ervan overtuigd dat we heel wat medestanders hebben – soms een stille meerderheid – die nog steeds een verschil willen maken voor vluchtelingen."
"Of het nu in verre landen is of hier in België, ik ben ervan overtuigd dat we heel wat medestanders hebben – soms een stille meerderheid – die nog steeds een verschil willen maken voor vluchtelingen."
Mes réflexions de fin d’une année anxiogène dans @lesoir.bsky.social
Beaucoup d’entre nous s’inquiètent pour leur avenir personnel
Avons-nous encore la capacité de prendre soin des uns des autres?
Persuadé qu’une majorité silencieuse l’a
Elle doit se faire entendre
www.lesoir.be/643346/artic...
Beaucoup d’entre nous s’inquiètent pour leur avenir personnel
Avons-nous encore la capacité de prendre soin des uns des autres?
Persuadé qu’une majorité silencieuse l’a
Elle doit se faire entendre
www.lesoir.be/643346/artic...
Migration : 2024, une année marquée par des souffrances humaines sans précédent
Dans une carte blanche, Jean-Nicolas Beuze, représentant du Haut-Commissariat des Nations unies pour les réfugiés (HCR) pour l’Union européenne, la Belgique, le Luxembourg et les Pays-Bas, dresse le b...
www.lesoir.be
December 19, 2024 at 9:46 AM
Lees hieronder het opiniestuk van UNHCR's Vertegenwoordiger in België @jnbeuze.bsky.social :
"Of het nu in verre landen is of hier in België, ik ben ervan overtuigd dat we heel wat medestanders hebben – soms een stille meerderheid – die nog steeds een verschil willen maken voor vluchtelingen."
"Of het nu in verre landen is of hier in België, ik ben ervan overtuigd dat we heel wat medestanders hebben – soms een stille meerderheid – die nog steeds een verschil willen maken voor vluchtelingen."
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
A centre for refugees managed by refugees in BXL?
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
At @unhcr.org 🇪🇺 & 🇧🇪🇱🇺 it is not about us, but about refugees’ own resilience & leadership.
We amplify their voices (and it is not about “giving voice” as they already have theirs)…
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
At @unhcr.org 🇪🇺 & 🇧🇪🇱🇺 it is not about us, but about refugees’ own resilience & leadership.
We amplify their voices (and it is not about “giving voice” as they already have theirs)…
December 18, 2024 at 9:25 AM
A centre for refugees managed by refugees in BXL?
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
At @unhcr.org 🇪🇺 & 🇧🇪🇱🇺 it is not about us, but about refugees’ own resilience & leadership.
We amplify their voices (and it is not about “giving voice” as they already have theirs)…
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
At @unhcr.org 🇪🇺 & 🇧🇪🇱🇺 it is not about us, but about refugees’ own resilience & leadership.
We amplify their voices (and it is not about “giving voice” as they already have theirs)…
Reposted by Ruben Fierens
Some are leaving violence.
Others are returning home.
Sounds familiar?
No, it is not Syria, but South Sudan.
And in both places & many others, without 🇪🇺 ECHO, we would not be able to be at the service of displaced - whatever directions they take…
Others are returning home.
Sounds familiar?
No, it is not Syria, but South Sudan.
And in both places & many others, without 🇪🇺 ECHO, we would not be able to be at the service of displaced - whatever directions they take…
December 17, 2024 at 9:47 AM
Some are leaving violence.
Others are returning home.
Sounds familiar?
No, it is not Syria, but South Sudan.
And in both places & many others, without 🇪🇺 ECHO, we would not be able to be at the service of displaced - whatever directions they take…
Others are returning home.
Sounds familiar?
No, it is not Syria, but South Sudan.
And in both places & many others, without 🇪🇺 ECHO, we would not be able to be at the service of displaced - whatever directions they take…
1. Nobody shall be forcibly returned to Syria - nobody means nobody
2. Syrians shall continue to have access to asylum in third countries - including the EU
3. Syrians will need massive supports to reintegrate if/when they decide to return - let’s be ready
www.refworld.org/policy/count...
2. Syrians shall continue to have access to asylum in third countries - including the EU
3. Syrians will need massive supports to reintegrate if/when they decide to return - let’s be ready
www.refworld.org/policy/count...
December 16, 2024 at 4:20 PM
1. Nobody shall be forcibly returned to Syria - nobody means nobody
2. Syrians shall continue to have access to asylum in third countries - including the EU
3. Syrians will need massive supports to reintegrate if/when they decide to return - let’s be ready
www.refworld.org/policy/count...
2. Syrians shall continue to have access to asylum in third countries - including the EU
3. Syrians will need massive supports to reintegrate if/when they decide to return - let’s be ready
www.refworld.org/policy/count...