United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has opened the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva with a call for more solidarity with refugees and better funding for humanitarian organisations.

The UN official, on Wednesday, criticised attempts by governments to keep refugees out, either by building border walls or fences or by outsourcing asylum procedures to other countries.

He, however, did not name any country.

“Let refugees not be forgotten,” said Mr Grandi, appealing to the approximately 3,000 participants at the three-day forum.

According to Mr Grandi, they deserve opportunities to work and contribute to the common good in their countries of refuge.

Mr Grandi added that 114 million people worldwide are fleeing conflict and violence.

He added that three-quarters of those who had fled across the borders of their home country had found refuge in neighbouring countries with low or middle income.

Aid organisations and governments are represented at the forum alongside around 300 refugees.

Development minister Svenja Schulze is taking part on behalf of Germany.

The forum’s focus is on sustainable solutions for refugees, aid for host countries, better integration opportunities, and how to combat the causes of flight successfully.

The forum is being held for the second time since 2019.

(dpa/NAN)