Welcome to the United Nations
“Building back better from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while advancing the full implementation of the agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (hereinafter referred to as UNHCR) refers to the letter dated 26 November 2021 by which it was invited to provide substantive inputs to the 2022 High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on its review of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 4 (quality education), 5 (gender equality), 14 (life below water); 15 (life on land) and 17 (partnership for the goals), and the 2022 theme.
Assessment of the situation regarding the principle of “leaving no one behind” against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic and for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, within the respective areas addressed by your intergovernmental body;
This year will still be shaped by three C’s– conflict, COVID-19 and climate change – and by how the world will respond to it. All three have long lasting effects on the most vulnerable population groups, including refugees, internally displaced and stateless persons.
Although the pandemic slowed the rate of new displacements, in the first half of 2021, more than 84 million individuals were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. That was an increase of 1.6 million people from the previous year, and the world’s forcibly displaced population remained at a record high. 86% of those who fled are hosted in developing countries with limited resources underscoring the need to align humanitarian action with development efforts. Moreover, 90% of refugees and 70% of internally displaced persons are from countries more vulnerable to climate change. Climate change amplifies inequality. Displaced women and girls are more vulnerable to climate change impacts than men as they are less likely to access finance and information, and natural resources necessary for survival such as land, food and water that climate change directly impacts. Often, displaced women and girls face greater health and safety risks as water and sanitation systems become compromised.
