UNHCR official to discuss global forced displacement for RAS Korea lecture

Stefan Maier, the deputy representative for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Korea, is set to discuss global forced displacement at a lecture by RAS Korea. In a written interview with The Korea Times, Maier expressed his hope that by 2035, the UNHCR's 50 by 35 vision will have halved the number of refugees who have been displaced for extended periods and are unable to meet their basic needs without humanitarian assistance.

Maier emphasized the interconnected nature of our world, stating that forced displacement may begin locally but often has far-reaching consequences. Conflicts and persecution can uproot millions of people, causing repercussions that extend far beyond the countries and regions where they originate. He provided the example of the arrival of around 550 Yemenis on Jeju Island in 2018.

Maier himself had a personal connection to this event, as he worked in Yemen from 2015 to 2017 during the height of a devastating war and humanitarian crisis.

Maier's message highlights the urgent need for action to address the long-term displacement of millions of refugees. By focusing on reducing the number of people reliant on humanitarian assistance, the UNHCR aims to create a more sustainable and resilient future for those affected by forced displacement.