PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The UN Refugee Company (UNHCR) says because of funding constraints, it can shut its bodily workplace in Trinidad and Tobago as of August 31 this yr and that operations can be managed remotely from UNHCR’s Multi-Nation Workplace in Panama.
“UNHCR’s Trinidad and Tobago will shut its workplace to the general public on 25 July 2025,” the UN company mentioned on its web site, including, “Lots of you might be already conscious of latest international occasions which have considerably impacted funding for humanitarian and growth organizations, together with UNHCR and our companions.”
“In lots of international locations, funding has been considerably lowered. Which means that whereas wants are nonetheless nice, there may be much less cash out there to help everybody. This has brought about monetary uncertainty and international, regional, and native funds restrictions,” the UNHCR mentioned.
The Donald Trump administration in the US authorities has minimize US international considerably impacting worldwide organizations, resulting in job losses, program closures, and lowered providers.
The brand new US coverage has raised widespread considerations concerning the capacity of UN businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ship support successfully, notably in areas equivalent to international well being and humanitarian response.
The UNCHR said that it’s conscious that “in these unsure occasions, there may be the potential for rumors and the spreading of false info” and that, with its companions in Trinidad and Tobago, the UNCHR will proceed to advocate for a nationwide asylum system and entry to rights for refugees.
“UNHCR, as a worldwide group by means of its regional and worldwide places of work, may also proceed this necessary work. Because of the closure of the nationwide workplace, the best way these efforts will proceed will change. Nevertheless, the UNHCR’s Multi-Nation Workplace in Panama will proceed to watch the safety surroundings to make sure that the rights of refugees are revered. ”
The UNCHR warned that some people could try to use the present scenario by making false guarantees to supply providers, together with the issuance of documentation, in alternate for cash or favors.
“Please be cautious of rumors and unverified info and verify UNHCR’s Assist webpage (assist.unhcr.org/trinidadandtobago) for official updates and steering,” it mentioned, including that “private information you’ve got shared stays confidential.”
The UNHCR is now not conducting Refugee Standing Dedication (RSD) in Trinidad and Tobago, saying, “Which means that no additional RSD interviews can be scheduled, and no choices can be issued, even when you have been interviewed previously.”
The UNCHR mentioned that below worldwide regulation, refugees must be shielded from being despatched again to a rustic the place they might face hazard and from being detained simply because they’re looking for asylum.
It said that international locations which have signed the 1951 Refugee Conference, together with Trinidad and Tobago, are anticipated to respect these protections.
“The UN Refugee Company and its companions are working onerous to ensure refugees in Trinidad and Tobago are handled pretty and that their rights are revered. We proceed to talk with the federal government and help refugees within the nation. Within the occasion of detention or threat of refoulement, you may contact UNHCR associate, CCHR, for authorized illustration freed from cost.”
