Seoul: A top official at the U.N. refugee agency has called on South Korea to enhance its humanitarian aid to address the refugee crisis in East Africa, which has been exacerbated by aid cuts from the Trump administration.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Mamadou Dian Balde, regional director for the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes at the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), emphasized the importance of South Korea's continued involvement at both the governmental and individual levels, following the suspension of U.S. humanitarian aid. Balde, currently in Seoul for a forum on forcible displacement in Africa hosted by Yonhap News Agency and the U.N. agency, highlighted the crucial role South Korea's support plays as a "lifesaver."
Balde noted that shortly after President Donald Trump's inauguration, the U.S. administration announced a reduction of approximately US$60 billion in funding to U.N. agencies, including the UNHCR, and ended 90 percent of foreign aid contracts. He underscored South Korea's unique position, drawing from its experience of displacement and recovery from the Korean War, to leverage technological advancements to aid others facing similar hardships.
Marking the second anniversary of the Sudan crisis, Balde urged attention to the world's largest displacement crisis, with around 13 million people displaced. He condemned the acts of violence and emphasized the need to halt such attacks on humanity. In addition to financial support, Balde advocated for stronger partnerships with South Korea's private and technology sectors to improve digital access for the displaced, particularly the youth.
Balde addressed the lack of global attention towards African crises, advocating that every crisis deserves support, and emphasized the interconnected nature of global challenges. He praised efforts like Yonhap's Ubuntu Initiative, which aims to raise awareness of African issues within Korean society.
Balde, returning to Seoul after 16 years, acknowledged South Korea's advancements and its respected status in the international community. He urged South Korea to use its seat on the U.N. Security Council to highlight underrepresented African crises, where the number of refugees continues to rise amidst declining global support. Balde currently oversees refugee operations in 11 East African countries and serves as the regional refugee coordinator for the Sudan crisis.