Seoul: A leading official from the United Nations refugee agency has urged South Korea to increase humanitarian aid to address the refugee crisis in East Africa following aid cuts by the Trump administration.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Mamadou Dian Balde, the 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), highlighted the importance of South Korea's engagement at both the governmental and individual levels during his recent visit to Seoul. Balde's remarks come as he attended a forum on forcible displacement in Africa, co-hosted by Yonhap News Agency and the UNHCR.
Balde emphasized the role South Korea could play, especially given its historical experience of displacement during the Korean War. He noted South Korea's supportive stance and called individual donors a "lifesaver" in the ongoing crisis. The appeal follows the U.S. administration's decision to slash approximately US$60 billion in funding to U.N. agencies, including the UNHCR, and terminate a significant portion of foreign aid contracts.
As the conflict in Sudan reaches its second anniversary, Balde underscored the gravity of the crisis, which has resulted in the displacement of around 13 million people. He condemned the violence and urged for an end to the atrocities affecting innocent lives.
In addition to financial contributions, Balde advocated for enhanced partnerships with South Korea's private and technology sectors. He highlighted the potential for technology to aid displaced populations, particularly the youth, in accessing digital resources and fostering social cohesion.
Addressing the often-overlooked African crises, Balde stated, "Every crisis deserves support," and pointed to the interconnected nature of global challenges. He praised Yonhap's Ubuntu Initiative, aimed at enhancing awareness of African issues in Korea, as a step towards recognizing these interlinked crises.
Returning to Seoul after 16 years, Balde acknowledged South Korea's progress on the global stage and called on the nation to leverage its U.N. Security Council position to advocate for African refugee issues. As the regional refugee coordinator, he oversees operations in key East African countries, including Sudan and Uganda, amid dwindling global support.