Message from the High Commissioner
25.07.2012
Dear colleagues,
Each year I make a solidarity visit to one of our field operations to share an important moment in the religious calendar with our staff and refugees. At the end of July I will travel on mission to Burkina Faso, and in keeping with tradition, will mark the holy month of Ramadan with the refugees there. I take this opportunity to express my warm wishes to all UNHCR staff and partners who are observing Ramadan worldwide.
As we enter the height of the summer in many of our operations, I also wanted to share with you my admiration for the tremendous efforts that all our staff continue to undertake in the service of those displaced by conflict and political crisis across the globe.
I am particularly proud of the energy and commitment that you have demonstrated in mobilizing to respond to the series of new emergencies which have unfolded over the last 18 months, and in sustaining our operations in protracted situations, often located in the most difficult and insecure environments. The centre of gravity of UNHCR's operations lies in the field, in our direct engagement with the communities for whom we work, and this is what gives us our identity, strength and unique value in the midst of acute humanitarian crises. I am immensely proud of all the efforts you have made, and continue to make, to ensure that those in need of protection and assistance are able to receive it, often in the most adverse of circumstances.
I am conscious that delivering on this responsibility makes huge personal and professional demands on our staff. In addition to ongoing crises, we are currently responding to intensifying emergencies in and around Mali, Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and along the Sudan/South Sudan border. Many of you have cancelled leave plans and are working long hours in extremely hot, arid or wet conditions, in locations where access is limited and where there are significant logistical challenges, to ensure that those fleeing life-threatening situations are received, assisted and protected. Plese accept my sincere appreciation for your dedication and commitment.
I also know that, especially for our national colleagues, some of these situations have become very precarious and, at times, dangerous, including for family members. Our colleagues in Syria are particularly in my thoughts, as I am sure they are for all of us, at this critical time. I am in direct contact with our senior staff in Syria, and am also following closely the situation in other ongoing emergencies, and will continue to work with our senior managers to ensure that all possible support is provided to our colleagues, both national and international.
Please accept my continued appreciation and support, and my heartfelt thanks.
High Commissioner