BVI & UN Refugee Agency strengthen ties as Caribbean irregular migration rises
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have committed to enhancing their partnership in response to the consistent increase in irregular migration in the Caribbean and the number of refugees and asylum cases throughout the subregion.
During a courtesy call at the UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) USA office in Washington, DC, Mr. Benito Wheatley, the BVI Special Envoy, and Mr. Matthew Reynolds, the UNHCR Regional Representative for the United States of America (USA) and the Caribbean, discussed the obstacles that irregular migration presents to the Caribbean.
The economic, social, and legal challenges associated with addressing the plight of irregular migrants who have been displaced or are fleeing violence and instability in their home countries were among the topics they discussed. This included the availability of additional financial resources by Caribbean governments to respond effectively.
Ms. Samantha Bipat, Protection Associate for the Caribbean at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, provided an update on the current status of asylum applicants and refugees in the subregion and emphasized the necessity of enhancing social protection, particularly for women and children.
Mr Matthew reiterated the UNHCR’s dedication to enhancing its relationship with the British Virgin Islands (BVI) as a host country for a refugee population.
Mr. Wheatley expressed his thoughts on the meeting by stating,
“The British Virgin Islands appreciates the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) increasing collaboration with the Government on irregular migration, asylum case management, and refugee issues. We are eager to engage in further discussions regarding the support that the UN refugee agency can offer to bolster the Government’s ongoing efforts to assist refugees who are currently on the island.”
The UNHCR MCO-USA office has jurisdiction over the United States and 18 Caribbean countries and territories, including the British Virgin Islands.