1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the 3rd Korea-UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) policy consultation in a virtual format on December 4. The Korean and UNHCR delegations were led by Director-General for Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cho Yeong-moo and Deputy High Commissioner Kelly Clements, respectively.

2. In the policy consultation, the two sides exchanged views on refugee policies, COVID-19 response, strengthening cooperation between the Korean government and the UNHCR, and response to humanitarian crises.

o The Korean side explained Korea’s policies for development cooperation and humanitarian assistance as well as its efforts to share experiences regarding COVID-19. The Korean delegation added that Korea has contributed actively to the international community’s efforts to resolve refugee issues, including fulfilling its pledge made at the Global Refugee Forum; expanding humanitarian assistance to vulnerable groups including refugees; and participating in the Core Group for the “Support Platform for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR).” The Korean delegation also mentioned that, as the first Asian country to establish a Refugee Act, the Korean government is also continuing domestic efforts to strengthen capacity for refugee protection.

o With the increasing demand for humanitarian assistance in 2021, the UNHCR side explained the decentralization and regionalization efforts that have been made before the outbreak of COVID-19, and noted with appreciation that Korea has faithfully implemented its refugee policy-related pledge and as a major donor to the UNHCR, has made financial contributions.

o In particular, the UNHCR side highly recognized that the Korean government successfully held the “2nd International Conference on Action with Women and Peace” and has also been contributing to addressing gender based violence in conflict by supporting the related projects.

o The two sides shared the view that amid the worsening humanitarian crises experienced by the vulnerable group of refugees due to the spread of COVID-19, it is necessary for the international community to give continued attention and support to them. The two sides also discussed Korea’s in-kind donation worth US$2.5 million through the UNHCR for vulnerable groups and medical personnel in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

o In addition, the UNHCR side expressed appreciation for Korea’s continued support to refugees in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Syria, and Venezuela and neighboring countries hosting refugees, and also asked for Korea’s support in coming up with a sustainable solution to refugee issues.

3. The Korean government, which has been serving as a member of the UNHCR Executive Committee since 2000, has reinforced cooperative relations with the UNHCR by holding the policy consultation despite the increased uncertainty caused by the spread of COVID-19, and will continue efforts to offer assistance to refugees and immigrants in a more efficient and effective manner.