UN urges Trump to stop banning refugees

By Fatih Erel

GENEVA (AA) - The United Nations on Saturday called on the Trump administration in the U.S. not to close its borders for people fleeing war and persecution.

"The needs of refugees and migrants worldwide have never been greater, and the U.S. resettlement program is one of the most important in the world,"
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and IOM, the International Organization for Migration, said in a joint statement.

"Resettlement places provided by every country are vital," UNHCR and IOM said.

Trump signed an executive action Wednesday to deport undocumented immigrants involved in criminal activity, and another Friday that limits the flow of refugees into the U.S. as a measure against what he called "radical Islamic terrorists".

The second action reportedly involves four months-long entry ban on people from several blacklisted Middle Eastern countries, although President Trump said Christians living in Muslim-majority nations would be given priority to enter the U.S.

U.N. agencies "hope that the U.S. will continue its strong leadership role and long tradition of protecting those who are fleeing conflict and persecution," the statement said.

"We strongly believe that refugees should receive equal treatment for protection and assistance, and opportunities for resettlement, regardless of their religion, nationality or race," it said.