Discrimination, racism against foreigners fleeing Ukraine ‘must end’: Migration agency

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) - Discrimination and racism against foreign nationals fleeing Ukraine “must end,” the head of the International Organization for Migration said on Thursday, calling on states to investigate and to “address it immediately.”

“I am alarmed about verified credible reports of discrimination, violence and xenophobia against third country nationals attempting to flee the conflict in Ukraine,” said IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino.

He added his voice to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) chief Filippo Grandi who expressed dismay on Tuesday over reports that foreigners fleeing Ukraine due to the invasion from Russia are experiencing mistreatment and he had pleaded for more humanity and compassion for non-Europeans and refugees from other nations.

“Let me be clear, discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, or migration status is unacceptable. I deplore any such acts and call on States to investigate this issue and address it immediately,” Vittorio said.

He said that men, women, and children from dozens of nationalities, including migrant workers and students living in Ukraine are facing acute challenges attempting to leave conflict-affected areas, cross borders into neighboring countries, and seek life-saving assistance.

“We are receiving reports of discrimination resulting in heightened risk and suffering,” said the IOM head.

- International humanitarian law

Vittorio insisted that neighboring countries need to ensure that all those fleeing Ukraine are granted unhindered access to territory regardless of status and in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.

“Protection and immediate assistance must be provided in a non-discriminatory and culturally appropriate manner, in line with the humanitarian imperative, to all conflict-affected people throughout their journey to safety,” he said.

Vittorio welcomed the European Commission’s proposal to activate the Temporary Protection Directive to assist people fleeing Ukraine.

It issued a call on EU states to ensure the inclusion of third-country nationals in such protection measures.

Agnes Callamard, secretary-general of Amnesty International, also commented on discrimination that people from some nations face during the crisis.

"The racism, crass ignorance of some journalists and others commenting on the refugee flows out of Ukraine is just disgusting,” Callamard had written in a Tweet.

“And yet so revealing of Western nations' treatment of refugees and migrants for decades. Biopolitics, Racism enshrined in every bit of our systems, psyche,” she said.