UNHCR Korea Representative "Thankful to Korean Government for Protecting Myanmar People"

"A Leading Country Helping Refugees Is South Korea"

James Lynch, UNHCR Representative in Korea
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] James Lynch, the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Korea office, expressed gratitude to the Korean government for implementing protective measures for Myanmar nationals.

On the 8th, Representative Lynch attended a special lecture titled "Global Refugee Issues and the Role of the UNHCR," co-hosted by the Seoul National University Asia Center and the HK+ Mega Asia Research Project Group, where he said, "I send a message of welcome for the Korean government's decision to implement 'humanitarian special stay' measures for Myanmar nationals residing in Korea."

He continued, "Considering the local situation in Myanmar, where a military coup has led to bloodshed, the Korean government has taken steps to protect approximately 25,000 Myanmar nationals residing in Korea," adding, "This decision will also have a positive effect from the perspective of the international community."

Previously, the Ministry of Justice granted temporary stay status to Myanmar nationals wishing to remain in Korea. Additionally, those whose stay period has expired and must leave were allowed to voluntarily depart after the local situation stabilizes.

Representative Lynch also stated, "Korea is a leading country where not only the government but also companies and citizens at the private level strive to help and support refugees," explaining, "Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has lasted over a year, Korea did not block the influx of refugees."

He further evaluated, "Above all, Korea has not closed the channels for resolving refugee issues and has responded very promptly to related matters."

Finally, he added, "In 2018, when Yemeni refugees arrived in Jeju Island, Korea was at the center of controversy, but I expect that through healthy discussions and consensus, solutions will be found."

Meanwhile, according to a survey conducted by the UNHCR last year, 33% of 1,016 adults responded in favor of accepting refugees, an increase of 9 percentage points compared to the 2018 survey.