UNHCR: GLOBAL NORTH SUSPENDS ASYLUM, CUTS DEPORTATION DEALS; 1951 REFUGEE CONVENTION 'UNDER THREAT'

UNHCR warns that governments in the Global North are escalating asylum suspensions and striking third‑country deportation deals, undermining the 1951 Refugee Convention. The agency cites Greece’s asylum freeze and Pakistan’s forced returns while noting most refugees are hosted in poorer countries like Chad amid severe funding shortfalls. UNHCR urges renewed support and cautions that unmet needs could drive secondary movements toward Europe. The agency also acknowledges abuse of asylum systems and growing political support for “return hubs” or deportation centers.