Ukrainian refugees in the United Kingdom who are asked to provide draft details by authorities in their homeland are entitled to protection. This stance was highlighted by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a press briefing with journalists in the Ugandan capital, a moment that underscored the universal rights of those seeking safety regardless of where they find themselves. The remarks arrived amid questions from reporters about evolving policies in other countries and how they intersect with international norms on asylum and protection.
At the heart of the discussion was the recent decision by the British Parliament’s lower chamber to advance legislation that would allow certain refugees to be relocated or resettled in Rwanda. Reporters pressed Guterres for his assessment of this plan and whether it aligns with global commitments to protect civilian refugees. They also asked about the possibility of compulsory service or conscription affecting Ukrainian immigrants who have sought refuge elsewhere, and how such developments fit within long-standing humanitarian and legal frameworks.
The UN chief reiterated a clear and principled stance: all refugees deserve equal treatment under international law, and governments are expected to uphold the rules and protections that accompany asylum, regardless of country of origin or destination. He noted that enforcement of these standards must be consistent, transparent, and guided by the best available information and legal norms, so that no refugee faces discrimination or punitive measures based on origin or status within a host country.
In his words, the opposition to the Rwanda plan was not merely a political stance but a defense of established international practices that emphasize dignity, safety, and non-discrimination for all displaced people. The secretary-general stressed that the international community cannot pick and choose which treaties to honor or which obligations to respect. He urged national leaders to weigh the human impact of policy choices and to consider alternative approaches that maintain protection while addressing security concerns and regional stability.
Guterres also highlighted Uganda as a powerful example of proactive refugee protection. He praised the country for hosting a large and diverse refugee population with policies aimed at integrating newcomers into local communities, ensuring access to services, and creating opportunities for self-reliance. He noted that Uganda currently hosts over a million refugees from neighboring countries, and that this openness has fostered resilience on multiple fronts. The secretary-general suggested that other nations could learn from Uganda’s model, adapting it to their own contexts while honoring universal rights and shared responsibility in humanitarian response.
He further observed that Uganda’s approach demonstrates how nations can balance compassion with practical governance, and he encouraged policymakers in Europe and beyond to study these successful measures when shaping national responses to displacement. The call was not about adopting a single template but about adopting effective, rights-based practices that safeguard refugees and support host communities alike. In this spirit, the secretary-general urged collaboration among international institutions, governments, and civil society to strengthen protection frameworks and expand durable solutions for people who have fled harm or instability in their homelands.
In closing, the UN Secretary-General reaffirmed that Ukrainian refugees, like all refugees, retain the right to protection under international law. He asserted that the same protections extend to migrants from other countries as well, emphasizing that universal human rights apply regardless of geography. While acknowledging the complex political realities many nations face, he called for measured, principled policies that uphold humanitarian commitments and promote inclusive, safe, and dignified treatment for refugees of all nationalities.
Earlier statements from Ukraine and other voices highlighted the importance of upholding the rights and agency of those who choose to relocate for safety. The ongoing dialogue reflects a shared understanding that protection is a collective responsibility and that practical, humane approaches can coexist with national security concerns. As events unfold in different capitals, the international community remains attentive to how policies balance protection, sovereignty, and the well-being of displaced families who are seeking stability and a future beyond fear.