At an event organised by the Refugee Support Platform (PAR), Cláudia Pereira wanted to highlight the “challenges” arising from the latest data released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which indicate that in 2020 the number of refugees and internally displaced persons hit a new record and now stands at 82.4 million people.
“We are on a continent that receives 15 percent of refugees and therefore we have to be available to receive even more and better,” she stressed.
The event, called “Together We Welcome”, took place at the Faculty of Humanities of the Catholic University of Portugal and marked World Refugee Day, which was celebrated on 20 June.
The Secretary of State drew attention to UNHCR data that indicates that 42 percent of all displaced persons in the world are under the age of 18, as well as estimates that nearly one million children were born as refugees between 2018 and 2020.
“It is up to the government to create structures that make the reception and integration process more fluid,” argued Cláudia Pereira, adding that municipalities, universities and other civil society have their role to play in the reception and integration of refugees, as well as in meeting “more ambitious targets”.
You mean the governments 'pay masters' - The EU wants Portugal to receive more refugees.
That sounds more like it.
Its called human capital.
By Rui from Algarve on 25 Jun 2021, 11:25
Are you out of your minds? I am fleeing the UK because I feel safe in Portugal. Does the reconquest not mean anything to you? Read about your history.
By David-Paul from UK on 25 Jun 2021, 12:35
Cláudia Pereira., i think you a great person.
Anything I've thought negative of Portugal, I take it back.
Maybe this is Brussels sponsored, who cares.
Be the Light Portugal.
One day even the greedy b*****ds will care.
By love steve from Alentejo on 25 Jun 2021, 14:16
It's a tragedy that there are so many refugees, but let's not make Portugal the dumping ground for them. Let's take in those with a positive mindset, who want to live peacefully and contribute something to society, not others who come with Third World values and want to treat women and gay people badly.
By Billy Bissett from Porto on 25 Jun 2021, 16:01
Why would you import rape, crime and murder? Oh yes, bribes.
By Latoysha Adams from Lisbon on 25 Jun 2021, 16:06
Re Latoysha Adams from Lisbon.
So ALL Refugees are Rapists, Criminals and Murders?
What a Positive Open Outlook you bring to the world.
By Love Steve from Alentejo on 25 Jun 2021, 20:18
Yes, why would you import it......AS IF there isn't rape, crime, and murder already in Portugal. Just like every other country.
By William from Other on 25 Jun 2021, 21:11
This minister is either delirious or incompetent. Let's allocate the problem to those countries who create it!
By Tony Fernandes from Other on 26 Jun 2021, 16:12