Concern over approaching UNHCR departure

By Kaelanne Jordan

mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

The impending closure of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Trinidad and Tobago, “is not the end of the story”.

“It’s hard to handle but this must be the beginning of a stronger, more inclusive local response rooted in compassion, [human] rights and dignity for all. We are here and we will continue guiding all the efforts to maintain that mandate UNHCR built in our organisation.”

This was the view of Andreina Briceno Brown, Director and Founder of La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, on news that the UNHCR’s Port of Spain office will cease serving the public on July 25, ahead of its full closure on August 31, as part of a broader global funding crisis. Afterward, operations will be managed remotely from UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office in Panama, supported by a minimal local presence.

Briceno Brown described the UNHCR’s departure as a “significant challenge” that threatens to cripple already strained community support systems.

“The reaction has been one of deep concern, uncertainty, and fear… For many, the question may be now: what now? Or who will be protecting us?”

She explained La Casita has been benefitting from UNHCR’s financial support over the past few years, particularly in the form of project funding, technical guidance training and protection, and referrals.

“These partnerships have allowed us to offer critical services such as child education, safe spaces, legal assistance and emergency response for refugees and asylum seekers, especially survivors of gender-based violence,” Briceno Brown said.

She added because La Casita is “already working at capacity” the loss of UNHCR will place “a greater demand” on the NGO’s services—without the resources “to respond effectively”.

However, Briceno Brown maintained that La Casita is committed to maintaining support for those most at risk.

“The road ahead will require collaboration, innovation and a strong advocacy to avoid the collapse of migrant protection…we don’t have any assisting support for funding from the government directly, but we recognise that local integration is a shared responsibility,” she said.

Thousands may face detention

Meanwhile, Darrion Narine, Programme Manager at the Archdiocesan Ministry for Migrants and Refugees (AMMR) foresees heightened legal uncertainty, psychosocial distress, and humanitarian need with the UNHCR’s closure.

He said the Church will likely face an increase in demand for basic needs, spiritual care, case management and protection services.

“However, we do not have the legal authority or financial resources to fully substitute the role UNHCR played,” Narine said.

He warned, “Without a central body to manage registration, status determination, and refugee protection, many individuals—especially unaccompanied minors, survivors of trafficking, and single mothers—will be left in limbo.”

According to Narine, UNHCR was the “de facto body” for registering asylum seekers and issuing documentation that allowed access to basic services.

Without this, “thousands risk becoming undocumented, exposing them to detention, deportation, and exploitation.”

He opined that programmes supported by UNHCR—such as mental health services for survivors of gender-based violence—will likely collapse unless new resources are found quickly.

“The vacuum left could compromise the emotional well-being of already fragile communities,” he said.

Sheldon Sookram, Legal Officer at the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR), also echoed the alarm, warning of a complete breakdown in refugee registration and oversight.

“Even persons who would have once held the UNHCR card and it expired—they are now unable to renew the card. This could potentially lead to an increase in detention and deportation,” Sookram said.

CCHR, which frequently offers legal support and advocacy for refugees, warns that the closure could also heighten the potential for human rights violations, including threats, racism, and xenophobia.

Though CCHR has reached out to the government with an offer to assist during the transition, Sookram said they are still waiting for a response.