In a statement on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Mr. Grandi said they also bore witness to the “ugly reality” that some Black and Brown people fleeing Ukraine have not received the same treatment as Ukrainian refugees.

By the way, Mr. Grandi said in a statement that asylum-seekers from other war conflicts are treated unequally to Ukrainians refugees. Similarly, he strongly condemned incidents closely related to ‘discrimination, violence and racism’ and regarded them as disturbing and unacceptable.

In his report, the UNHCR chief noted that the refugee experience is universal, with “the same pain and sorrow; the same loss and anguish; the same relief at finding safety and trepidation of an uncertain future,” experienced by everyone on the run, who also and equally deserve our compassion, our empathy, and our support.

The European Union (EU) passed on March 3 to automatically grant temporary protection to Ukrainian citizens, while migrants of other nationalities residing in the country will be excluded.

In spite of nonstop calls from humanitarian bodies, human rights organizations, and even from EU institutions, responsible migration is today a pending issue, according to analysts.

Millions of Ukrainians have left the country since a “special military operation” announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin started off on February 24.

mh/pll/rgh/to/hml