Trump’s new travel ban ‘worsens’ condition of refugees: UN

WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan24) – The United Nations on Tuesday said the US President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban would “worsen” the situation of refugees around the world.

In an updated travel ban, President Trump’s administration blocked entry into the US for citizens from six of the original seven countries named in the first ban.

Citizens from Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, and Libya are banned from entering the US for 90 days.

Additionally, the new executive order suspended the US’ refugee program for 120 days.

Iraq, who the US is currently fighting the Islamic State (IS) alongside, was removed from the list.

Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees, stated those seeking asylum were “ordinary people forced to flee war, violence, and persecution in their home countries.”

“The imperative remains to provide protection for people fleeing deadly violence,” Grandi continued.

“We are concerned that this decision, though temporary, may compound the anguish for those it affects,” the UN official said.

Moreover, Grandi pointed to the US’ “crucial role in promoting global stability” and explained the travel ban didn’t reflect America’s past humanitarian contributions.

The UN official stressed a “humane leadership” was required of the US especially during a time of war and mass displacement.

Although Trump’s new ban didn’t receive the same wave of criticism as his original order, some officials around the world still voiced their concerns.

In Britain, a Member of Parliament Emily Thornberry claimed the US was sending “a terrible message to the rest of the world on the refugee crisis.”

“Nothing in this [new travel ban] changes the fact that these measures are unnecessary, divisive, and wrong,” she said.

Editing by Ava Homa