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Mr. Chairman,
Our discussion on the situation of refugees this year has assumed much greater urgency because the world today is confronted with a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions – a global wave of displaced persons and refugees – in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa as well as in South East Asia.
These massive human movements are the consequence of conflicts, persecution as well as poverty and injustice.
As we speak, tens of thousands of refugees are desperately struggling to navigate through perilous situations – fleeing homes in fear, crossing seas in rickety boats, or waiting in queues for asylum in alien and often unwelcoming destinations.
The response of the international community to this unfolding tragedy has been slow and inadequate. The international community, to its shame, has ignored massive human suffering in the past. The current crisis could mark a new flag of shame.
If we are to avert that, the Third Committee, as the torchbearer of human rights, must rise to the challenge, thoroughly review this humanitarian crisis, and make clear and actionable recommendations to the General Assembly to address this dire situation.
We agree with the High Commissioner for Refugees that there is an urgent need for a significant increase in support to host States, who continue to provide protection to millions of hapless people on behalf of the international community.
Mr. Chairman,
The High Commissioner’s report shows that the number of the displaced has topped 60 million people globally. As many as 14 million new displacements took place in 2014 alone, the highest recorded in a single year. Yet only 127,000 were able to return home, the lowest number since 1983.
More than half of the total refugee population are children. This only magnifies the scale of the human tragedy at hand. In refugee settings, children suffer from lack of proper nutrition as well as access to education. They are also exposed to heightened risks of child labour, sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation. Without appropriate protection, we risk losing a whole generation.
This year will also be remembered for the largest number of refugees and migrants losing their lives in pursuit of safety. The journeys of escape for these people have often turned into journeys of death.
Those risking their lives in this way are desperate people, fleeing violence and poverty. Let us remember, this is a journey made by millions throughout history. The response to today’s massive forced displacement must be humane.
While funding is urgent and critical to alleviate human suffering, efforts to find durable solutions to protracted situations must be intensified. To ultimately prevent such mass movements, peace and prosperity needs to be promoted in regions pulverized by violence and deprivation.
This means the United Nations should also focus greater attention on conflict resolution and prevention as a strategic approach to finding a durable and effective answer to current and future crises.
Mr. Chairman,
Despite our modest resources, Pakistan has been a host to millions of Afghan refugees for over three decades. We continue to be the world’s top refugee hosting country in terms of the largest, protracted refugee population anywhere.
The economy, ecology and social fabric of our two provinces bordering Afghanistan have come under severe strain. Yet we have not wavered in our resolve and humanitarian responsibility.
Our capacity, however, is not unlimited. Our resources have been stretched by the tens of thousands of people who have been temporarily relocated from our tribal areas as a consequence of law enforcement operations directed against terrorist groups.
We hope adequate international support will be forthcoming as we work towards resolving this most protracted refugee situation in the world. Pakistan remains committed to the dignified, voluntary return of Afghan refugees.
We urge the international community to help the Government of Afghanistan in creating the necessary conditions and pull factors for the permanent and safe return of refugees.
While the crisis of new refugees calls for urgent action, we must also keep in view the need for the international community to deliver on its commitment to address refugee situations of longer standing.
I thank you.