Pakistan Mission to United Nations

Statement by Ambassador Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in the Third Committee on Agenda Item 65: Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions (31 October 2018)

Mr. Chairman,

My delegation thanks the High Commissioner for Refugees for his comprehensive reports. They provide a useful update on ongoing conflicts, resulting in massive displacements.

Mr. Chairman,

The world is witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record, with the number of people displaced by armed conflicts having surpassed 25.4 million. Half of them are under the age of 18.

Wars, human rights abuses and protracted refugee situations have become endemic. The global refugee crisis has morphed into a catastrophe, with hundreds of thousands fleeing war and persecution in Syria, Myanmar, Palestine, Afghanistan and South Sudan.

Mr. Chairman,

The unprecedented humanitarian challenges posed by the large scale displacement of people warrant greater commitment by the international community to address the plight of people on the move.

While low and middle-income countries continue to shoulder the heaviest burden by hosting 85 per cent of refugees globally, we are concerned that many countries in the developed world seem to be moving in the opposite direction.

They have increased the rates of rejecting asylum applications and speeded up deportations. Over 60 per cent of refugees under UNHCR’s responsibility currently live in just 10 countries.

Mr. Chairman,

Pakistan has demonstrated unparalleled generosity by hosting millions of Afghan refugees for almost four decades. We opened both our homes and hearts to what has now become the largest protracted refugee presence anywhere in the world since the Second World War. We consider providing refuge to those in need our humanitarian as well as religious duty.

We continue to provide access to education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities to our Afghan brothers and sisters. Despite the economic challenges, the Government and people of my country continue to express solidarity and provide hospitality, thus upholding the principles of international refugee protection.

Mr. Chairman,

Pakistan acknowledges the services of High Commissioner Flippo Grandi and his team at UNHCR for their dedication and hard work. As part of our regular exchange to work on the safe, dignified and voluntary return of all refugees from Pakistan, he visited our country last month.

With the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR), we will continue to work with the Government of Afghanistan and UNHCR for voluntary repatriation with safety and honor, and their sustainable reintegration in Afghanistan.

Mr. Chairman,

Here I would like to emphasize five specific points:

• One, the international community has an abiding responsibility to assist refugee hosting countries. The global refugee crisis is a shared duty that none of us should shy away from.
• Two, there is an urgent need for equitable burden and responsibility sharing. Adequate, predictable and flexible burden sharing and financing for refugees remains vital.
• Three, Pakistan is concerned at efforts by some in the international community to find “innovative financial instruments”. Refugee hosting countries, 85 percent of which are developing countries, should not be burdened with additional debt. Retaining the distinction between development and humanitarian assistance is critical.
• Four, while the crisis emanating from fresh refugee arrivals calls for urgent action, we must not forget the need for the international community to deliver on its commitment to address protracted refugee situations.
• Lastly, addressing the refugee crisis necessitates a comprehensive approach - one that entails resolution of conflicts and long term political settlements to address the root causes of displacements. Our aim should thus be to find sustainable solutions by addressing those underlying causes.

I thank you.