Global Displacement Crisis
Currently, over 100 million individuals find themselves forcibly displaced across the globe. For more than two-thirds of these refugees, the experience of displacement is not merely a temporary situation. Instead, it extends for five years or longer, with no viable solution in sight. This stark reality often translates into a childhood spent entirely within the confines of a refugee camp, a home never re-occupied, and families left in limbo, awaiting the chance to rebuild their lives.
A Call for Change
Seventy-five years after the Refugee Convention was adopted, the urgency for change has never been clearer. The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the UNHCR’s ambitious vision of ’50 by 35′. Our primary objective must centre on facilitating the transition from prolonged displacement to sustainable living conditions for refugees, rather than allowing them to remain in a state of exile, unable to reclaim their lives.
Strengthening Asylum Systems
To effect this necessary shift, we must begin with robust protection mechanisms. It is crucial to establish asylum systems that are equitable for refugees, supportive of host communities, and resilient enough to support the Member States involved. This involves enhancing our collective capacity to fairly differentiate between refugees and migrants, as well as tackling the organised criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals on perilous journeys.
Building Credibility and Trust
In order to ‘protect protection’, asylum systems must earn credibility, effectiveness, and trust from both the individuals they serve and the governments that uphold them. Change also necessitates supporting solutions that are nationally led, along with developmental interventions. The United Kingdom is actively engaged in this approach.
Supporting Host Communities
We are collaborating with international financial institutions to channel development finance towards countries hosting refugees. This initiative aims to ensure that host communities are not left to shoulder the burden alone, while also facilitating the integration of refugees into national systems. Moreover, our efforts span over 50 countries, including initiatives designed to incorporate nearly 200,000 refugee children into national educational systems.
Addressing Root Causes of Displacement
However, it is imperative that we confront the underlying reasons for displacement. Wars, instability, and repression are key factors driving people to flee their homes. This Council exists to tackle such threats, yet we frequently find ourselves responding to displacement rather than preventing it. In Sudan, for instance, it is vital that we unite in support of a ceasefire to halt the conflict contributing to displacement. In Syria, our focus should be on fostering stability that allows for safe and sustainable returns. Similarly, in Yemen, we must work towards de-escalating the conflict that perpetuates displacement and humanitarian suffering, while reaffirming our commitment to a UN-led political process.
The Role of the Council
This Council possesses the necessary tools to address the root causes of displacement; what it requires is the political will to employ them effectively. The seventy-fifth anniversary of the Refugee Convention presents a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate that the existing system can evolve to meet contemporary challenges. The UK is committed to leveraging this anniversary year, alongside the preparations leading to the Global Refugee Forum in 2027, to collaborate with UNHCR, international financial institutions, and Member States in ensuring that our system remains credible, sustainable, and relevant in today’s world.