High Commissioner Warns Against Actions Undermining Stability
In a poignant address to the United Nations Security Council, Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, underscored the urgent need for action in the face of escalating global violence. He described this violence as the “defining currency of our age,” affecting regions from Sudan to Ukraine. Grandi criticized the Council’s inaction as a failure to uphold its peacekeeping responsibilities, highlighting the plight of over 123 million forcibly displaced individuals worldwide. He called for a united effort among member states to address these humanitarian crises and emphasized the importance of international cooperation.
Global Violence and Humanitarian Crises
Filippo Grandi painted a stark picture of the current state of global conflicts, asserting that violence has become the primary means of achieving political goals. He lamented the prevailing belief that “peace is for the weak,” which leads to suffering rather than negotiation. Grandi emphasized that international humanitarian laws are often disregarded, resulting in countless lives being lost in the pursuit of power. He quoted Pope Francis, reminding the Council that every war signifies a failure of political dialogue and a shameful surrender to violence.
The High Commissioner highlighted the dire situation in Sudan, where one in three individuals has been displaced due to ongoing conflict. He urged the Security Council to take decisive action, stating that while refugee-hosting countries are doing their part, the Council must demonstrate greater commitment and unity in addressing these crises.
Calls for Action on Specific Crises
Grandi specifically addressed the situation in Ukraine, where over 10 million people have been displaced. He stressed the necessity of achieving a “just peace” to facilitate the safe return of these individuals. He acknowledged that finding solutions is challenging and requires dedication and compromise from all parties involved.
In Myanmar, he called for an end to the “dangerous inertia” surrounding the Rohingya crisis, advocating for dialogue as a critical first step toward creating conditions for the safe and dignified return of refugees. Grandi recognized the immense challenges but insisted that stagnation is no longer an option. He urged the Council to maintain a strong focus on Myanmar’s situation, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach.
Concerns Over Aid and Multilateralism
Grandi warned of a troubling global trend of reducing aid and retreating from multilateralism at a time when many displacement crises are worsening. He asserted that “aid is stability” and cautioned that cutting aid budgets would undermine both the stability of fragile host countries and the well-being of displaced individuals.
During the subsequent discussion, various member states echoed Grandi’s concerns about aid cuts and the need for equitable burden-sharing. China’s representative highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing refugee issues, while the United States underscored the collective responsibility of all member states in humanitarian responses. Denmark’s delegate noted the significant organizational changes within UNHCR and the need for continued support during this transitional period.
Addressing the Root Causes of Displacement
Several representatives pointed to the underlying factors contributing to mass displacement, including climate change and political instability. The delegate from Guyana noted that weather-related disasters have displaced millions, while Slovenia’s representative emphasized that climate-induced events are as destructive as armed conflict.
The plight of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, was also highlighted. Sierra Leone’s delegate drew attention to the compounded vulnerabilities faced by displaced women due to climate-related disasters. The representative from France, serving as the Council President for April, emphasized the significance of the Global Compact on Refugees as a framework for collective action, framing it as an investment in stability.
Grandi concluded his address by acknowledging the severe financial constraints facing UNHCR, appealing for increased support from member states. He warned that without adequate funding, the agency may have to reduce its capacity significantly, which would hinder its ability to respond effectively to the growing needs of displaced populations. As UNHCR approaches its seventy-fifth anniversary in 2025, Grandi called for reflection on the challenges ahead and the need for collaborative efforts to address them.
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