Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security
Council meeting on refugees
Thank you Mr President, and thank you High
Commissioner Grandi for your sobering briefing. This
meeting comes at a crucial time. As we’ve heard, the number of
people who have been forced from their homes has reached a record
high of 110 million. Sadly, this trend is set to continue.
New emergencies are pushing the limits of an already strained
humanitarian system, including the crisis in Gaza. We are
committed to responding to humanitarian needs. It is also vital
that regional stability is maintained, not least given the
already high number of refugees in the region.
This Council has a role in tackling rising displacement. And I’ll
make four points in this regard.
First, we need to shine a light on neglected crises. In 2017,
over 740,000 Rohingya fled horrific ethnic cleansing in Myanmar
and sought refuge in Bangladesh. They remain vulnerable and
reliant on dwindling aid. This is why this month, the UK, with
UNHCR and the US, co-convened a high-level event on Rohingya
refugees, where we announced an extra $5.5 million of UK
humanitarian support.
Second, we need to establish conditions that enable refugees to
return in a safe, voluntary and dignified way. In Syria many
refugees in the region want to return home, but report that they
do not feel safe to do so. This Council, and all those with
influence, must insist that these conditions are in place.
Third, we must recognise that as well as conflict,
climate change is also driving displacement. The UK is
partnering with the UAE at COP28 to increase access to climate
finance for the most vulnerable, including displaced people. We
aim to ensure that they have the means to manage the impacts of
climate change, to help reduce climate-driven
displacement and instability.
Finally, the Global Refugee Forum in December will be a key
moment for us to tackle rising displacement together. The UK will
be making several pledges to drive initiatives on education,
inclusion and protection, and help deliver long-term solutions
for refugees and host countries.
We hope other Members will join us in these pledges. To
conclude, President, in the face of unprecedented need we agree
with the High Commissioner: now is the crucial time to
collectively deliver meaningful change for displaced people.
