Madam Chairperson,

The issue of refugees bears on world peace and development and affects regional stability. Currently, the number of refugees is surging at a rate and scale not seen in decades. It has not only impacted on the countries concerned and threatened regional peace and stability, but also hindered the recovery of the world economy, disrupted international order and created openings for terrorists. It has also triggered humanitarian crises. Discrimination against refugees and xenophobia are on the rise in some countries and regions, and the basic rights and interests of refugees can not be guaranteed.

Madam Chairperson,

Wars, conflicts, poverty and underdevelopment are the root causes of the refugee problem. In search for solutions, countries need to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and settle disputes and disagreements through dialogue and consultations, thus reducing the number of refugees and displaced persons caused by wars and conflicts. It is necessary to promote more balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth of the world economy, and help the countries of origin realize long-term peace, stability, development and prosperity. It is equally necessary to increase policy and financial support to the refugees to effectively safeguard their basic rights and interests, including dignity, security and development.

Addressing the issue of refugees requires enhanced international cooperation. The international community needs to accelerate the implementation of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, fully leverage the coordinating role of such organizations as the UNHCR, and develop and implement comprehensive solutions. The countries of origin, transit, and destination need to bear their respective responsibilities in line with their capacities. The UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies need to strengthen coordination, rationalize resource allocation and utilization, enhance emergency response to the current refugee crisis, and lift the burden of the developing countries who host refugees for years. The humanitarian nature of refugee protection mechanisms must be safeguarded to avoid politicization and abuse.

Madam Chairperson,

As a permanent member of the Security Council and the largest developing country, China has always been committed to maintaining world peace and promoting common development. We have actively advocated political settlement of hot-spot issues and contributed to addressing the refugee problem. China has provided large amounts of humanitarian assistance to Syria and other countries in the Middle East. In September this year, at the UN General Assembly high-level plenary meeting on addressing large movements of refugees and migrants, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced that, while maintaining the existing aid level, China will provide further humanitarian assistance earmarked for refugees to countries and international organizations concerned, will devote part of the resources in the China-UN Peace and Development Trust Fund to supporting developing countries in their efforts to cope with the refugee problem, and will actively explore opportunities for triangular cooperation with international institutions and developing countries on refugees.

China will faithfully fulfill its commitments and effectively implement the assistance initiatives. We stand ready to work with other countries to promote the international protection of refugees and strive for an early, comprehensive and durable solution to the global refugee problem.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.