President,

I thank High Commissioner Filippo Grandi for his briefing. China pays tribute to UNHCR for its long-standing presence in conflict areas and for the assistance it has provided to millions of refugees. We will continue to support UNHCR in advancing the noble humanitarian cause. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend High Commissioner Grandi for his efforts over the years. 

At present, the international situation is complex and volatile, with high geopolitical tensions, persistent unilateral bullying, and shocks to the world economy. Against this backdrop, the global refugee situation has become increasingly serious and challenging. According to the UNHCR report, nearly 130 million people have been forcefully displaced globally, and the relevant figure has been rising for 12 consecutive years. It was heartbreaking to note that a large number of refugees, especially women and children, have difficulties in obtaining assistance and suffer from hunger and displacement. 

Solving the refugee problem requires strengthening international cooperation and a comprehensive and systematic response. Recently, a certain country has drastically cut foreign aid, and many humanitarian organizations have been forced to reduce their aid activities. This is undoubtedly a serious blow to refugee relief, and more refugees may become displaced as a result. The top priority is to raise funds as quickly as possible to help refugees in distress. Low- and middle-income countries host 70% of all refugees. China calls on developed countries to shoulder their responsibilities by fulfilling their aid commitments and providing more support to refugee hosting countries and multilateral humanitarian organizations. 

War and conflicts are among the most important reasons why people are forced to flee their homes. The Security Council should promote ceasefires and stop violence, start dialogue and negotiation, and seek political solutions. Relevant countries should stop creating confrontations and provoking conflicts in the international arena, and abandon unilateralism and hegemonic and bullying behavior. All parties should support post-conflict countries in accelerating recovery and reconstruction, enhancing their capacity for independent development, and creating the conditions for refugees to return home as soon as possible. 

President, 

Just now, High Commissioner Grandi and other colleagues mentioned the severe humanitarian challenges faced by many regions in the world, which struck a chord with China. 

In Palestine, a new round of conflicts has led to a dire humanitarian crisis for more than 2 million people in Gaza. Achieving a ceasefire must be an overriding priority. The international community must be unequivocal in opposing any forced migration of the population of Gaza and any attempt to annex lands in Gaza or the West Bank. 

In Syria, the recurring volatility of the situation has created a serious refugee problem, which poses a challenge to the stability and development of the region and the country. The Syrian authorities should expedite an inclusive political process, effectively fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations, restore peace and stability in Syria as soon as possible, and facilitate the return of refugees. 

On the African continent, armed conflicts, terrorism, political turmoil, and development deficits, overlapped and intertwined, have led a particularly severe humanitarian situation. In regions like Sudan, the DRC, and the Sahel alone, tens of millions of people have been displaced. The international community must address both the symptoms and the root causes of the refugee problem from multiple perspectives, including political, security, development, and humanitarian fronts. China calls on the international community to prioritize resources towards Africa and increase support and assistance to African countries. 

President,

As a state party to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the protocol thereto, China has always adhered to the spirit of humanitarianism, actively participated in international cooperation in the fields of refugees, and provided assistance to the countries concerned in dealing with refugee issues through bilateral and multilateral channels. China is ready to continue to work with the international community, firmly support multilateralism, and contribute to improving the global refugee protection system and resolving the refugee issue. 

Thank you.