8th Meeting, 76th Session of UNHCR Executive Committee Meetings & Events Date: 9 October 2025 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/asset/k1b/k1b4w8dl93 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- Chairperson [0:05]: Good afternoon. I call to order the eighth meeting of the 76th session of the Executive Committee, and we continue with the list of speakers under item 4A, international protection. The debate began this morning. And we shall continue with the list of speakers now. The first speaker on my list is Switzerland. You have the floor. Switzerland [0:49]: Distinguished Chairperson, Switzerland thanks HCR for all the work done at different levels to protect people under its mandate. despite the rise in humanitarian crises globally. The legal dimension of protection has become increasingly important in this period of questioning of the principles at the heart of international law and refugees. We are concerned to see that organized crime is profiting from the situation to exploit the vulnerability of refugees and people involved in mixed migration flows. To limit the impact, we must ensure consistent implementation of the multi-actor route-based approach. HCR's support to the establishment and improvement of asylum seekers is a substantial contribution to this. Likewise, Switzerland continuously commits to ensuring that its asylum system becomes more efficient, working closely with other European states and the European Union. Switzerland is concerned at the consequences of HCR's progressive withdrawal from education when over 15 refugee children depend on its support. This is all the more concerning since we have no certainty that actors such as UNICEF Education Cannot Wait or the Global Partnership for Education can bridge the gap. Education in emergencies is a pillar of international protection. When they are not targeted by violence, schools are a safe space and contribute to child protection. In this context, what will HCL's commitment be in this field, education? Chapter 3 of the report addresses gender-based violence, mentioning only women and girls. While recognizing the specific gravity of this violence, it is desirable that the next report also reflects the fact that men, boys and people of other genders can also be victims. The drastic reduction of programs in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali and Nigeria is also alarming. On the basis of what criteria have these contexts been deprioritized compared to others? Following the external evaluation of HCR practice to address gender-based violence and its eight recommendations, can you inform us how HCR intends to consider them? HCR must have the necessary financial and human resources in order fully to assume its role as a lead agency in the global protection group and the related clusters and sectors, particularly the gender-based violence sector. This must involve reminding states of their legal obligations arising not only from the Convention, but also from international human rights law more broadly. This does not mean that HCR needs to play a coordinating role in all contexts. On the contrary, in the spirit of the humanitarian reset, it is important to avoid power struggles with other agencies, particularly in a context of scarce resources. to overcome a modality based on support to prolonged emergencies. It is crucial to seek sustainable solutions. Switzerland notes the progress made in economic inclusion, while noting also persistent obstacles. The true challenge is moving from pilot projects with IFIs and the private sector to truly national sustainable inclusion supported by long-term financing. How does HCR plan to mobilize such financing? Finally, sustainable solutions must also cover IDPs. Under budgetary pressure, they risk being neglected, while a lack of attention could push them to cross borders and become refugees. Switzerland calls on HCR to maintain its commitment for IDPs within this current systemic approach with resident coordinators working with the IOM, UNDP and to support national development plans. Thank you. Chairperson [5:30]: Thank you. The next speaker is Uganda. You have the floor. Uganda [5:43]: Thank you, Chair. Uganda lines with the African Group statement delivered by Kenya. Chair, today Uganda is 63 years old, so it's our birthday, or maybe anniversary, or national day. And so our statement will focus on our history, our truth, and what informs our protection system. We thank Reuben, the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, for sharing your truth from the UNHCR side of the story. But as a sovereign state, we'll focus on three things: the asylum parameters, what is protection itself, and what is the principle of burden and responsibility sharing. Chair, today we discuss refugees only because of the existing asylum space. And the 1951 convention was the first attempt of a legal document, and later our regional AU convention and other regional body laws that attempted to protect people running in fear of their life. To Uganda, the 1951 Convention has been domesticated into our Refugee Act, and so we defend it with all our breath, with the whole of our life as a country. We believe in the fundamentals of asylum, not because it's fashionable, but we have tested it. Our own head of state has been a refugee, and we thank the country that hosted his family. And if that humanity was not extended to our fellow Ugandans, maybe I wouldn't even be seated here. I could be a beneficiary myself in my individual capacity, because maybe my father was indeed a refugee somewhere, and then he was able to come back. Refugees don't know face. They don't have a specific description. They don't have a race. They don't have specific age. They're actually human beings, human beings with blood, with breath, with legs, some of them with disabilities, but they're human beings. And we are proud as a country that we believe in asylum because it's the only window for protection of people that are running in genuine fear of their life. And it is true, the asylum system can indeed be abused. But if low developing countries, and the High Commissioner said the most are hosted in the developing countries, if a country like Uganda can put in place an asylum system that could sieve through the people that are arriving and still follow the law to grant those that merit. We believe developed countries are capable, they are ready, and they can do this. Not to do this, we are afraid to call it an excuse to push back those that don't look like you. We agree that not all requests indeed of asylum merit, but I think for us to come here and attack the asylum system of people genuinely running for their life, especially from war and scantly from persecution, is to risk people who have no choice on where to go. Refugees should never feel betrayed twice by humanity. They should never feel betrayed twice by countries, first by their own countries of origin, failing to protect them, and next by their immediate neighbor, or maybe the international community. My delegation on understanding asylum, we believe after you've given that status, then what next? High Commissioner, last year you visited Uganda. You visited a settlement called Ramanja, and you met with women and girls and children. And your question was, do you feel safe? And they said, yes. They said, we feel safe, and we felt safe when we saw the Ugandan UPDF, Uganda People's Defense Forces, because we could not hear the guns anymore once we crossed into Uganda. But this takes me to the second point. What's protection? Is protection only silencing the guns? Is protection only giving you shelter away from persecution? So what if Uganda protects you from the guns, but you succumb to famine? So what if we protect you from persecution, but you become a real victim of trafficking, and hence the burden and responsibility sharing? We have done our part. We have opened our borders, even when it risks all our security. It risks all our resources. And yes, we are generous people by nature. Africans are. But all human beings have a level of selfishness. One race or one location should not feel more entitled than other locations. If Africans are doing this, we believe Europe can do this, Americas can do this, Asia can do this, the Middle East can do this. And we can tell you that if you support these refugees in their first countries of asylum with genuine reliance, self-reliance opportunities, your fears of onward movement will be addressed. People only run because they're trying to survive. Human beings are like water. You will not gazette them. You can put all the walls, you can develop documents on root best, but if there is genuine fear of my child will not have a meal, my child will not go to school, my wife may not be able to give birth safely, there is nothing you lose in risking your life on that sea to find a life for your loved one. answer to all our fears today is to support the countries that are doing whatever they are to afford protection in their first countries of asylum and confront the real enemy, which is the root causes of displacement. If Uganda can, we all can. And not to do so, I'm afraid to say, is an excuse. Again, happy National Day to my fellow Ugandans. I thank you. Chairperson [11:21]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. The next speaker is Cameroon. You have the floor. Cameroon [11:36]: Thank you, Chairperson. Cameroon aligns with the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the African Group. My delegation congratulates you on your skillful guidance of our work. Chairperson, as the Deputy High Commissioner and the distinguished speakers who preceded me have mentioned the multiple crises, in particular budgetary crises, together with the constant rise in the number of people falling under HCR's mandate, continue to cause considerable disturbance This is a challenge for host countries in terms of managing the asylum and care for persons who are forcibly displaced in this context. Contributing to improvements of the refugees that we host has always been a concern for my country. And thus, during the first Global Refugee Forum, Cameroon undertook tangible commitments aligned with its national commitments. The first of these relates to international protection of refugees, with operationalisation of the national bodies for management of refugee status and the delivery of civil and legal documents to ensure that refugees have the legal recognition they need. The second pillar, which is more ambitious, concerns socioeconomic inclusion of refugees to strengthen their access to basic social services, particularly in health and education. while promoting their empowerment and integration in the local economy. For ongoing improvement of this national system for protection and inclusion, a number of workshops and visits were organized, which allowed us to identify the relevant levers to consolidate projects for refugee populations, aligning them with realities on the ground. A major challenge persists, the lack of financing, accentuated by the budgetary crisis now facing the UN system. The lack of resources seriously compromises the implementation of collective global goals, in particular, socioeconomic inclusion of refugees and sustainable solutions fully integrated into national systems. While it is not among the traditional financial donors, my country reiterates its call for a fair sharing of responsibilities and costs among stakeholders, particularly host countries like Cameroon, which bear a disproportionate share of the burden. My delegation therefore launches once more an appeal to the solidarity and generosity of technical and financial partners. We call on them to step up their support to HCR, which is facing growing challenges in a global context marked by the constant emergence of new humanitarian needs. In conclusion, my country thanks HCR for all of its efforts in this particularly difficult time. Thank you. Chairperson [14:54]: Thank you. The next speaker is the UK. You have the floor. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [15:03]: Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Assistant High Commissioner, for your update. Let me begin by acknowledging the challenging reality of the context in which UNHCR continues to operate. The United Kingdom wishes to underscore the unique and indispensable role that UNHCR plays in delivering life-saving protection and assistance in humanitarian settings across the globe. We deeply value your tireless efforts, particularly in the face of the mounting challenges confronting refugees, host communities, and the organization itself. Challenges further exacerbated by increasing humanitarian funding constraints. It's clear in this context that UNHCR's mandate to uphold and advance international protection standards remains more critical than ever. As we highlighted in our national statement under the general debate item earlier this week, we believe that despite these challenges, the international community has now a genuine opportunity to reaffirm our shared responsibilities and strengthen collective responses to forced displacement. We are proud to be a long-standing supporter of UNHCR and recognise that in times of financial constraint, reduced flexible funding limits UNHCR's ability to respond effectively where needs are greatest. It is for this reason that the UK's core funding to UNHCR continues to be unearmarked, as it has been for many years. This reflects our enduring trust in the priorities identified by UNHCR's leadership and our commitment to ensuring that resources reach those most in need. We urge all donors to empower UNHCR to deliver where it matters most through the provision of flexible contributions. We also take this opportunity to reaffirm the United Kingdom's unwavering support for the Global Compact on Refugees and the principle of equitable burden and responsibility sharing that lies at its core. We extend our most sincere appreciation to those countries that continue to host the majority of the world's refugees, often under considerable strain. Looking ahead, we welcome the upcoming Global Refugee Forum preparatory meeting in December as a timely opportunity to take stock of progress and to explore how we can collectively respond to emerging challenges and evolving needs. Whilst the United Kingdom supports efforts to strengthen international systems to meet the demands of the 21st century, we are clear that we remain firmly committed to the rules-based international system and will continue to work closely with UNHCR and other partners to ensure that refugees are protected and that our collective approach to migration is principled, humane and forward-looking. Thank you. Chairperson [17:53]: Thank you. The next Speaker, the distinguished representative of Canada, you have the floor. Canada [18:03]: Chair, High Commissioner, Excellencies, and distinguished colleagues, Canada reaffirms our unwavering commitment to strengthening the international protection regime and firmly supports UNHCR's unique protection mandate. The urgent task today is to fully and fairly implement the Convention and its protocol, protecting refugees, and supporting host communities. The Global Compact on Refugees represents a landmark commitment to shared responsibility. As we look towards the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review, international cooperation and responsibility sharing remains in focus. Collective action does not undermine national interests, it reinforces them. In light of the Humanitarian Reset's focus on addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, and UN implementation of its UNHCR reforms, it is critical for UNHCR to uphold its protection mandate. Amid significant funding and operational constraints, Canada underscores the centrality of protection as the foundation of humanitarian action. Canada also recognizes the importance of advancing protection-centered humanitarian responses and supports the implementation of UNHCR's age, gender, and diversity approach to uphold rights and mitigate protection risks. Recognizing the challenges of statelessness, Canada will continue to engage with the Global Alliance to End Statelessness, launched at EXCOM last year, and welcomes its efforts to advocate for solutions. Mr. Chair, as the gap between resettlement needs and available supports widens, we must continue our collective resolve to pursue durable solutions. Canada will continue to advance resettlement commitments in years to come, which is first and foremost about saving lives by prioritizing refugees at heightened risk. We stand ready to provide refuge and support to those who face persecution and violence because of who they are. Canada will continue to work collectively to promote complementary protection channels at the global level. We encourage the perseverance of efforts seeking to bolster links between subsistence programs and labor mobility programs, which are promising in terms of improving access to solutions and enriching host and origin communities thanks to the talents and skills of refugees. In order to promote safe alternatives to dangerous journeys, Canada will continue to support efforts and knowledge sharing with a view to strengthening asylum and protection systems and to lobby in favour of regular pathways. These efforts include regional collaboration and the support platform of the Regional Framework and Global Protection of Protection Solutions, known as MIPS, as well as other capacity building initiatives in terms of asylum in the Americas. We acknowledge the work achieved through the route-based approach of UNHCR and the IOM, whose complementary mandates may help states in managing mobility in dignity and in equity. By way of conclusion, allow me to stress Canada's support to UNHCR. members of the Executive Committee, it is incumbent upon States to respect and to implement the international protection regime, while the UNHCR has an essential role to play in protection of its integrity and implementation of its principles. At a time when global displacement is on the rise, it is our collective responsibility to work for international protection for the sharing of burdens and responsibilities as well as for lasting sustainable solutions. Thank you. Chairperson [22:04]: Thank you very much. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Bangladesh, to be followed by Ecuador, Zambia, Brazil, Australia, Burkina Faso. The distinguished representative of Bangladesh has the floor. Bangladesh [22:30]: Mr. Chair, we thank the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection for the overview on international protection. Bangladesh is encouraged to see positive endeavors for enhancing international protection to 123 million refugees and forcibly displaced people. Its response to 43 emergencies in 25 countries indicates the intensity of conflict and violence and lack of political settlements among states and non-state actors. This also marks a growing tendency of non-compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. On the other hand, a dire humanitarian funding shortfall is surfacing, affecting the protection of the refugees and forcibly displaced people. Providing adequate humanitarian assistance and protection to 123 million refugees and forcibly displaced people will be challenging in a resource-constrained future. UNHCR and the international community must therefore renew their focus on durable solutions. In light of this, addressing root causes of forced displacement remains a key priority. Mr. Chair. Bangladesh has been hosting for years over 1.3 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, known as Rohingyas. Unfortunately, not a single Rohingya has returned to Myanmar so far. Making things worse, 150,000 forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals have recently entered our territory, fleeing recent escalation of conflict in the Rakhine State. 32,000 newborns are being added additionally to this number every year. We have been providing humanitarian assistance and protection to them despite our economic and climate change vulnerabilities. We are grateful to UNHCR, donors and other humanitarian partners for supporting our efforts in sheltering them. It is of utmost importance that the international community redouble its efforts to close the chronic funding gap of Joint Response Plan, JRP. Mr. Chair, Bangladesh is a densely populated developing country, and the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals have already added enormous pressure to the host communities on all related aspects. Bangladesh is left with only durable solution to this protracted humanitarian crisis that is voluntary repatriation. The Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar. Its solution lies there. As the funding declines, the only peaceful and viable option is to commence their repatriation. This will need far fewer resources than those required for their protection. The forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals have consistently expressed their desire to return home. The implementation of their right to return also contributes to meeting the collective responsibility of attributing accountability and responsibility for this forced displacement. It will help deter repetition of similar mass atrocities and forced eviction in other parts of the world. Our failure to do so will act as an incentive to further grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The international community, UNHCR, ASEAN, Development partners and other key stakeholders must intensify their efforts to facilitate safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Rohingyas to Myanmar. I thank you, Mr. Chair. Chairperson [26:15]: Thank you very much. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Ecuador. Deputy Minister, if the floor. Ecuador [26:23]: Thank you, Chairperson. Ecuador welcomes the presentation of the report of the 93rd Standing Committee and the note on international protection, which reflect inter alia the challenges of the over 129 million displaced persons across the world, complex humanitarian crises and an underfunded international protection system. In light of this, Ecuador would like to share several thoughts. Firstly, the need to preserve and strengthen the international protection system. Secondly, the importance of having just and effective refugee systems. In 2024, over 3.1 million new requests for refuge were registered across the world. Host countries such as Ecuador are under great pressure. However, we continue to bolster our national system with the support of UNHCR, including digitization processes and more flexible care mechanisms. Thirdly, Mixed movements require a comprehensive and cooperative approach. Our region has made progress with the Quito process and the Santiago Declaration at the 40th anniversary of Cartagena, which seek to strengthen refugee and regional cooperation systems. Fourthly, Socioeconomic inclusion of refugees and migrants is the most effective way to help them move to self-sufficiency and to ensure social cohesion. In Ecuador, refugees have access to health care, education and employment. This effort requires predictable funding, which is sustained over time and which is in line with the huge pressure on our basic national services. Fifthly, we must strengthen the protection of the most vulnerable groups. The report highlights the situation of boys, girls and women refugees and asylum seekers who are facing risks of violence, trafficking and exploitation. Thus, we would issue a call to prioritize investment in child protection and gender protection in the global humanitarian response. Sixthly, lasting solutions must be revitalized. Voluntary return remains limited. and resettlement and complementary pathways remain insufficient. Ecuador supports the expansion of these opportunities. Seventhly, statelessness continues to be a pending debt of the international community. The launch in 2024 of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness is a significant step forward, but there are still millions of people without any recognised nationality. Eighth, the financial challenge. Ecuador would issue a call for donor states to increase their flexible, unearmarked contributions in the spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. Chairperson, as Ecuador sees it, the response must be based on three pillars. Firstly, defending the fundamental principles of international refugee law, in particular, access to asylum and non-refoulement. Secondly, promoting sustainable solutions with socio-economic inclusion and regional cooperation with appropriate financial support. And thirdly, strengthening shared international responsibility because no state can address the magnitude of the current displacements alone. Thank you very much. Chairperson [30:00]: Thank you very much. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Zambia. You have the floor. Zambia [30:08]: Chairperson, distinguished delegates, Zambia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished delegate from the Republic of Kenya. Zambia affirms that the first and fundamental form of protection is granting asylum seekers legal protection. Legal documentation serves not only as a symbol of protection, but also as a practical gateway to safety, identity, and inclusion. Without it, refugees are unable to fully access essential services or exercise their rights. Chairperson, allow me to share with you Zambia's update, one marked by commitment, progress, and compassion, as we continue to strengthen our refugee protection systems. These are not just policies or programs. They are milestones, each representing a step forward towards fulfilling our pledge to ensure that no one is left behind. Delegates, during the 2025 launch of the national social protection policy, we saw government's commitment to its inclusion agenda by including the refugee and host communities in all national programs and policies. As of September 2025, Zambia has issued over 5,000 birth certificates to refugee children. This is more than a statistic, it is a testament to our dedication of ensuring legal identity for all from the very start of life. This is one of our efforts to address statelessness and ensure that all children born in Zambia from refugee parents are registered and given an identity. The persons of concerns are able to access medical services and are also included on national health scheme that is also offered to Zambians. To date, the Zambia National Health Scheme has offered services to about 500 persons of concerns. Following the launch of the first ever national refugee policy, this transformative policy offers a clear roadmap for the integration of refugees into national systems. It sends a strong message, and I quote, that refugees are not outsiders, but part of our shared future. To reach its full implementation, we have embarked on the harmonization of the national laws with the support from the World Bank to ensure our legal framework reflects a right-based approach enshrined in the policy. Delegates, Self-reliance is another key pillar to our approach as a government. We believe that true protection means empowering refugees to support themselves. That is why we have invested in agricultural training, product certification, and financial access, but perhaps most notably, Our cash-based intervention program, supported by UNHCR and managed by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, is providing targeted assistance to the most vulnerable. In addition, the Zambian government has partnered with an organization called Foundation for Realization and Economic Empowerment, FReE, who work with about 70 women and one man, 8104, to make baskets incorporating copper in the Mayukwauka refugee settlement. Free is recognized under the UNHCR Made51 program, which markets the baskets globally. They have now launched a new initiative with the women making banana fiber rugs in order to increase the income for the refugees. Chairperson, we have also placed a strong focus on vulnerable population, including survivors of gender-based violence and unaccompanied minors. Through partnership with UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, we provide safe houses, child-friendly spaces, and mental health services, ensuring protection is not just legal, but human and compassionate. Justice, too, is essential. While refugees have the right to access our legal systems, challenges remain, such as limited legal and referral mechanisms. Local organizations like UP Zambia have stepped in to offer free legal services in close collaboration with the government, ensuring that rights on paper translate into practice. As a country, Chairperson, Zambia understands that effective planning must be driven by reliable data. That is why my government, through the Zambia Statistical Agency, partnered with UNHCR to conduct a forced displacement survey to access the needs of the displaced populations in Zambia. Further, ZAMSTATS has pledged to formally integrate refugee data in two national systems, ensuring that our responses are not only compassionate, but evidence-based. Chairperson, In conclusion, Zambia continues to thrive and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to comprehensive refugee protection, anchored on legal recognition, access to services, and long-term inclusion. We stand ready to lead by example, to partner with others, and to continue turning policy into practice, promises into protection. Let us continue working towards a world where every refugee is seen, protected, and given the opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive. I thank you. Chairperson [36:06]: Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Brazil. You have the floor. Brazil [36:19]: Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. Brazil expresses its appreciation for UNHCR's comprehensive note on international protection and the work the agency has been carried out so far. We thank the agency for recognizing Brazil's efforts in advancing international protection, in particular the inclusion of refugees in public services and national regulatory frameworks, as well as the implementation of voluntary relocation programs that expand employment opportunities for refugees and migrants. Brazil is really proud to announce that just yesterday, our national unified policy on migration, refugees, and statelessness was published in our official gazette. The adoption of this policy fulfills one of our key pledges that we made at the second Global Refugee Forum. The decision to bring together our national policies on refugees, on the three issues, refugees, migration and statelessness into a single framework aims to recognize their complementarity and to ensure a more coherent and comprehensive approach for now governmental agencies involved in this process. I wish to highlight in particular article 3 which recognizes migrants, refugees, and stateless persons as key contributors to Brazil's economic and social development. With this policy, Brazil aims to establish a network of welcoming cities and to expand national centers for assistance and integration, where refugees, migrants, and stateless persons can receive adequate support when it comes to documentation, information on access to public services, language courses and referrals for specific protection measures when needed, including in situations of violence. We thank the for UNHCR for its key partnership and long standing partnership, I would say now in the development of this policy, which reflects Brazil's long standing humanitarian tradition and its commitment to durable solutions. Thank you very much. Chairperson [38:31]: Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Australia. You have the floor. Australia [38:42]: Thank you, Chairperson, and thank you to the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection for your update. As UNHCR marks its 75th anniversary, Australia acknowledges the rise of those who need access to protection and its related services. We commend UNHCR's efforts to preserve its core mandate to protect and safeguard the rights of refugees. Australia has a proud history of humanitarian action and remains a reliable and flexible donor. Australia is proud to be one of the largest resettlement countries globally, maintaining 20,000 places in the current program year, the highest in decades. Notwithstanding Australia's generous resettlement intake, we recognise that it is crucial to advance and expand complementary pathways for refugees. To support these efforts, Australia continues to advocate for refugee labour mobility, and break barriers in building this pathway to scale. We continue to work with IOM and UNHCR on a joint project to develop a train to hire model in the Asia Pacific region. We are proud of our refugee student settlement pilot, which will enable refugees to pursue higher education in Australia. Our community refugee integration and resettlement pilot is now a permanent feature of our humanitarian program, providing a community sponsored pathway for UNHCR referred refugees. We support UNHCR's whole of route approach and urge UNHCR's ongoing collaboration with IOM and others in our region to operationalize this approach through collective action and a coordinated response, enhance protection sensitive entry and promote safe and regular migration. Aligned to the international protection note, Australia also recognises that a fair and efficient asylum procedure, along with a safe and dignified return of persons not in need of international protection, are critical to the effective functioning of the international protection regime and to the preservation of public confidence in the integrity of national asylum systems. Australia is resolute in maintaining the integrity of our asylum system and will pursue the returns of people not in genuine need of protection. Australia also appreciates our ongoing collaboration with UNHCR to strengthen asylum systems globally and inform pragmatic, durable solutions for complex cohorts and regionally displaced populations. Australia recognises the importance of embedding refugee perspectives and lived experience in our humanitarian policy and programs, demonstrated through our collaboration with Australia's Refugee Advisory Panel. Together, we ensure our initiatives are more inclusive, efficient and respectful of the rights and dignity of displaced people, including those who face compounded barriers to accessing pathways such as LGBTIQA+, people with disabilities, stateless persons and those displaced by long-standing conflicts. Looking ahead, the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review meeting in December presents a timely opportunity to review our existing commitments and explore collaborative opportunities to advance their effective implementation. We will continue to partner with UNHCR and others to strengthen the international protection system and advance initiatives under the Global Compact on Refugees. I thank you. Chairperson [41:53]: Thank you. The next speaker is the citizen representative of Burkina Faso. You have the floor. Burkina Faso [42:11]: Chairperson, the delegation of Burkina Faso aligns itself with the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the African group. In our national capacity, we note with satisfaction the progress made by UNHCR vis-a-vis international protection and we remain optimistic regarding the worrying scope of challenges to be overcome in this area. I particularly like to hail UNHCR's commitment to the government of Burkina Faso when it comes to devising and implementing numerous initiatives that are part of the strengthening of the legal and institutional framework. which should serve to further improve the enjoyment of the rights of their rights by refugees, IDPs and stateless persons. Fortunately, these joint efforts have enabled us today to conduct operations to deliver identity documents and civil status documents to vulnerable groups of the population. Chairperson, we should highlight that in terms of notable progress, Burkina Faso has, in addition to adopting a law incorporating the Kampala Convention on Protection and Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons into national legislation, as amended, its legal framework on asylum. We have also amended the Family and Persons Code, which should now enable an improved protection mechanism through corrective measures on nationality, the creation of a body focusing on assessment of the status of statelessness, and we have expanded the territorial jurisdiction of the judge who facilitates the issuance of birth certificates for children who come from forcibly displaced populations. Moreover, With a view to further promoting the integration of refugees and according to them the same rights as nationals, my country has undertaken to issue from this year going forward a secure refugee passport which is valid for five years. This is the same format, takes the same format as other passports issued in Burkina Faso. Gradual implementation of all of these measures has had a direct impact on the daily lives of refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons and IDPs. Fokina Faso would like, in this context of widespread financial crisis marked by unprecedented budgetary cuts, would like to express our solidarity with UNHCR and encourage the organization to pursue fundraising efforts with a view to ensuring optimal protection for the rights of the most vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. My delegation would also like to stress the commitment of the regional UNHCR office for West Africa and Central Africa, which, together with the states of the Sahel and West Africa in general, is working tirelessly to implement lasting solutions for those who are forcibly displaced. I want to highlight the major contribution in January 2025 of the international colloquium held in Ouagadougou on forced displacement of populations in West and Central Africa. The involvement of UNHCR in the regional dialogue process on security and refugee protection culminated in the adoption of the Lome Declaration and the participation of the first humanitarian forum on the Confederation of Sahel States held in August 2025 in Bamako. The conclusions from these major events focus on the need to establish new innovative management approaches to protect and respond to the crises of forced displacement in Africa, enabling us to focus on local solutions, viable alternatives. to remedy the chronic deficit of funding. In conclusion, I'd like to reiterate the commitment of the government of Burkina Faso to cooperating fully with the UNHCR as well as with all credible stakeholders in order to ensure optimum protection for the populations affected by the humanitarian crisis. Thank you. Chairperson [46:25]: Thank you. Very much. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of the Philippines. You have the floor. Philippines [46:36]: Chair, the Philippines thanks the High Commissioner for the note on international protection. We agree that the legal foundations of protection remain strong, but the true test lies in our collective will to uphold them. We appreciate the mention of our Bangsamoro law on internal displacement, the first rights-based legislation of its kind in our region, as well as of our ordinances adopted by our local government units to advance accountability and dignity for displaced persons. The Philippines is currently reviewing the delivery of our Global Refugee Forum pledges, including asylum system modernization, inclusion in national services, and our complementary pathways program, Pathways Pilipinas, which provides tertiary education opportunities to refugee students in coordination with UNHCR. At the global level, as co-chair of the Advisory Board of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness and a solution seeker state, we will continue to push for concrete solutions. Statelessness should remain a priority in the multilateral and UNHCR agenda, as it is one of the core mandates of the organization. Chair, as a modest donor, The Philippines stresses that resources entrusted to UNHCR must translate into tangible results for refugees and stateless persons. They must not be absorbed disproportionately by administrative costs. While the multilateral system is in a flux, perceptions that a majority of resources are spent on staffing rather than on direct programs risk further eroding confidence. Efficiency and accountability are not optional, they are essential to sustaining trust. We also recognize the humanitarian contributions are often measured in financial terms. Yet, it must also be acknowledged that refugee hosting countries bear the heaviest responsibility, ensuring protection, safety, and dignity every day. The daily burden of the refugee hosting countries thus deserves to be quantified, recognized, and supported. For the Philippines, Protection of forcibly displaced persons is not charity, but a legal and moral obligation, rooted in human rights and dignity and shared responsibly among states. We remain committed to working with UNHCR and all partners to ensure that this obligation is met in full. Thank you. Chairperson [49:10]: Thank you. The next speaker is The distinguished representative of Sudan. Sudan [49:22]: Thank you, Chairperson. Sudan aligns with the statements of the groups to which it belongs. It aligns with the statement of the African Group. and welcomes the ongoing efforts of HCR and its partners in providing protection and assistance to people affected in our neighboring countries. The burden is increasing. We have managed to restore stability and security in most regions, but there have been rebellions in some, and rebel militias are still attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure. With a blockade on Al-Fashir and other places, preventing the supply of water and medicines, which is a war crime and a violation of IHL. And it ignores the relevant Security Council Resolution 1. And despite all of this, there are still atrocities being carried out. The Rebel militias don't even spare old women. They rape them and carry out sexual aggression. The human and psychological toll is enormous. It is going to be very difficult to recover from this. Psychological assistance will need to be provided for many years, and immediate Response is needed with a long-term program for rehabilitation and justice. There is also the question of compensation to victims and their families, the international community. has not designated the perpetrators. The perpetrators are not only harming the victims, but are plotting with others. There needs to be careful documentation to support victims and help identify the perpetrators, otherwise the crimes will continue and the displacement will continue because of the siege and the attacks. In the besieged cities, people are trying to leave and are targeted by the rebels. There needs to be effective protection of Interahamwe children against forced recruitment and attacks, particularly from explosives. Millions of people have returned to their regions, which demonstrates that the Sudanese state is able to provide protection and security, and also demonstrates the role of the international community in rendering these returns safe and providing basic services and reconstruction, as well as the means of subsistence. Chairperson, we welcome the efforts by neighboring countries which are hosting refugees despite their own challenges. There needs to be a regional response plan for Sudanese refugees, providing the necessary funds to avoid gender-based violence, protect children, and provide social and psychological support. We call on all countries to join the effort to provide better conditions for the protection of these people. The international community must make this effort to avoid the arrival of mercenaries in Sudan. Prevention is key. It is better to prevent than to cure. So the rebels must be prevented. This is a humanitarian cause. and people are paying with their lives. I thank you. Chairperson [55:20]: Thank you very much. The next speaker is Japan, followed by Germany, UAE, Honduras, European Union, and Refugees International. Japan. Thank you, thank you. Japan [55:39]: Thank you, Chairperson. And thank you, Assistant High Commissioner, for the updates. Mr. Chair, in the face of the current challenging circumstances, the situation remains extremely serious for those who are forcibly displaced, particularly vulnerable refugees. Rather than becoming divided, the international community must work more closely together guided by the principle of international burden and responsibility sharing as laid out in the Global Compact on Refugees. We commend UNHCR for its continued efforts to provide protection for persons of concern, even as its operations face significant constraints. We also express our deep respect for all personnel and stakeholders working on the ground under difficult conditions. Mr. Chair, under this agenda item, as noted in the conference paper, international protection is a temporary measure. Therefore, it is essential that we work toward finding sustainable solutions. In this regard, we commend the efforts being made by the UNHCR to advance assistance through both protection and solution in a mutually reinforcing manner. Whether the eventual solution takes the form of voluntary return, third country resettlement, or local inclusion, what is needed is support that enables people to envision a future where they can live with dignity and hope. For this reason, from the perspective of human security, support must go beyond humanitarian assistance alone. We must continue to promote the humanitarian development peace nexus approach. Furthermore, discussion on the humanitarian reset should also highlight the importance of transitioning toward durable solutions that ensure a better future for those relying on humanitarian assistance. Thank you very much. Chairperson [57:53]: Thank you. The next speaker is Germany. You have the floor. Germany [58:03]: We wish to thank the Assistant High Commissioner for reporting on the state of international protection, an issue that lies at the very core of UNHCR's mandate. Amid record and continuously rising levels of forced displacement, Germany is deeply concerned that states' responsibilities to provide international protection are not being sufficiently upheld and in some cases are even regressing. This concerning trend is taking place against the backdrop of a broader erosion of respect for international law, whose consequences are felt most acutely by civilians. Germany therefore reiterates its call for the full and unrestricted respect of international legal principles by all actors. Mr. Chair, the right to seek asylum remains a cornerstone of international law. Central to this principle is the duty to protect refugees and to safeguard their rights and dignity, as enshrined in the 1951 Convention. Germany is particularly concerned about the persistent and emerging protection challenges faced by people in particularly vulnerable situations, including on grounds of age, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. We all must ensure that their needs do not go unnoticed or unaddressed. Mr. Chair, as one of the world's largest refugee-hosting countries, Germany continues to fulfill its obligation to provide a safe haven to those that have had to flee their homes. Yet, like many other host countries represented here today, we're also facing increasing pressures on our asylum systems. This underlines the critical importance of fair burden and responsibility sharing in line with the spirit and commitments of the Global Compact on Refugees. Mr. Chair, protection is at the heart of UNHCR's work, but its work and leadership for international protection is under pressure from growing needs and insufficient funding. We have to recognize that protection needs persist in protracted situations. Many of today's displacement crises have long moved beyond short-term emergencies. So while we must continue prioritizing protection of the most vulnerable, we also have to reinforce our efforts for durable solutions in close collaboration with humanitarian, development, and peace actors right from the onset of crises. The overall aim should be to reduce dependency on humanitarian assistance wherever possible. We need to comprehensively support host communities and to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those who are most in need. In this regard, Germany commends UNHCR's initiative for a sustainable responses approach, which will require adapting UNHCR programming cycles to become a strategic and holistic planning and prioritization process along the HDP nexus. Thank you. Chairperson [1:00:58]: Thank you. The next speaker is the United Arab Emirates. You have the floor. United Arab Emirates [1:01:08]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United Arab Emirates wishes to highlight the importance of the work of UNHCR on international protection and displacement and reiterates its commitment and strong support for its important mandate. My country stresses the critical need for enhanced international cooperation to address these unprecedented levels of displacement and the needs of protection that continue to be rising today. Among the several areas in which the UNHCR is contributing to face these uncertain situation, the UAE reiterates its deep concern over the devastating impact of the conflict on the people of Sudan. This situation is due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the persistent breaches of international humanitarian law by the warring parties, namely the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Mr. Chair, the parties of the conflict, especially those represented in the room, are only interested in politicizing this committee and accusing others and spreading false narratives instead of assuming their own legal and moral responsibilities. Due to such conduct, the conflict is having a devastating humanitarian consequence on the civilian population, with thousands of civilians, including women and children, not being able to have access to food, water and medical supplies, and are being forced to leave their homes. What we continue to hear is the complete disregard of the conditions faced by Sudan's own population, which is continuously suffering from the ongoing fight, sorry, which is continuously suffering from the widespread famine due to the ongoing fighting. Sudan has become a land of atrocities where the most fundamental principles are being violated on a daily basis. What is needed is clear. The fighting must stop and civilians must be protected. A party to the conflict, Mr. Chair, shouldn't lecture and prescribe to this hall on the basic humanitarian principles. They should simply follow them. Mr. Chair, the UAE remains focused on what truly matters, alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people. We continue to deliver humanitarian aid, support UNHCR's life-saving efforts, and continue to work constructively with international partners to secure access for relief operations. As a member of Sudan's quad, the UAE will continue in calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. And we reiterate that Sudan's future governance is for the Sudanese people to decide through an inclusive and transparent transition process, not controlled by any warring party. I thank you, Mr. Chair. Chairperson [1:03:58]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. The next speaker. is Honduras. You have the floor. Honduras [1:04:09]: Thank you, Chairperson. We note the document presented by the High Commissioner, International Protection, with the rising conflict and humanitarian crises and complex phenomena. leading to forced displacements globally. IDPs in Honduras are a reality requiring tangible action to ensure safety and dignity of the affected persons. Thus, as mentioned in the general debate, we seek to strengthen prevention, protection, and comprehensive care with a differentiated approach to addressing differences in age, gender, and humanitarian contexts. through the law to protect care and protect IDPs, our government with HCL support has created an institutional commission for the protection of IDPs. And this nationally act to prevent, protect and find lasting solutions, giving support to communities affected by violence, extortion and climate change to restore security and stability. In order to strengthen our institutional capacity of response, We have carried out measures to improve management of cases with digitalization of interviews, registration, administration of files and other processes. We're evaluating processes for greater efficiency without compromising quality, seeking to consolidate and have a faster, more transparent system for persons needing protection. We've worked with local governments to consolidate the comprehensive response to internal displacement, carrying out consultations and training, bringing together local governments of eight key cities and drawing up standard operating procedures to manage IDPs with a participatory approach in decision making. Honduras reiterates its commitment to continue building on the progress made in implementation and strengthening of the national legal framework and developing capacities, and we hope to continue counting on the support of HCR in our country. Thank you. Chairperson [1:06:56]: Thank you. The next speaker is the European Union and you have the floor. EU · EU [1:07:04]: Commissioner, Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union as a donor. The EU welcomes, High Commissioner, your statement and takes note of the 2026 program budgets. In this challenging financial environment, it is all the more important for UNHCR to maintain a clear strategic focus, deliver on its protection mandate, ensuring operational agility and upholding the integrity of its systems. The EU is a staunch supporter of multilateralism. This includes the 1951 Refugee Convention, access to asylum and non-refoulement. International refugee frameworks, which are also at the core of EU law, should not be politicised. Today's humanitarian challenges call for more unity and not division. The EU humanitarian aid budget in 2025 currently stands at 2.56 billion euro. The EU remains committed to support forcibly displaced persons across all regions, the great majority of whom have been displaced by conflicts such as Russia's illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, the deplorable, dire, and catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, the dismal crisis in Sudan, and other conflicts and ongoing crises in Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our principled assistance is based on vulnerabilities and severity of needs. The EU pays particular attention to addressing the needs of children, women and girls, including sexual and gender-based violence. Our humanitarian efforts focus, among others, on safeguarding rights and ensuring access to essential services. This adds to our significant efforts to reinforce asylum systems, promote self-reliance and durable solutions for forcibly displaced people, while supporting their host communities to ensure international stability and prosperity, benefiting both the EU and partner countries. At the same time, everyone must shoulder their responsibility and match their economic standing. including emerging global donors and the private sector. Since the 1st of October, a new UNHCR structure is fully in place. This recalibration should be underpinned by rigorous financial management, strong risk oversight and transparent criteria for prioritization, targeting support according to severity of needs, cost-effectiveness, and risk is essential to sustain donor confidence and mobilize broader support. UNHCR's engagement in system-wide reform processes such as UNAT and the humanitarian reset provides a timely opportunity to enhance efficiency and coherence. Continued alignment with these initiatives while preserving, importantly, UNHCR's unique protection role will be key to maximize collective impact and avoid duplication. In line with sustainable responses, you can count on us for continued support to host countries and local communities in enabling refugees inclusion into international public services, notably in education, health, and social protection, avoiding separate costly social systems. The scale and complexity of forced displacement today requires coordinated responses rooted in national leadership and ownership, whole-of-government engagement and inclusion. The EU will remain a robust partner in supporting UNHCR's mandate and continues to seek closer alignment with all like-minded actors. In turn, for us, it will be really important Uh, to have clear prioritization and communication on strategic choices, as well as sound financial management to ensure that the limited resources available achieve the greatest possible impact for forcibly displaced persons. Thank you. Chairperson [1:11:09]: Thank you. I call on Refugees International on behalf of the NGO community. You have the floor. Refugees International · NGO community [1:11:20]: Thank you. Dear Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Today's statement is being delivered on behalf of a global and diverse range of NGOs, including organizations led by forcibly displaced and stateless persons. Today, we are witnessing multiple challenges across the world. The landscape of displacement is more complex and precarious than ever before, demanding both our unwavering resolve, and concerted collective action. The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 protocol have protected millions of people from persecution, and yet much of today's mass displacement overwhelmingly stems from the failure of states to address root causes and adhere to human rights, humanitarian conventions, and international law. It is a failure to protect people fleeing from violence, from climate emergencies, and from conflict. Conflict is not the only threat to people in search of safety. The global rise of anti-migrant, nationalistic discourse, hate speech, and misinformation is fueling the rise in xenophobia and increases the risks of violence against refugees and asylum seekers. Dear Excellencies, dear Chair. Today, we are also witnessing an alarming global trend of states attempting to undermine or implement restrictive policies that are in clear violation of the internationally recognized right to seek asylum and the absolute obligation to uphold the principle of non-refoulement. Policies that violate the right to seek asylum, such as pushbacks and the externalization of asylum processing, must cease. Although time does not allow us to mention the pushbacks taking place, the gravity of the situation should concern us all. So too must the rise of policies that externalize responsibility for the protection of refugees and asylum seekers. Practices that shift burdens and avoid responsibility are inconsistent with global solidarity and responsibility sharing. Mass expulsions and forced returns are increasing. It places groups already at heightened protection risk, particularly women, children, people with disabilities, and older people, at even further risk of exploitation, malnutrition, illness, and worse. And finally, durable solutions that provide much needed protection to people fleeing conflicts are in steep decline. Resettlement quotas for 2025 are at their lowest since 2003, with major programs paused indefinitely. With recognition of all these challenges, we call on states to renew their commitment to international protection and adherence to international human rights and refugee law, urging an end to forced displacement, pushbacks, and externalization of asylum processing that undermines basic human rights, and adhere to the principle of non-refoulement. Uphold their obligations under international human rights law and refugee law by ensuring that asylum procedures are equitable, that they are efficient and available to all without discrimination. This means guaranteeing access to territory and asylum procedures, providing clear information, and not subjecting asylum seekers to arbitrary or prolonged detention. Urgently scale up resettlement based on humanitarian and protection needs. as well as other third country solutions such as humanitarian corridors, community sponsorship, and humanitarian visas. These are the only viable options for many of the most at-risk refugees and are a life-saving protection tool. Advance other complementary pathways like those based on education, labor mobility, and family reunification. Actively and directly combat xenophobia, racism, discrimination, hate speech, and misinformation, and promote positive, evidence-based narratives about asylum seekers and refugees. Recognize that displaced populations are not a homogeneous group. Women, girls, children, youth, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals face specific and heightened risks. The responses must adopt age, gender, disability, and diversity approaches to ensure equal access to justice, protection, and services. Prioritize legal aid to asylum seekers and refugees, especially those from at-risk and marginalized groups. to help them navigate complex legal systems and achieve their legal rights. Respect non-refoulement obligations for climate displaced people and invest in policies and pathways for those forced to move due to climate impacts. Honor the pledges made under the Global Compact for Refugees. Reverse recent funding cuts to humanitarian assistance to alleviate and prevent further suffering of forcibly displaced populations and other vulnerable communities. and invest in durable solutions for safe and dignified returns and work to ensure permanent peace in contexts that drive displacement. Let us work together to build a world where all displaced people are treated with protection, with dignity, and with hope. Thank you, Chair. Chairperson [1:16:34]: Thank you very much. I don't see any other request for the floor. So I will ask the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection to respond. You have the floor, Ms. Mendin de Cueva. UNHCR · Assistant High Commissioner for Protection [1:16:57]: I have been informed that I speak way too fast for the interpreters, so I will try to speak very slowly. Just to say that I will not be able to do justice to all the incredibly rich interventions that have been made. And I will instead cluster or group my responses according to the different subjects or concerns that have been raised. First of all, many, if not all of you, have highlighted the importance, the critical importance of equitable responsibility sharing and international cooperation. And I'd just like to cite some of the delegations that highlighted this, the EU, the Africa group, the Republic of South Africa, Ethiopia, Uganda, Cameroon, UK, Canada, Ecuador, Japan, Germany, amongst others. I just want to highlight or remind all of us once again that UNHCR's mandate, its activities, all of its approaches are premised on exactly that, the fact that identifying Protecting and assisting refugees and identifying solutions for them is a collective endeavor. It is not the sole responsibility of one actor, but it is very much the part of the entire international community to approach this problem and to find the appropriate solutions. Certain delegations have also highlighted the importance of addressing root causes. South Africa, Uganda, Bangladesh, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, and the NGOs represented by Refugees International have highlighted the critical importance of addressing root causes and ensuring that countries of origin create conditions that are conducive to the voluntary return in safety and dignity of refugees. I would like to highlight again what I said in my statement that political solutions have to be a necessary precursor to any durable solutions relating to return. And this, as we know, is in short supply, unfortunately. But there are certain operations or certain countries where voluntary return is happening in mass numbers. And I do want to remind all of us again that in order to ensure the sustainability of the returns, particularly to countries like Syria and Burundi, we do need to invest in the infrastructures of those countries and the services that are provided by those countries to their nationals. in order to ensure that the returns are sustainable and that the returnees do not feel compelled to leave their countries of origin once again to seek asylum elsewhere. Many of you have also raised the whole issue of gender-based violence. The Africa groups, Switzerland, Ecuador, Zambia, and Burkina Faso, amongst others. I do want to remind all of you and all of us that the UNHCR's GBV policy includes all refugees, including men and boys. and not just women and girls. But it is also true that women and girls are disproportionately higher in numbers in terms of victims and survivors of gender-based violence. And therefore, much of our activities are directed towards that group of refugees. Unfortunately, given the funding constraints, our focus now is on life-saving activities in regard to gender-based violence. As you know, our policy encompasses both prevention, mitigation, and response. We are now focusing on life-saving response, which means that much of our efforts and work in relation to prevention have had to be put on hold. A question was also asked about the GBV evaluation and the recommendations and how UNHCR is handling that. Just to reassure you that we do have a two-year timeframe for a plan of action in order to implement those recommendations. But unfortunately, as we all know, the funding constraints will have a negative impact on our ability to implement those recommendations. And I do want to highlight that once again here. But on a slightly more positive note, I do want to also really express my appreciation to countries like Zambia, which are providing very, very positive examples of how to address or respond to GBV, notably in the case of Zambia, the safe houses that they have established for survivors of gender-based violence. Many of you have also highlighted the importance of strengthening and adapting asylum systems to meet current day needs and current day realities. You have also highlighted the need, the imperative need to return people who are not in need of international protection. And some of you have also mentioned lawful transfers of asylum seekers to third countries. I do want to say that we are perfectly aware of these issues. And as I highlighted in my statement, we have issued guidance and policies on exactly these issues. We have now issued a document relating to the work that we are doing to strengthen national asylum systems in terms of their ability to respond to the current needs in order to, in other words, also to respond to the mixed population flows. These include, as I mentioned in my statement, fast tracking manifestly unfounded claims and also fast tracking manifestly founded claims so that you are able to respond to the needs of these different categories of people in an expeditious way. We have also provided guidance, as I highlighted, on the return hubs, that is, return hubs for people who have been through a fair and efficient asylum process and have found maybe not in need of international protection. We have also highlighted our own role in regard to those return hubs. We have also issued guidance on lawful transfers and again highlighted under what conditions those lawful transfers should take place and again highlighted our own role in relation to those. So as you can see, we do want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. We are aware of the very real concerns that you have expressed, and we are here to support you in addressing those concerns. Some of you have also mentioned the importance of host countries and the non-financial contributions that they make. I can only say that I think every person in this hall absolutely endorses that. We do recognize the incredible contributions made by the host countries, particularly those low-income and middle-income countries that have hosted refugees for decades and who are really showing the most tremendous grace and compassion and hospitality. And they are certainly deserving of our international and our solidarity in terms of both funding and also identifying third country solutions for some of the refugees on their territory. Some of you have also highlighted the issue of IDPs and questioned whether in these times of financial constraints, exactly how UNHCR intends to maintain its role in terms of protecting IDPs. This has been raised notably by the Africa group, Switzerland, Burkina Faso, the Philippines and Honduras. Rest assured that we are extremely active. As you know, we are a co-founder and a co-leader of the Global Solutions Hub, which focuses on solutions for IDPs. We are also heavily involved in the cluster simplification. As you know, the Global Protection Cluster has streamlined its architecture so as to ensure that we don't have a proliferation of coordination structures on protection in IDP settings, both at the global level and at the country level. But I do want to highlight, of course, that each agency lead is required to enhance its capacity and expertise so as to be able to carry out the activities and its responsibilities in these domains, notably in domains of GBV, child protection, housing, land and property, and other areas. I do want to highlight and to commend some of the countries, the delegations here that have provided positive examples of what they're doing domestically to deal with the issue of IDPs. Philippines has just highlighted legislation it has adopted. We also heard about the attempts to domesticate the Kampala Convention and also the other domestic measures or internal measures that are being taken by some of these countries. Child protection has also been raised by many of you, the Africa group, Switzerland, Burkina Faso, amongst others. And related to that, the issue of the access to education, health services, mental health services, and the prevention of, or addressing and preventing exploitation and abuse of this category of refugees. We do want to say that in view of the financial constraints, we are focusing very much on inclusion of refugee children in national systems. And here I want to particularly highlight and express my appreciation to the Netherlands for the Prospects Partnership and to Norway as well because of the funding that they are providing under these different funding schemes that are geared towards enhancing the national systems and partnerships in order to ensure that refugee children are properly included in national systems of health, education, and other services as well. Statelessness has also been raised as an issue by the Philippines, Ecuador, Canada, Zambia, Brazil, and Burkina Faso, amongst others. I do want to say we did have a very, very good side event on statelessness yesterday. I do want to commend the over 150 members of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness And I want to particularly highlight the role of the Philippines and Ecuador in terms of leading some of these structures within the Global Alliance. The permanent representative of the Philippines actually referred to the Global Alliance yesterday as a happy group. And I do want to urge all of the member states who have issues with statelessness people on their territories to consider joining the Global Alliance, because I do have to say it's very rare that we have an entity that's described as happy these days. So I really would encourage all of you to consider joining the Alliance, because they are making very, very positive progress on many issues relating to reducing or preventing or eliminating statelessness altogether on their respective territories. And again, here, I want to highlight in particular countries like Zambia, which has just highlighted the fact that it is issuing birth register, ensuring birth registration and birth certification for all refugee children born on its territory. The route-based approach has also been highlighted by many of you, the Africa Group, Canada, Australia, amongst others. We are extremely appreciative of the endorsement that you have provided for this approach. I do want to remind us all again that this is not just a whole-of-journey approach, it is also a whole-of-society approach, which involves differentiated treatments, approaches, and outcomes for refugees and migrants, again, premised on international solidarity and responsibility sharing. I also want to refer to the issues of inclusion and solutions from the start and the importance of the humanitarian development nexus that have been raised by some of you, the Africa group, Ethiopia, Switzerland, Cameroon, Ecuador, Zambia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Japan, and Germany. I do want to say that all of our protection approaches are inextricably linked with the sustainable responses approach. particularly in terms of the inclusion of the populations that we serve in the national systems, because that is the ultimate form of protection, that we are able to then say that refugees have been included in legal systems, socioeconomic systems, and social protection systems, thereby alleviating, and with the help of the international community, notably, of course, international and regional financial institutions, thereby alleviating the pressure on the host communities and the host countries themselves. And I do want to especially congratulate Brazil on its policy. I know that the policy was just gazetted yesterday, and I do want to congratulate you on the fact that you have adopted this policy, which encompasses asylum, migration, and statelessness as well. Finally, just some other themes that came up, resettlement and complementary pathways. Canada, the Africa group, Australia, and the NGOs have highlighted the importance of these solutions. And I do want to highlight again the positive contribution from Canada in terms of the complementary pathways and also Australia, including both for resettlement and complementary pathways. And to underline again that both of these solutions are critical in that they are a protection measure, a critical protection measure, sometimes a life-saving protection measure for refugees in countries of first asylum, but it is also a method of easing pressure on the host countries, again, which have been hosting refugees, vast numbers of refugees for so long. And then finally, last but certainly not least, the delegations that have expressed strong support for the international refugee protection regime, for the centrality of protection, for the respect of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. I do want to repeat again that it is not the convention that requires reform. It is simply the implementation frameworks that require to be updated. And I'm extremely glad to high notes the interventions of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Uganda, the Ecuador, Germany, UK, EU, Canada, and the NGOs in this regard. And a particularly warm thanks to Uganda for really the most ringing endorsement of the international refugee protection regime. I really wanted to stand up and applaud. It's just my natural discretion that prevented me from doing so, but thank you very much for that. With that, I conclude my responses, Mr. Chair. Chairperson [1:30:46]: Thank you very much indeed, Madam. With these remarks, we conclude the discussion of this sub-item. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, we will now turn to item 4B of our agenda, concerning the work of the Standing Committee. on programme budgets, management, financial control, and administrative oversight. Please be advised that the programme budget for 2026 will be discussed under agenda item 6. Under this sub-item 4B, we will consider the report of the Board of Auditors on UNHCR's financial statements for the year 2024. and UNHCR's responses contained in the addendum to that document, as well as the report on internal audit in UNHCR. These reports were the subject of detailed discussion in the Standing Committee meeting on 8 and 9 September, which will help facilitate our review of this item today. I'm pleased to invite the Deputy High Commissioner, Ms. Kelly Clements, to provide general remarks, including on this item. She is accompanied by the Controller and Director of the Division of Resource Management, Mr. Hans Barrett. As well as from the Office of Internal Oversight Services, the Director of Audit, Mr. Bjorkun Min. I'd now like to call on the Deputy High Commissioner to present the reports. Ms. Clement, you have the floor. UNHCR · Deputy High Commissioner [1:33:00]: Mr. Chair, High Commissioner, distinguished delegates, Excellencies, it's really a true pleasure to be with you here at this Executive Committee. The moment carries particular weight as it marks the final ExCom with High Commissioner Filippo Grandi and under his leadership. With less than three months left, and this being our last joint public moment on this podium, I hope you will indulge me as I share a brief personal reflection. Listening carefully to the interventions during the general debate with accolades for an illustrious career of service to others, Let's face it, Mr. High Commissioner, you will have very big shoes to fill. I think it's fair to say that this is not the year that you or any of us wish to have to end a remarkable mandate with so many achievements. But stand with you we will, and looking forward, we must. As you say, the mandate is as relevant as ever, and our duty to stand with the 122 million people forced to flee and stateless persons are as pressing as ever. Together, we must keep hope alive for those who need us most. The stakes are high. Distinguished delegates, last month I visited Lebanon and Syria, where I met families who had returned home after many years in exile. It was a powerful reminder that solutions are possible and within reach. At the Standing Committee, I told you about the Syrian refugee, Amira, a mother looking out for her family first and foremost. Today, I want to tell you Mahmoud's story. We met at the outskirts of Homs. He's a blacksmith who returned from Lebanon with his wife and son. The early days were tough. His tools were stolen, and his son, then nine, had to drop out of school to make ends meet. At a UNHCR-supported community center, the family found help. His wife and son received psychosocial and child protection support, and Mahmoud himself was given the chance to complete an entrepreneurship training and access a small business grant to reopen his workshop. Today, he repairs homes for other returning families, supports the rebuilding of his community, and is already dreaming of expanding into larger construction projects. Yes, we were inspired. Mahmoud's story is one among thousands. As many delegations have noted this week, many Syrians have returned home. UNHCR and our precious partners are there, at the borders, in towns and villages, supporting families making some of the hardest decisions of their lives. This fragile progress depends on lasting peace and urgent investments inside Syria. It also depends on continued support for host countries, which for 14 years have shown extraordinary generosity in welcoming Syrian refugees. These signs of hope push us to keep going. with urgency and purpose. Mr. Chair, High Commissioner, distinguished delegates, let me turn now briefly to the immediate topic at hand, the current funding situation and our proposed 2026 budget. UNHCR has received only 32% of its funding needs this year. And if funding pledged is funding received, which we count on, distinguished delegates, We hope to end 2025 with close to 3.9 billion US dollars in funds available, roughly the same as a decade ago when I joined UNHCR, when only half as many people counted on us. Despite our relentless efforts to mobilize more resources, diversify funding sources, and invest in private sector fundraising, the funding shortfall has forced UNHCR to make drastic cuts. We have reduced our global footprint by 32%, cut projected expenditure by $1 billion, and we have had to part ways with close to 5,000 colleagues, a number that will sadly continue to grow. Thank you to those delegations who have recognized that, while refugees have paid the highest price for these cuts, our workforce, too, has suffered mightily. The High Commissioner has briefed you on the specific steps we have taken to respond to these abrupt funding cuts. The final changes of that review took effect last week. To deliver the most we can with limited resources available, we have focused on where we have most impact and a comparative advantage on protection and solutions, lifesaving interventions, emergency response. the priorities which so many of you have highlighted as being our forte in this Executive Committee meeting. Our efforts align with the streamlined vision reflected in the Secretary-General's UN80 reform proposal and the humanitarian reset under the Emergency Relief Coordinator's leadership. We will continue to revert to this Committee for advice on how we contribute and implement UN80's ambition and that of the reset. building on the ambitious transformation agenda the High Commissioner started towards the beginning of his mandate a decade ago. Distinguished delegates, thank you to the Board of Auditors, the Office of Internal Oversight Services, the Independent Audit and Oversight Committee, and the Inspector General's Office for their steady support throughout this particularly demanding year. The recommendations provided by external and internal oversight entities and evaluations help us strengthen the management of the resources entrusted to us. This is especially valuable as we navigate ongoing financial pressures, including short-term liquidity challenges and the need to balance the budget. We are in advanced discussions with a number of donors and extend our deep appreciation for the contributions that many are planning to make before the end of this year. Even taking this support into account, we are facing a substantial funding shortfall, estimated at over 300 million US dollars for 2025 against expenditures. A deficit is not an option, and we need your immediate help. One of our greatest challenges now is the mismatch between tightly earmarked support and the demands on us to deliver. We continue to monitor expenditures closely and have implemented strict controls, but this alone will not be enough. And as you have heard from many hosts this week in this room, further cuts would be catastrophic. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all Member States for standing with us during these difficult times. Thank you to donors who provide flexible funding, which is gold to UNHCR, and to host countries who remain the ultimate donors of refugee protection and the backbone of our collective response. Mr. Chair, it is this difficult reality that has shaped UNHCR's budget proposal for 2026, which stands at $8.5 billion, a 20% reduction from 2025. It reflects a mix of factors, including a smaller workforce and a reduced budget for internally displaced people, and a greater solutions focus. The proposed budget also reflects a sharper focus on interventions where UNHCR has the greatest added value and regions with the most urgent refugee needs, particularly in low and middle income countries. Underscoring our joint and longstanding commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees, the budget reflects our efforts to advance a strategic shift to sustainable responses to forced displacement, where development partners, private sector, and others have indicated an ability to step in. Approaches that help forcibly displaced stand on their own feet and build better futures. To the extent possible, we will continue to reinforce the capacity of national and local actors. And as mentioned in Tuesday's side event, we aim to work as locally as possible and internationally only when necessary. Last night, I received a message from Anna, the CEO of South Sudan's Women and Change NGO. She had seen the launch this week of our localization guidelines, a practical tool to shift power to local responders. In short, she gave us a big thumbs up on our approach, which included more than 250 local actors. We are committed to continuing and strengthening this effort, and rest assured that statelessness and solutions will remain priorities, as mentioned by the High Commissioner and the Assistant High Commissioner. Looking to the future, let me underscore that we have heard your concerns about our current needs-based budget methodology in this hall and in September at the Standing Committee. We are currently re-evaluating the way that we plan and prioritize, aiming to shift towards a budget and resource allocation model that reflects today's funding realities while reinforcing UNHCR's ability to deliver on its mandate. We will engage with you every step of the way with the first consultations in the coming months. Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, in a world of rising humanitarian needs and constrained resources, Our pursuit of innovation and efficiency efforts through smarter systems, leaner structures, and a sharper focus is relentless. UNHCR is engaged actively in broader UN efficiency efforts through the UN80 reform proposal and its humanitarian compact, leading some lines of effort. A key strand is the expansion of common services and platforms, some of which we discussed last week in the UN Chief Executive Board's High-Level Committee on Management. and linked to related efforts in the Business Innovation Group. As highlighted by the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, UNHCR is also committed to deliver a humanitarian reset together with other partners in the Interagency Standing Committee. In pushing for system-wide reforms, we are building on best practices from our internal efficiency efforts. Today, UNHCR is a leaner, more data-driven, and digitally enabled organization. Accelerating our Deliver Better roadmap, we are now translating value for money into measurable impact. We are introducing a business scorecard to track and demonstrate our comparative advantage, and a management results framework to empower managers to spot inefficiencies faster, use resources more smartly, and better monitor impact. Our efforts to consolidate transaction processing through global shared services will reduce costs and strengthen our internal control systems, enhancing integrity and fraud prevention. This shift will plug into the ongoing UN efforts on common services. And in our latest quadrennial comprehensive policy review, reporting, we recorded $59 million in efficiency gains, and we will provide further updates to this committee to demonstrate continued progress and accountability. And as you've heard from both the High Commissioner and the Assistant High Commissioner, we are deepening collaboration with our UN partners too, such as IOM, UNICEF, and WFP, all to reduce duplication, fill gaps, and amplify results. Mr. Chair, I cannot end without recognizing the incredible people who make this work possible, our dedicated colleagues and partners. Like many organizations across the humanitarian sector, budget constraints have forced painful decisions. And while we have had no choice but to reduce positions, it has inevitably meant that committed colleagues have lost their jobs, and those who remain are under growing pressure and uncertainty. We are working closely with the Global Staff Council, whom you will hear from later, doing everything we can to support affected colleagues, offering career guidance, prioritizing internal placements, and keeping doors open for future opportunities. But this is a very difficult moment for all of us. And yet, through it all, our colleagues continue to serve with dedication and care. We cannot thank them enough. And to address some delegation's comments, even with the recent downsizing, we have so far managed to keep the progress achieved on gender and geographic diversity from past years. At the international level, we still have gender balance and representation from the global south has grown steadily over the past few years. That said, there's still work to do, especially when it comes to improving the number of women in national roles and increasing global south representation in senior positions. Moving forward, we will soon launch an innovative dashboard where you can access our workforce data in real time. During times of transition, accountability, trust, and transparency is ever more essential. We rely on the strong formal and informal integrity systems we have invested in over the last years. along with the robust systems for reporting possible misconduct and abuse. You will soon hear more from the Inspector General. He has guided the evolution of UNHCR's oversight system into the professionalized and respected structure it is today. As this is his final ExCom, I want to thank him for his principled leadership during these dynamic years. Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, After everything we have heard and shared this week, one thing is clear. The purpose that brings us together is stronger than anything that might divide us. It is our shared commitment to protect, to find solutions, and to help people forced to flee and stateless persons build a better future. Let us hold on to that unity of purpose. Mahmoud, the blacksmith that I mentioned earlier on the outskirts of Homs, well, he believed in that future. And after returning from Lebanon with his wife and his son, he faced enormous challenges. But with our support, he is rebuilding his life. Mahmoud's story is one of hundreds of thousands. It shows what is possible when people are given the chance to recover and thrive. Yet it is also -- it also underscores a critical truth: Return is not the final chapter. Without sustained support, it risks becoming the beginning of a new cycle of hardship, rather than a path to hope. It calls on all of us to stay the course and uphold the responsibility we share. Hope takes courage, it takes determination, and it takes the belief that change is possible, even when the odds are very high. Families returning to Syria, colleagues and partners working through uncertainty, communities rebuilding from rubble, They move forward because they believe in something better. And so must we, because when we believe change is possible, we can help make it happen. Thank you for your continued support and trust in UNHCR. It matters now more than ever. Chairperson [1:48:38]: Thank you. Thank you very much indeed, Ms. Clements. The floor is now open to any delegations that may have comments or questions on the topics under consideration. Ecuador [1:49:26]: Thank you, Chairperson. Ecuador welcomes reports presented for the 76th session of the Executive Committee, in particular the financial information for 2024 and 2025, the findings of the Board of Auditors, the reports of the OIOS, and the reports of the most recent meetings of the Standing Committee. Global reality shows that forced displacement has reached historic levels because of lengthy conflicts, political instability, economic crises, and climate change-related disasters. Figures show that just in 2024, HCR had to declare more than 40 emergencies in almost 30 countries, which shows the growing pressure on the available resources. Hence, the budget of the High Commissioner is over 10 million, 10,000 million dollars annually, and that is not enough to rise to the needs. The report of the OIOS points to some structural challenges, namely a significant part of the recommendations of the audit remain pending, and In local operations, residual risks are high. For countries like Ecuador, which have large refugee populations, diverse populations, these are not isolated technical issues, but realities that have an impact on the daily lives of the people needing protection. For Ecuador, a country which has hosted one of the largest refugee and migrant populations of the region, these are not abstract debates. We know what it is to integrate hundreds of thousands of people in the health, education, and social protection systems, and what it is for host communities to live on a day-to-day basis with pressure on basic services and the labor market. Ecuador, therefore, insists on the need for a fairer division of responsibilities. International solidarity can not only be expressed in statements. There must also be tangible financial commitments, effective technical cooperation, and policies that recognize the efforts of the host countries. Thus, we underscore the importance of making progress towards innovatory financial mechanisms which alleviate the financial burden and strengthen national capacities. It is crucial for HCR to continue to build cooperation with other UN agencies. The positive experience of coordination between HCR and the OIM in responding to mixed flows shows that interagency cooperation can give tangible results when it leads to coherent action on the ground. Chair, the revision of the reports that we have before us shows that transparency, accountability, and administrative efficiency are crucial for HCR to rise to its mandate to help refugees, stateless persons, and displaced persons. Ecuador reaffirms its commitment to continue working with all member states, HCR, and the UN system as a whole to ensure that those who have had to flee not only find protection, but also real opportunities for integration, resilience, dignity, and development. Thank you. Chairperson [1:53:03]: Thank you. The next speaker is Chile. You have the floor. Chile [1:53:14]: Thank you, Chair. Chile welcomes the updates done this year, both for the budget 2025 and 26. The projections show that there are over 100 million IDPs, stateless people and refugees, 10 million more than this year. As we reiterated, this is not a year of business as usual. Political, financial and liquidity crises have led to profound change in processes and programs to address the needs of millions of human beings needing international protection, assistance and lasting solutions. We are assessing the impact of this on the lives of those who most need it, including 15 million men, women, children who have been left without international protection. Governance and participation by states and decision-making needs to be strengthened. We welcome the changes that have been implemented in the methodology for budget planning, including the needs of people under HCR's mandate, the focus on protection solutions sustainable responses and the root-based approach. We need more clarity on the strategic guidelines of HCR, the Global Compact, the SDGs and sustainable responses. When the needs of people are not the only component of the equation, they are all the same. essential. Thus, budget cuts need more specific responses to internal displacement to return and a large scale humanitarian response in a more specific sense. We're concerned at the decline in program financing. It is crucial to work on programs to protect and find solutions for the people who need it most. We reiterate our concern at the cuts in Latin America and the Caribbean this year and the severe financial reduction for 2026. HCR's support to our region has been crucial, showing the positive impact of the triple nexus approach. This possible scenario will have an adverse impact on millions of people, communities, civil society organizations, refugee and stateless persons associations and others. We thank the High Commissioner informing us about the programs and activities affected, suspended, or canceled. For Chile, leading the Cartagena process, this is of great interest. And we know the crucial value of regional, bilateral, international, and national cooperation. Conditions are rapidly changing. Resources are limited. Decisions need to be strategic and measurable. Thus, the information and the ongoing dialogue are essential. Finally, on flexible financing, we need a multilateral budget. And on UNHCR and the humanitarian restart, Chile wishes to reiterate its support to HCR's mandate and to its unflagging work in complex situations. You may count on our active participation in the process. Thank you. Chairperson [1:57:31]: Thank you. The next speaker is Colombia. You have the floor. Colombia [1:57:51]: Thank you, Chair, distinguished delegates. Colombia welcomes the work done in this complex financial situation. We are concerned at the challenges facing the organization, particularly as regards restructuring and impacts on people and partners. We note a efforts to maintain operational capacity and implement innovative tools, managing risks and with automated controls. Colombia is one of the main host countries globally and has high levels of internal difficulty. It is crucial for us that HCR maintain its response capacity on the ground given the vulnerability. We note the need to maintain internal and external supervision, crucial for transparency, accountability, and trust in resource allocation. We urge governments and donors to recognize their shared responsibility and increase finance. The lack of funds is hurting essential programs, such as those for children, gender, and against violence. programs are at risk, we reiterate our commitment to the mandate of HCR and the principle of solidarity and shared responsibility internationally, and we will continue to work together to strengthen promotion and integration of refugees and immigrants in our countries. Speaker 49 [1:59:27]: Full interpretation could not be provided because of the speed. Colombia [1:59:30]: Thank you. Chairperson [1:59:34]: Thank you. Are there any other requests for the floor? That does not appear to be the case. So I will call on Ms Clements to reply to the points raised by delegations. UNHCR · Deputy High Commissioner [1:59:53]: Thank you, Mr Chair, and thank you to the three delegations that took the floor. I think we'll probably hear from a few more delegations before we conclude with these items, including on the budget and the overall situation. We had a very fulsome discussion two weeks ago on some of these same points, including on the reforms, the budget methodology. I've tried very much in this opening statement to reflect what I heard in the room at that time two weeks ago and our next steps as a result. but very much empathize with the three delegations in terms of concerns about resource shortfalls, the impact that we're making, particularly in the Americas in this case, and what is next in terms of some of your own priorities and how they segue with what we're doing. So much appreciated. Chairperson [2:00:49]: Thank you. I thank the Deputy High Commissioner. Distinguished delegates, the Secretariat has received a request of a right of reply. Two minutes as per established practice for the right of reply and only one right of reply will be granted per delegation. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan. Sudan [2:01:31]: Thank you, Mr. President. The delegation of the Republic of the Sudan did not name in its today's statement the state that sponsors the terrorist militia spreading destruction and terror across our country. But that state has chosen to expose itself. when it dedicated an entire statement about Sudan while we were discussing international protection globally. Just to prove its unhidden involvement in fueling the war in Sudan by fully sponsoring the militia and its blatant interference in Sudan's internal affairs. The militia representative spoke about the so-called right of Sudanese people to choose who governs them. To that, we ask plainly, but who are you? Honestly, who are you? Who are you to speak on behalf of Sudan or its people, or about who governs them? Who are you to lecture us about democracy? The same representative spoke about the suffering of Sudanese people. But does she know, or does she deliberately ignore, who caused this suffering and who prolonged the war through the continuous flow of weapons, drones, and mercenaries? It's funded by the same entity that she represents. These facts are no secret. They are well documented in the UN documents. Mr. President, the UAE stands as the principal financier and supplier of the terrorist militia that has committed horrific crimes against Sudanese people. Shockingly, now it seeks to represent the militia within the United Nations system. forcing language into the Arab and the OIC statement, a group statement that defends the rebels and attempts in vain to give them a legitimacy that they will never, ever attain. This relentless defense of a terrorist group will not change the facts. Facts are clear, recorded, and undeniable. Such actions constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of a sovereign state. The UAE therefore bears full responsibility of the atrocities committed by the rebel militia using the weapons, logistics and political cover provided under the false pretext of humanitarian assistance. In this regard, Sudan urges the international community to demonstrate the courage and the wisdom required not to invite the very hands that fuel the war to the negotiating table, not to portray them as a neutral mediators or partners in finding a solution while they are, in fact, the root cause of the problem. Instead, the international community should exert real pressure on that state to cease its support to the terrorist militia, to stop the flow of weapons, equipment, and mercenaries that continue to devastate Sudan. These crimes, mass killings, sexual violence, the destruction of infrastructure, the siege of cities, and the deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war will never be forgotten nor forgiven. Every actor, financier, or enabler of these crimes will one day be held accountable before justice and history alike. I thank you. Chairperson [2:05:44]: Thank you very much. There are no further requests for the right of reply from members. And with that, we have concluded our consideration of item 4B. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, let us now turn our attention to agenda item 5, which concerns programmes and administrative oversight and evaluation. Under this item, the committee has before it two reports for review. The report on activities of the Inspector General's Office document A/AC.96/76/8 and the report on evaluation document A/AC.96/76/9. The Inspector General, Mr. Anthony Garnett, will introduce the first of those reports. Before his presentation, we will view a short video regarding the importance of integrity and the crucial role of reporting misconduct in UNHCR. Speaker 56 [2:07:48]: At UNHCR, integrity is the fabric that holds together everything we do. That's why it's vital we all understand the importance of reporting our concerns when something doesn't look right. If you see something wrong, say something. Report it and leave it to the Inspector General's Office. Here's how to report. send an e-mail to inspector@unhcr.org or visit the Report Misconduct section. Click Report Misconduct, provide details of your concerns. Reports can be made directly to the IGO or via the Speak Up helpline, either openly or anonymously. Every report is treated seriously and the information provided with utmost care and confidentiality. By reporting misconduct, you help keep UNHCR safe and accountable for all. Integrity counts. Chairperson [2:09:03]: Being, I'll press the floor to Mr. Garnett. UNHCR · Inspector General [2:09:10]: Chairperson, excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Integrity does count. Despite the nature of my work frequently bringing me into contact with the most challenging things at UNHCR, I have also been privileged to see the bigger picture of the dedication and commitment of colleagues, often operating under very trying circumstances, to deliver on UNHCR's mandate. In particular, my IGO team has worked to ensure UNHCR has held itself to the highest standards and principles that embody good humanitarian action, not just in words, but in deeds. This is my valedictory speech as UNHCR's Inspector General, as my fixed-term mandate ends in March 2026. Whilst my report covers the work of my office in the year to June 2025, I hope, distinguished delegates, you will indulge me in a small amount of reflection on my UNHCR experience. Your Excellencies, after commencing my role on day one of the COVID lockdown here in Geneva, I developed my office's five-year strategy 2021-2026. Its core aim was and is to ensure that UNHCR has an effective independent oversight system, giving confidence to UNHCR stakeholders of UNHCR's efficiency, economy and effectiveness. All of the IGO's actions during my tenure have been in support of this single objective. I believe in the power of good independent oversight, whether for assurance or in handling integrity matters. I believe it to be disproportionately impactful on organisations precisely because of its independence, objectivity and organisational position. This disproportionate impact is especially so for those organisations, such as UNHCR, that are complex, have objectives and mandates that are not easily measured and delivered by the profit motive alone, and for whom the path to success is complex and challenging. It has always been my aim as Inspector General to do things differently, making independent oversight, both for assurance and integrity matters, greater than the sum of its individual parts. The IGO's independence is not a tool to be brandished, but a differentiator to be understood, cherished, and utilised to good effect for the organisation. As UNHCR's first externally appointed and independent Inspector General, setting the organizational tone and getting the balance of independence with responsibility has been important. Independent oversight is, perhaps perversely, dependent. Dependent on counterpart governance and management teams. It is not an island. I have been grateful to the many member state missions that have reached out and engaged with my office's work. I have also been very happy to work with the current High Commissioner, who has been understanding, supportive and straightforward on the challenges we have tackled together during my tenure. He has set the right tone for his senior leadership team, and for that I am grateful. I also thank the Deputy High Commissioner for her continued focus on the prevention of and accountability for sexual misconduct. This has empowered me in my role to make real progress in this area. Effective oversight should enhance the supportive glue of trust, allowing both good governance and strong management to flourish in their appropriate spheres. Both parties should want and be able to utilise the inspector general and his office for independent and objective counsel, support, general advice and, yes, sometimes challenge and disagreement. I hope I have managed all of these roles well during my tenure. As independent oversight overall is not an island, neither are its constituent parts. This applies equally to the ecosystem of assurance, whether from the Board of Auditors, Joint Inspection Unit, the OIOS-provided internal audit service, the Evaluation Office, or donor and other external assurance providers. I have worked hard to support and enable good collaboration and co-working amongst the assurance providers and good, fruitful collaboration with second line management oversight teams, for example, enterprise risk management colleagues. For integrity issues, the same systems approach applies, with collaborative working to solve the integrity challenges whilst respecting individual mandates and confidentiality. I believe in confidentiality, not secrecy. This approach enables information sharing on a need-to-know basis for the benefit of good justice, lessons learned and accountability systems, and the overall efficiency and effectiveness to achieve optimal outcomes. For me, a hallmark of good independent oversight is the required application of systems thinking and the encouragement of the various independent entities for assurance and integrity to work collectively. applying independently their specialist professional skills and talents to best effect in partnership with both UNHCR's management team and governance structures. Distinguished delegates, I want to turn to the momentous changes that have impacted UNHCR and indeed the whole international humanitarian system this year. You'll be aware of the significant impact on UNHCR and its staffing. My office and the oversight system as a whole has not been unaffected. I have set out in my report some of the specific impacts on my office and team. Whilst my office has always had an ongoing efficiency programme during my tenure, including the advanced developments in the use of artificial intelligence I outlined in my report, and I anticipated the potential for impact early in 2025, this was not enough. Like the rest of UNHCR and the system more generally, our capacity has been reduced and we have lost highly skilled oversight and investigation staff. These are not easily replaced. I have taken steps to ensure, however, that the oversight system remains effective and credible. For assurance, my strategic oversight team has worked to ensure that all oversight providers regularly exchange views on changed and increased risks. and that adjustments and refocusing of their work for 2025 and into 2026 has followed. It is hard to understate how challenging such a scale of change is for any organisation, least of all when the surrounding ecosystem around that organisation is so changed too. My concern during 2025 has been to ensure that the control framework remains credible and intact and that UNHCR's management team takes steady and systematic steps to reconstitute itself into a leaner, fitter and more effective form as a smaller, prioritized UNHCR. For assurance, my office, in addition to the coordination amongst the various assurance providers, has delivered assurance directly in the form of risk-based advisory work, complementing the more formal assurance products of the oversight entities. This has been through my strategic oversight team, a concept devised by my predecessor, but now actualized under me. This small team of high-quality assurance professionals has delivered agile, risk-based, substantive risk analysis, consultancy advice, and assurance during the quick-paced restructuring UNHCR undertook in quarter one of this year. Now, post that first phase of change, my office has an agile assurance plan, utilizing a number of modalities, ranging in formality, to provide flexible and meaningful assurance by tracking the various change initiatives and changed landscape wrought by UNHCR's restructuring. For my office's part on integrity matters, the IGO has been forced to focus its efforts on the most important priorities. fraud, sexual misconduct and proactive fraud detection work. We have also utilised the already garnered efficiency savings to, at least partially, offset the cuts so far this year. We saw a reduction in overall complaints numbers in the first half of this calendar year, for the first time since the onset of the Covid pandemic, where a similar phenomenon emerged. As before, numbers of complaints have since recovered, though we are predicting a 12% decline in overall complaints in the calendar year 2025 compared to 2024. In terms of the mix of complaints, fraud and workplace-related complaints are now the two largest categories, reflecting the changed risk profile of UNHCR. Upwards trends in fraud and sexual exploitation and abuse complaints continue, both possibly as a result of capturing more events through enhanced communications concerning reporting and increasing trust in UNHCR systems. We continue to see, however, cold spots in reporting in certain regions and country operations, and I have continued to make the case for the full application of the mandated reporting of misconduct to my office, as evidenced by our campaign video today. Distinguished delegates, I conclude not only my remarks to this forum, but as I come towards the end of my tenure as UNHCR's Inspector General, with the observation that trust arrives on foot and leaves on horseback. Independent oversight is not, in my view, a symptom of a lack of trust, but an integral and special part of maintaining that trust. As UNHCR faces continued significant turbulence this year and into next, I ask you to continue to engage with, protect and utilise the IGO to its best effect, as a bridge between governance and management and as a tool to ensure the highest standards of performance and integrity are maintained. I thank my excellent team for all of their work and you all for your support over these last years. Chairperson [2:19:34]: Thank you. I now open the floor up for delegations who wish to speak or ask questions regarding the report of the Office of the Inspector General. First of all, Switzerland, please, the distinguished representative of Switzerland. Switzerland [2:19:57]: Chairperson, Switzerland thanks the Office of the Inspector General for the report. It's both very informative and particularly useful in a difficult period for UNHCR. The challenges that the organization is facing may indeed have significant repercussions on compliance issues and risk management issues. Unlike last year, the number of complaints for misconduct has fallen. after several years of considerable rise, whereas the number of investigations has increased. Although the number of complaints may fall over the next few years, given the reduced staffing levels and reduced financial resources, your office may find itself in a difficult situation with 25% fewer staff but an increased number of cases to address. How can the negative effects of such a situation be avoided, the negative effects on the quality of work undertaken or on the timeframes envisaged? Are you also envisaging adapting the number of oversight visits? The report also mentions increased use of AI with a goal of improving efficiency. This is a promising evolution, but also entails risk, particularly in terms of confidentiality and data protection. How can you ensure that your office does not generate any unexpected negative effects using such tools? Do you see any possibilities of using AI to support awareness raising efforts and prevention? in order to prevent any weakening due to the staff reduction. Switzerland welcomes the fact that the number of cases flagged to national authorities has gone from one last year to six this year. When we addressed this in the past, you stressed the complexity of conditions vis-a-vis the pursuit of these cases by national authorities. Has the situation changed? Or is this increase linked rather to the countries concerned and a more favorable legal framework now? Lastly, your report highlights an increased profile risk for UNHCR. The revision of guidelines of the organization in terms of risk appetite should take account of that. What do you think the greatest potential measures are to reduce this risk profile in the short term? Now, given this is your last ExCom, we'd like to thank you, Mr. Garnett, the Inspector General, and your whole team for your unfailing commitment to integrity and to strengthening it across UNHCR. Thank you. Chairperson [2:22:37]: Muchas gracias. Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Canada. You have the floor. Canada [2:22:48]: Thank you, Chairperson, and my thanks to UNHCR for the detailed presentations. Canada is deeply aware that the significant budgetary cuts proposed by UNHCR are coming at a time where the level of displacement and humanitarian needs globally are unprecedented. We understand that UNHCR has to make difficult choices because of the budgetary restrictions. We're concerned by the impacts on the displaced population and host communities. At the same time, we would voice our sincere empathy, genuine empathy, vis-a-vis the personal and professional repercussions for the staff of UNHCR. Canada trust in UNHCR's capacity to guide the organization through these turbulent times. UNHCR's sustained focus on its core functions, which are vital to preserving asylum space and safeguarding the rights of those most at risk. We note that the 2026 budget reflects significant reductions in direct service delivery across regions. We underscore the importance of structured exit strategies and transitional planning to mitigate the risks of widening protection gaps, service breaks, and weakened accountability. In light of current system-wide reforms, we encourage the Agency to provide clear guidance on how reprioritized refugee and humanitarian response plans are being aligned. Further to the progress report on UNHCR Workstream 3, We note the call for UNHCR to advance joint approaches with IOM on mobility and to streamline beneficiary data in collaboration with UNICEF, WFP, and IOM. We look forward to learning how these recommendations will be implemented. We also recognize the significant restructuring undertaken, including workforce reconfiguration and shared services. We encourage UNHCR to continue reporting on the impacts on both efficiencies and operations. And we urge the agency to continue to keep equitable geographic representation and gender parity gains across the workforce front of mind. Canada values the work of the Inspector General's Office and UNHCR's commitment to integrity and transparency. We also commend efforts at ensuring timely and impartial investigations of misconduct, especially sexual exploitation and abuse, supported by survivor-centered responses. The rollout of the new sexual misconduct policy and strengthened staff training are important steps towards embedding accountability. We encourage continued use of the ClearCheck database and urge partners to harmonize accountability systems and ensure interoperable tracking to prevent misconduct and uphold a safe and accountable UN system. Looking forward to the next agenda, Canada welcomes UNHCR's leadership in the United Nations Evaluation Group and appreciates the continued investments in evaluation and learning. We draw attention to the evaluation of decentralization and regionalization reforms and urge UNHCR to address its recommendations. In closing, Canada recognizes that these are deeply challenging times. We appreciate the difficult decisions have been made and more will likely be required. Please be assured that Canada will remain a committed partner to UNHCR. Chairperson [2:26:12]: Thank you very much. Next speaker is the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. You have the floor. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [2:26:20]: Thank you, Chair. We thank the Inspector General for his annual report and commend the IGO's vital role in UNHCR's third line of defense. Its independent investigations, oversight coordination, and strategic assurance are essential to maintaining organizational integrity, particularly amid shrinking resources and significant change. We'd like to make three brief points, first on resourcing and capacity. In light of reduced funding, we welcome the IGO's efforts to improve efficiency, including through artificial intelligence, but note that, while a reasonable level of assurance coverage is maintained, potential gaps remain. We welcome and appreciate the transparency in the report and encourage continued openness on those gaps and how they compare with the OIOS's assessment of internal audit coverage. Second, we value the insights from the strategic oversight service reviews. Further detail on their findings and how management has responded to recommendations would be welcome. Finally, we welcome the proactive fraud investigation work and look forward to hearing more about future plans in this area, especially given the evolving risk landscape. In closing, we reiterate our strong support for the inspector general and his team and our appreciation for your continued commitment to oversight and accountability. Thank you. Chairperson [2:27:42]: Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [2:27:54]: Thank you, Chairperson. Good afternoon. We thank the Inspector General for this high-quality report and look for future comprehensive participation by the Office of the Inspector General in the reorganisation of HCR, including to coordinate efforts of the main bodies of the supervisory bodies. We call on the leadership to provide the necessary conditions for this and in timely fashion to take into account the Inspector General's comments. In the report, it is rightly noted that there is a rise in the probability of organisational risks. We would like to know whether the leadership of HCR has a plan of action to reduce this type of risk in the conditions of reorganisation. We support the efforts of the inspector general to carry out strategic oversight, including in purchasing and procurement. We welcome the creation of the portal on oversight, which increased accessibility to information. And we request that it be possible to add to the portal information on the status of implementation of the recommendations of the supervisory bodies. Despite the complex financial conditions and the necessary savings, We call on the leadership in this stage and the next to keep the basic potential of the oversight services to ensure the integrity of the monitoring system, reduce the risk of misconduct and financial losses and reputational losses. We believe that the Inspector General will be cautious in the use of artificial intelligence, using manual supervision of the outcomes. And we thank the outgoing Inspector General for his efforts to improve the supervision system in HCR and wish him every success in his future endeavors. Thank you. Muchas gracias. Chairperson [2:30:29]: Thank you very much. I see no further requests for the floor. Let me turn the floor back to Mr. Garnett then for him to answer remarks and questions from delegations. Thank you. UNHCR · Inspector General [2:30:42]: Great. Thank you very much, Chair, and thank you, colleagues, for the kind words. Just in relation to the questions from the Swiss delegation, the first question was around having fewer staff and more cases to handle. The aim originally of our efficiency regime, which started before 2025 started, was to increase the percentage of complaints that we investigate directly ourselves. So of the total complaints that we receive, around 45% of them we refer to other parties. So that may be management because that's the most appropriate response. It may be to implementing partners, to other parts of the UN system. etc. We close around 46% of complaints. Either we cannot proceed, the detail is insufficient, or they do not relate to our mandate. So, they relate perhaps to workplace issues, or they relate to protection issues, which we ask management to look at. We had got up to about 13% of the total. I think we will end up around 9% of the total. So, all those gains are sort of being offset. The quality will not drop. That is not an option. The UN system is a legal one, and therefore the standard for proving misconduct has to be reached. That will continue. I and my team work very closely with our legal affairs service colleagues to make sure that the process is as smart and efficient as we can make it. Um, but we will focus and refer, we will continue to, uh, look at our AI. Currently, the AI does what I call intake assessment, so it takes complaints in, it decides whether it's appropriate for our mandate. It then makes a recommendation in terms of how you might investigate that, who you might interview, what you might ask them, the criteria against which you will judge their responses, the criteria against which you assess the entire complaint. So it takes us up broadly to the field work part of an investigation. Further phases will come in terms of reporting, et cetera, but intake was our pinch point and that's where we started with our AI. And you're right. The Russian delegation and the Swiss delegation were both right. I am cautious with AI. I'm ambitious, but cautious. So my aim is to always have a person involved. So it speeds up judgments, but it doesn't replace a human, at least not yet. Perhaps for the next Inspector General, they may make themselves out of a job, but not just at the moment. So on that regard and on data protection, we work very closely with our IT colleagues who making sure it's all in a protected sandpit and we're not putting information, sensitive information outside, either from a data protection perspective or from a integrity of that data perspective. You had a question which is really for Legal Affairs Service colleagues around referral for investigation to national authorities. The numbers are relatively small, so it's not a statistical difference and the difference is really case-led, I have to say. Each case is very different and there are quite strict terms and conditions. We have quite a few lawyers in the room and I'm not one of them, so I won't be able to answer the detail of the whys and wherefores of that, but I'm sure Legal Affairs colleagues can follow up with that. You talked about the increased risk profile. Yes, there is an increased risk profile. The key thing that UNHCR needs to do in the latter part of 2025 and into 2026 is rebuild the control environment. Control environments are processes, systems, and clarity, accountability and actually culture. And with the loss of so many people, large chunks of that have disappeared, including the soft side of the control framework, which is the reason why we're encouraging videos just to reestablish those behaviors. I have to say there is a change program, which is what we are following through the strategic oversight team. So the management team is on the right track in doing the right things. a lot of things at once, as you would expect, and we will have to do more things as we go into 2026. But what we have currently in the organisation is a credible response to what is a very, very challenging problem. So, for example, the global shared services is a very sensible response to reduce inefficiency, improve outcomes, reduce fraud, etcetera, etcetera. I will pick up the question from Cana. I thank you for acknowledging the staff impacts. Some of my staff have been impacted. We tried to make the situation as humane and reasonable as possible, but, unfortunately, that has created a lot of tension and stress in the team. I would say that the team has performed excellently. Even colleagues who were right up to their last day were doing their work at their duty stations, as they should. I was very happy with that, and we have done a lot to try to find find future opportunities for those staff which are excellent to pursue and continue their careers. Clear guidance on reprioritisation, that applies to my office as much as it does to the organisation, and yes, I think that is something that will emerge. Some of it came through the structural choices that were made by the organisation, but a lot more will come around what is a nice to have and what is a less nice to have, and what can we really prioritise and focus on. So there will be some things which the organisation will struggle to do, we try and keep as many of those going as possible. On the SEA side of things, we continue to prioritise that. Actually, our track record is not too bad data-wise on that, so 56% of all of our SEA investigations that we do as the IGO are completed within six months, which sounds like a long time, but in the complexity and the nature of the work that's done, it's not a long time at all. We also do our intake assessments to a very high percentage, so 80% of those we have a shorter timeline to assess complaints that are of a sexual misconduct nature. 80% of those are done on time, and where they are not, there are good reasons. They are complex, we have partial data, et cetera, et cetera. Turning to the UK, I thank the member for her kind words. On OOS coverage, my colleague who spoke before me could have answered in more detail. From my analysis, we are getting roughly the same amount of reports, but the coverage of high and medium-risk areas is slightly denuded. As I said in my report, I think that the coverage is credible, but it is stretched. There will be longer periods of time before things are reviewed than there were previously. We have had good co-ordination between all the oversight providers to make sure that we are not overlapping, duplicating and asking the same questions. That has been a very helpful, quick response in 2026. In terms of how the strategic oversight reviews have been responded to, we have a range of modalities. Some are very formal, more risk assessments, which we did at PACE in Q1. That did have an impact and did have some level of direction in terms of how the Q1 restructure went. And now I can see more engagement in terms of some of the more systems and process oriented control framework points we're raising around efficiency, around how to really get the most out of the oversight system and the integrity system as a whole, and also around the broader reorganisation of of responsibilities following the restructure. So I think Q1 wasn't necessarily the right time to respond to all of the points because we put a lot on the table, but I can see lots of engagement as we go into the last part of 2025. Proactive fraud, we continue to do that. We have around 40 cases or so. Proactive used to be treated as something that was a nice to have. I don't think it is a nice to have. I think you need to go and look for fraud in these circumstances and we will continue to go and do that and with our colleagues. And it's a good sharing thing with our other colleagues across the system. So where you have one or more funders funding the same implementing partner, that just makes sense to speak to each other. So we really promoting that both in terms of practice We have about 40 open cases that we have been working on through that. In terms of the Russian delegation, thank you very much for your comments and input. I cannot comment on the increase of risks and how management plans to address that. I think that is covered in other sessions, although I would say that, from what I have seen, it is a very credible response. The portal oversight will continue to make that accessible. In terms of the status of recommendations, there is a risk of including... We have a consolidated database of all recommendations, and any UNHCR employee can see where they are and monitor and track them. It's quite detailed, so not really a governance tool, it's much more of a management tool. But I will continue and make a bigger effort to give you... Ask my successor to make a bigger effort to give you a theme of the things coming out, so if we see the direction of travel is not going well, or we see particular areas, geographic or thematic, that are not going well, we can do that. That would make more sense at a governance level. I hope that the organisation keeps the oversight integrity system whole and intact. That will always be a challenge and a choice, but, as I say in my report, this is not a substitute for trust; it is part of that bond of trust. I think that it will be prioritised, and I have certainly had that support in my time here. And then the final point on AI, I think I've covered, and we will be very cautious, but ambitious at the same time. Thank you. Chairperson [2:40:28]: Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. We now give the floor to the Deputy High Commissioner, Ms. Klemens-Pick. UNHCR · Deputy High Commissioner [2:40:35]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. And I just wanted to take the floor very briefly to comment on a couple of items on the management side that were raised by delegations. Switzerland, the U.K., and the Russian Federation all raised risk, and we did have a conversation, although an abbreviated one, two weeks ago in the Standing Committee. But the question in particular that came from Switzerland with regard to what steps could we possibly, in the current context in terms of this financial crisis, decrease the risk profile, we've looked -- we were actually benefited greatly from some work that Enterprise Risk Management did As we were going through the last few months, including on using various tools that we've already had, we're going to talk about evaluation in a moment in terms of the decentralization and regionalization and how we could use that in terms of informing then as well some of the restructuring. But a few things that certainly we have taken away, one, clear communications absolutely needs to be part not only of what we've done in the past, but going forward. Discipline in some of the cost reductions that we need to take will certainly decrease the risk profile. Further sharpen some of our prioritization, and I know this has been a subject of discussion as well with this committee, and we will continue to work on that as well as we're looking at, for example, new operating models and budget structures and the like. And indeed, shifting to those new operating models, including the global shared service, will decrease the risk, certainly, and I mentioned that in my opening. statement. And then the broader investment we need to take in fundraising and resource mobilization as we're going forward. And then another theme that has come out through these last four days in how this all links up as well with UNAD, broader reforms, the humanitarian reset. Those are all very much related. We will have to look at, and we've talked in this with this committee, the appetite statement that we had almost ready when everything happened beginning earlier this here. We need to come back to you and relook at how we move forward on that. I think that's a very important conversation. But all in all, that is something that we're looking at. Just a couple of quick points from Canada. One, in terms of the reprioritization of the refugee response plans. that we paralleled that process with what was happening with regard to the humanitarian response plans. A lot of collaboration was done, obviously, at country and regional levels. Going from what we estimated to be needed for 33.6 million people was then reduced to 27 million people. Again, that's very, very similar to the broader response on the HRPs. And we did this with eight individual plans, and we can follow up with you to talk in detail about that. And then finally, on sexual misconduct, to add to the Inspector General's comment about investigations, there's obviously, as we go forward, still a very firm focus on prevention and mitigation when it comes to the operational context. It remains a high priority for all of us. Thank you. Chairperson [2:43:51]: Thank you very much indeed, Ms. Clements. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, we will now move to the second report to be considered under this agenda item on the topic of evaluation. To introduce this report, I welcome the head of the Evaluation Office, Ms. Lori Bell. Ms. Bell, you have the floor. UNHCR · Head of Evaluation Office [2:44:17]: Good evening, Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. Is UNHCR relevant in doing the right things? Are our efforts effective, and are they building stronger systems that deliver long-term benefits for the people we serve? What must we keep doing, where can we step back, and what are the things we're uniquely positioned to do? These are the questions that are at the heart of UNHCR's evaluations over the past year, and it's my pleasure to share our progress and some challenges as we reflect on UNHCR's work in today's fast-changing humanitarian landscape. My objectives today are threefold: to present a snapshot of where evaluation stands in UNHCR today, to highlight some key cross-cutting findings and challenges identified through recent evaluations, and to consider what lies ahead, opportunities and anticipated hurdles. Allow me to begin by emphasizing why evaluation matters, especially now. With growing needs and shrinking budgets, evaluation is one of our most important tools. It helps us sharpen the quality of our work, build trust through transparency, and ensure accountability. Most importantly, it tells us what works, why it works, and how to do better. From July 2024 to June 2025, UNHCR completed 20 independent evaluations, five in collaboration with other UN entities, agencies, reflecting, in fact, the increased number of multi-partner initiatives in areas of programming in which UNHCR is engaging. 11 were centralized evaluations conducted by my office, including key assessments of UNHCR's regionalization and decentralization reform and emergency responses in Ukraine and Sudan. Country-level evaluations included Peru, Brazil, Somalia, and Senegal multi-country office. Finally, we examined UNHCR's policy on prevention and responding to gender-based violence. A briefing on the findings from the GBV evaluation will take place on the 11th of November, and I hope to see many of you there. Nine additional evaluations were commissioned by management, mostly donor-mandated, focused on areas like education, health, livelihoods, and durable solutions. All 20 evaluations were externally reviewed and assessed, and the average quality rating for the reports was 65 percent, on par with the year before. One of the key objectives of UNHCR's evaluation strategy is to strengthen the organization's ability to generate and use evidence. This past year, we finalized guidance for different types of evaluations, rolled out an evaluation support package in three African regions, training 53 staff, and, responding to growing demand, introduced a formal job description for M&E roles in the field. We expect larger operations to start building this capacity in support of stronger results-based management systems. To further foster a culture of evidence and learning, we've made evaluations more accessible. Our AI-generated 10-minute podcasts were the innovation of the year for us. You'll find them on our website. We held a number of informal member state briefings and internal sessions with senior management staff. However, we still lack a formal management system to track how evaluation findings translate into action. Timely follow-up and management responses have improved, but remains a weak spot needing management attention. In our annual report on evaluation, summary findings are presented for individual evaluations. Here, I would like to share some key recurrent findings from across evaluations. On localization, in places like Bangladesh and Mali, aligned with local systems and using area-based approaches has improved ownership, social cohesion, and program coherence. But the concept of area-based approaches is not well understood within UNHCR or across the humanitarian sector writ large. Legal documentation. UNHCR's advocacy for national reforms has improved access to legal documents, critical for accessing health, education, and economic opportunities. We're continuing to explore this link in our ongoing urban programming evaluation. Inclusion gaps. Despite progress on gender, stronger partnerships with women-led organizations, and better protection and economic outcomes for women and girls. Evaluations show that the implementation of the age, gender, and diversity policy remains uneven and there are gaps, particularly for persons with disabilities. Accountability to affected populations also remains a sector-wide challenge, documented most recently in a joint evaluation of the UN's humanitarian response in Somalia. Finally, we see recurrent evaluation findings around UNHCR's delivery of cash assistance. Evaluations affirm the relevance and effectiveness of cash-based interventions in Ukraine, Peru, Mali, and Sudan. But inflation and market instability can limit the impact, and we're still relying too much on in-kind aid in some contexts. Digging deeper, a multi-country impact assessment of cash is underway, and an independent evaluation will take place in 2026. Reflecting the Humanitarian Reset Roadmap, an important focus of this evaluation will be on our harmonized approaches and sustainable responses. The year ahead. There is not a single segment of this year's Executive Committee that has not reflected on the issue of budget constraints and their impacts on UNHCR's work, and evaluation is no exception. We're currently planning based on an assumption that we could be facing up to a 50% cut in the evaluation office budget for 2026 compared to last year, which will mean limiting new centralized evaluations for 2026 to only three or four important topics. Country evaluations are of crucial importance for looking afresh at our presence and performance and are vital tools to inform adjustments to our country's strategy and footprint. In this regard, I've prioritized the evaluation in Syria. a very large UNHCR operation in a country with enormous needs for return and recovery support. Earlier this year, Member States provided a number of excellent suggestions on themes for our next global work plan. However, at this stage, the financial situation requires us to prioritize only one new global evaluation. So many of you have spoken this week on the importance of localization, which is also a key commitment under the humanitarian reset. For this reason, and building on evaluations that touched on this topic, in 2026 we will initiate a strategic evaluation on this topic. If there ever was an opportunity, no a moral obligation, for a refugee-led evaluation, it is this one. I will be reaching out to some of you to explore how to build in genuine refugee participation in this important exercise. With respect to joint evaluations, the Board of Auditors report in 2024 recommended that my office, in liaison with other UN entities, commission periodic interagency evaluations of refugee response plans. We have identified the joint response plan in Bangladesh as a potentially important learning opportunity, and I will be reaching out before the end of the year to the government and other partners to explore their interest. Finally, demand for decentralized evaluations continues to rise, driven largely by donor requirements attached to tightly earmarked funding. A priority for 2026 will be to develop mechanisms and principles to ensure that limited, unearmarked, flexible resources do not subsidize projectized funding, and that all such evaluations are professionally managed and independently conducted. In closing, UNHCR remains strongly committed to evaluation and learning, but in this tough financial climate, I am also considering whether the evaluation policy, originally set for review in 2027, should not be updated sooner, especially in light of a planned revision of the broader policy on independent oversight. member states, in particular Canada, the EU, France, the Russian Federation, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the USA, who participated in evaluation advisory groups over the year. Your feedback and interest, whether through briefings or consultations, has been critical in helping UNHCR move forward from evidence to action. I welcome your comments, your feedback, and your continued collaboration. The Evaluation Office stands ready to engage with you at any time to discuss findings, lessons, and opportunities for strengthening our impact. Chairperson [2:53:18]: Thank you. Thank you very much, Ms. Bell. Distinguished delegates, we've come to the end of our meeting for this afternoon. We will resume and I'll open the floor for questions and comments on Ms. Bell's presentation. presentation tomorrow morning at 10. In the meantime, I'd like to give the floor to the Secretariat for an announcement. Ms. Kier, please. Secretariat [2:53:48]: Thank you, Chairperson, distinguished delegates. I wish to inform you. That the last side event is taking place tomorrow morning at 8:30 in room 5 on refugee leadership, redefining localization in humanitarian action. You're all most welcome. Chairperson [2:54:05]: Muchas gracias, Senora Kier. Thank you very much, Ms. Keir. The eighth meeting of the 76th plenary session of the Executive Committee is now adjourned. Thank you very much for your participation.