3rd Meeting, 76th Session of UNHCR Executive Committee

A very good morning. I'd like to call to order the third meeting of the plenary session of the Executive Committee. Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, before we continue, I'd like to remind delegations in order to facilitate the interpreters work that would be grateful if for them to provide their usual excellent service you could submit a copy of your statements before delivering said statement to the secretariat at the e-mail address checoexcom&unhcr we'd like to now move to continuing with item three on our agenda, the general debate, continuing with our list of speakers. And the first speaker from this morning's list is the distinguished representative of Chad. Minister, you have the floor.

Chair of the 76th session of the Executive Committee, Your Excellencies, delegates, distinguished guests, participants, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the delegation of the Republic of Chad, I would like to align my statement with that made by Cote d'Ivoire on behalf of the African Group. As the eminent delegates who have preceded me have said, I would like to take the floor on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Chad and on my own behalf. I begin by thanking you for the opportunity given to us in the context of this 76th session of the UNHCR General Debate. We are meeting in an august forum to tackle key pressing issues, those displaced by force and solutions to the global humanitarian crisis. Chair, I would like to recognise on this occasion the amazing efforts made by UNHCR, in particular under the leadership of Mr. Filippo Grandi, and this for the multifarious support given to my country in the context of our management of multiple crises connected to enforced displacement since 2003 in the Republic of Chad. we have hosted more than 1.5 million people displaced forcibly, in line with our national and international commitments around protection. This has been manifested by the adoption of two key legislative texts: the law on asylum seekers, adopted on 31 December 2020, and the law on the protection of IDPs, which was adopted on 1 August 2023. This legislative progress comes in the context of commitments made by China during the UNGA of September 2016, and this in connection with the Global Compact on Refugees, Migrants and others displaced by force. To date, more than 2,066 million people who have been displaced forcibly are located on our territory. This is compared to 1.7 million from the previous year. This represents 12% of our national population. This locates Chad among the top 10 countries hosting such people the world over and the second in Africa. Since the conflict in Sudan began on the 15th of April 2023, according to the official data, partly provided by UNHCR, we have seen 867,999 Sudanese refugees arrive and 401,630 Chad returnees coming from Sudan. These people are added to the 600,000 refugees from Darfur who were already present in our country for more than 20 years, principally in refugee camps in the east of the country. Chairperson, High Commissioner, guests, ladies and gentlemen, The large-scale presence of refugee populations represents a significant challenge for Chad and is placing growing pressure on host communities. Despite our limited resources, we continue to fully shoulder our responsibility towards aid. Nonetheless, it is key to strengthen international mobilization in order to meet essential humanitarian needs, and this in the areas of logistics, health, food, infrastructure, and other key sectors. Throughout the second Global Forum on Refugees, Chad undertook significant responsibilities aimed at transforming the life of refugees in host communities. These commitments relate particularly to access to the employment market, education, and healthcare, as well as the adoption of decrees relating to legal aid and the streamlining of civilian documentation. And this relates to projects to issue ID cards in partnership with UNHCR and our national agency for the issuance of papers. And finally, the improvement of asylum procedures. Combating statelessness is also at the heart of our priorities. Following our commitments undertaken during the high-level segment on statelessness in the context of the 72nd session of the Executive Committee in 2021, We launched a wide-ranging registration campaign, that's birth registration, aimed at also issuing birth certificates to refugees and IDPs. Chair, I'd like to launch a solemn appeal to donors and the international community for a increased and sustainable support. This comes in the context of a context where strength and solidarity is required to ensure IDPs and returnees are supported, along with host communities. According to the National Response Plan, $161.5 million are allocated to Chad. This is around 26% of the regional budget. Nonetheless, humanitarian requirements are actually estimated at a total of $1.45 billion. This represents a deficit of around $636 million. Chairperson, High Commissioner, I'd like to solemnly reaffirm Chad's commitment to supporting refugees. In this statement, we would like to call on others to help find a negotiated political solution to the Sudanese conflict, allowing return, voluntary return to that country, which is safe and dignified for refugees. Chad remains fully committed to work with its technical and financial partners in the rollout of the triple nexus, humanitarianism, peace and development. And this with a view to ensuring the independence of displaced persons and the communities hosting them. I'd like to renew our thanks, our sincere thanks to UNHCR, to the technical and financial partners, and the national and international NGOs for their constant and undying support to the Chadian government, which has been confronted by a panoply of humanitarian crises in a complex international context. High Commissioner, the end of your 10-year mandate, I'd like to greet and recognize your leadership and your commitment, which has been undying to IDPs, and to express on behalf of the entire of Chad our thanks to you. Finally, I'd like to invite the international community, donors, and innovative funding mechanisms to garner their efforts through flexible non-allocated contributions in order to allow UNHCR to respond effectively and efficiently in a sustainable manner to the IDP crisis in Chad. To conclude, I'd like to reiterate Chad's call for an equitable sharing of the burden of responsibilities in line with the commitments made during the second Global Forum in 2023. Thank you very much for your kind attention. Thank you very much.

The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Lesotho. Minister, you have the floor.

Chairperson, the International High Commissioner for Refugees, Excellency, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the delegation of the Kingdom of Lesotho, I'm delighted to join other delegation at this important forum for the Executive Committee of High Commissioner's Program. We extend our appreciation to the High Commissioner and UNHCR staff for the invitation and excellent facilitation of the meeting. Allow me from the onset to confirm that the Kingdom of Lesotho aligns itself with the statement that has been delivered by Cote d'Ivoire on behalf of African group. I wish to congratulate the High Commissioner for his good leadership within the UNHCR over the years. Chairperson, my delegation appreciate the UNHCR's major initiative and its focus on ending statelessness with the launch of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness built on the momentum of the I Belong campaign. This alliance will unite the governments, UN agencies, civil society and stateless-led organizations to drive the legal reforms and collective sections to ensure that everyone has a nationality. In line with this sustainable development goal 16.1 and the spirit of the 2030 agenda of leaving no one behind, the government of the Kingdom of Lesotho through its national identity and civil registration continue to take robust steps to ensuring that the legal identity is provided for all, including through the birth registration. Lesotho has also made positive strides towards digitalizing registration of these services for easy access to everyone, including the refugees and asylum seekers. The Kingdom of Lesotho believes that everyone has a role to play, including the displaced persons themselves. We are working very hard to level the playing fields to ensure that refugees and internally displaced persons are included in our economy and society. The government has a funding initiative for refugees, education to empower them with the skills and the knowledge for the better future. Education enables refugees to rebuild and integrate, supporting sustainable and growth. Lesotho extends its gratitude to UNHCR staff for assisting the government with the study on the statelessness, which paves the way to the development of legislation on statelessness beside our immigration and citizenship bill. The government of Lesotho is amending the 1983 Refugee Act to improve the refugee protection aligned with the international standards and address the identity document fraud. Refugee status is granted to persons who are vulnerable and in need of protection where their countries of origin fails to provide for such. Due to political and determinant factors, irregular migrants should not acquire the refugee status through illicit means to circumvent compliance with migration laws, as these actions impact individuals who really require the protection. Chairperson, the government of Lesotho is working to help refugees to become self-sufficient in food production by supporting a small chicken rearing project at the center. As current government grant are insufficient for their food needs. Shade nets for growing vegetables have also been installed at the center to improve the crop yield, reduce the losses, and promote sustainable agricultural practices, as the weather in Lesotho is harsh throughout the year. Some refugees have shown interest in phone repairs and digital satellite television installation, They received training and startup kits, enabling them to launch the businesses in income and grade jobs. Lastly, the Kingdom of Lesotho also in the past year managed to increase its effort in public awareness campaign in partnership with the local organization. This effort are yielding positive result and more people have accepted the fact that They must accommodate and live in harmony with our brothers and sisters from other countries. Distinguished guests, allow me to conclude by reaffirming Lesotho's unwavering commitment to boosting humanitarian and development support for refugees, expanding protection and durable solution, such as resettlement and upholding the right to seek asylum. This commitment is based on the belief that becoming a refugee is never a choice. I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. The next speaker on our list is the distinguished representative of Ethiopia. Madam Director General, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chairperson. High Commissioner, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Ethiopia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire on behalf of the Africa Group. Representing the government and the people of Ethiopia, I would like to begin by extending our heartfelt gratitude to the High Commissioner for his 10 years of dedicated service. We thank you, High Commissioner, for your vision, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to the cause of displaced people across the world. We especially commend the way you have worked tirelessly to build stronger partnership with development actors, including World Bank and many others. Ethiopia has directly benefited from this leadership, and for that, we are deeply grateful. We deeply appreciate High Commissioner Grandi's seven visits from Shre in 2060 to the last June 2025, high-level inclusion dialogue, have an advanced inclusion, self-reliance, and sustainable solutions. His recognition of Ethiopia's generosity in Alamot remains a lasting symbol of shared commitment and solidarity. We understand that the past decade has not been an easy journey for UNHCR, refugee hosting countries and the international community. The number of forcibly displaced people has grown to historic levels. The world has faced one emergency after another across continents and in all types of crisis. However, throughout these challenges, UNHCR has continued to focus not only on humanitarian response, but also on long-term solutions. Mr. Chair, The past decade has also been extremely challenging for my country, Ethiopia. We are among the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world. During this period, Ethiopia's refugee population increased from 700,000 to over 1.1 million. Most of these refugees live in protracted situations alongside host communities across eight regional states and the capital, Addis Ababa. Currently, we are also hosting South Sudanese emergency new arrivals without adequate support from international community. This growing existence has placed additional strain on already limited resources, public services, and local infrastructure. This year, 2025, has been the most difficult. We have witnessed international financing decline to alarming levels at a time when humanitarian needs are rising rapidly. The mismatch between resources and the needs is growing wider every day. The costs we have seen not only prevent progress to our durable solutions, but also threaten to reverse the important gains that have been made over the years. This is challenged the sustainability of refugee protection and assistance, weakening the resilience of both refugees and hosting communities. Despite these significant challenges, Ethiopia has never wavered in its commitment to the 1951 Refugee Convention and the principles of international protection. For us, this commitment is not only in words, but also in deeds. Our contribution is not always quantifiable in monetary terms. Rather, it is manifest in the land, water, resources, economic activities, and the environment that we extend and share every single day with refugees who seek protection within our borders. In practical terms, Ethiopia has taken bold and progressive steps. Refugees in Ethiopia now have access to national services and the opportunity to engage in economic activities. At the 2016 Leaders Summit and in subsequent Global Refugee Forums, Ethiopia made ambitious pleas to expand access to education, health, and jobs for refugees while also supporting hosting communities. We even made land available for irrigated agriculture, demonstrating our seriousness in finding solutions. More recently, with the support of World Bank, we launched national identification program that includes refugees. This digital FIDA number allows them to access service on the same basis as nationals. We are also supporting We are also issuing work permits and business licenses, enabling refugees to participate and contribute in our economy. Ethiopia, as a source of host and a transit country, is central to mixed migration in the Horn of Africa. The root-based approach is key to stabilizing movement, enhancing protection, and promoting durable solutions. However, funding gaps, limited pathways, and capacity constraints hinder progress. Stronger regional coordination, predictable financing and investment in digital and human systems are vital to ensure safe, regular and dignified mobility across the region. Excellencies, we cannot sustain these efforts on our own. We need the reassurance of strong and reliable international support. We call on all Member States to recommit to the 1951 Convention and to the principle of equitable responsibility sharing. We urge all partners to stand with host countries like Ethiopia and to ensure that the responsibility of protection is not carried by a few, but shared fair by all. I thank you.

Thank you very much. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Latvia. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Mr. Chair, High Commissioner, Latvia aligns itself with the statement of the like-minded European states. I would like to join in appreciation to you, High Commissioner, for your steady leadership of the Organization during the past 10 years. We share the High Commissioner's concerns on the unprecedented displacement resulting from conflicts, violence, and persecution. The scale of the needs has only grown. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, catastrophic situation in Sudan, violence in Democratic Republic of Congo, and other humanitarian crisis have resulted in millions fleeing their homes. And parties to conflicts openly disregard international law. We call for compliance with international humanitarian law and accountability for violations. We support the UNHCR's comprehensive protection-oriented approach, working together with IOM and other organizations, especially on the route-based approach. The new European Union Pact on Migration and Asylum share the same goals, and Latvia is working to ensure a timely implementation of the pact. We welcome the UNHCR's efforts in addressing the multiple humanitarian crises, particularly in a time of limited financial and human resources, as well as the UNHCR's efforts in streamlining the organization's work. Mr. Chair, we are in the fourth year since Russia started its war of aggression against Ukraine. Latvia is on the front line of receiving forcefully displaced Ukrainians. Today, around 31,000 Ukrainian refugees have been registered in Latvia. Thousands of them are children. Latvia will continue to support Ukrainian refugees for as long as it takes, providing them with housing, education, jobs, health and social care. We are also extremely grateful for the UNHCR's efforts in Ukraine as civilians continue to be affected by brutal Russian attacks. The fact that the UNHCR staff remains on the ground delivering the urgently needed support deserves our admiration. For the sake of Ukraine's people and our global community, Russia's illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war must stop. Overall, the declining security environment increasingly endangers the UNHCR staff who are risking their lives for the sake of humanity. Latvia has joined the Global International Humanitarian Initiative as well as the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, which sets standards to protect humanitarian workers in conflict zones. While supporting the displaced people, Latvia also safeguards the European Union external border. At the same time, on our eastern border, we are facing the ongoing instrumentalization of migrants by the Belarusian regime in complicity with Russia. This is a form of hybrid attack, seeking to undermine the security of the European Union member states, as well as those persons exploited in such attacks. We condemn any attempts to weaponize migrants for political purposes, and we are very concerned that such attempts can lead to serious human rights violations. Mr. Chair, conflicts continue to be the main cause of forced displacement. Latvia intends to contribute to maintaining international peace and security, serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the next two years. As we look ahead, Latvia once again commends the UNHCR's tireless efforts and will continue cooperating with you, High Commissioner, in addressing the challenges we face. Thank you very much.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania. Director, you have the floor.

Chairperson, distinguished delegates, on behalf of the government of the United Republic of Tanzania and my delegation, I align with the statement delivered by the Republic of Ivory Coast on behalf of the African Group. Chairperson, you will agree with me that The High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi's leadership has ensured that the plight of these persons remains visible and urgent, even in the face of these competing global demands. Mr. Chair, I also wish to extend our sincere appreciation for the recent visit of the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection to the United Republic of Tanzania. Her visit reiterated the importance of intensifying efforts to promote repatriation of Burundian refugees and underscored the need for increased support to Burundi side to enhance return programs. Mr. Chair, as echoed by many delegations, we remain deeply concerned about the ongoing financial constraints affecting refugee operations. In the United Republic of Tanzania, This challenge has led to the closure of the key humanitarian programs while the refugees population increases. Chairperson, we also face a persistent challenge. Despite prevailing peace and stability in Burundi, many Burundian refugees continue to resist voluntary repatriation. The United Republic of Tanzania hosts more than 150,000 Burundian refugees, whereby from January to September 2025, only 1,640 individuals were assisted to return, despite the fact that the majority have viable, durable solutions within Burundi. Chairperson, in our continued efforts to accelerate durable solutions for Burundian refugees, The 25th Tripartite Commission meeting held in December 2024 reached a decision to undertake a comprehensive protection and solution-based assessment for this population. The objective of the assessment was to identify durable solutions that align with international protection standards and reflect the realities on the ground. In collaboration with UNHCR, I am pleased to report the successful completion of this said assessment as of October 2025. Recommendations have now been formulated to guide durable solutions. We therefore call upon the international community to stand with us in translating these recommendations into actions so that the population may finally access durable solutions. Mr. Chair, I would like to highlight that extensive efforts have been made by the government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the government of the Republic of Burundi, UNHCR, donors, and stakeholders within Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania for this group. At this point, it is evident that some of the refugees are deliberately resisting return. While we continue to assess the impact of ongoing promotions for voluntary repatriation efforts, if they prove unsatisfactory, Tanzania will be compelled to invoke cessation for this group. We wish to reassure UNHCR and all partners that any cessation process will apply solely to Burundian refugees hosted within the United Republic of Tanzania. Furthermore, this matter will be formally presented at the upcoming Tripartite Commission meeting scheduled for late November 2025. Mr. Chair, in prioritizing solutions, We also wish to highlight the growing interest among Congolese refugees in the United Republic of Tanzania to voluntarily return to their country of origin. Some have expressed willingness to be supported in returning to alternative destinations within their country. In response, we plan to convene a tripartite meeting in December 2025 to explore modalities for safe and dignified return in collaboration with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the UN Sierra. We are committed to ensuring that this process reflects the aspirations of those seeking to rebuild their lives at home. Mr. Chair, Tanzania remains committed in its humanitarian tradition for decades. We have welcomed those fleeing persecutions and conflicts, offering protection and pursuing durable solutions in partnership with the UNHCR and the international community. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to continue receiving those in need, providing protection, and to pursue durable solutions that restore hope and dignity to the forcibly displaced population. Thank you for your kind attention.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. Next speaker is the distinguished representative of Thailand, Mr. Secretary General, you have the floor.

Mr. Chair, on behalf of the Thai delegation, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for UNHCR's active role in providing humanitarian support to displaced persons and those in need of international protection. Conflicts and instability continue to persist in many parts of the world. forcing millions of people to flee their homes, resulting in the record high number of displaced population. In this context, Thailand, as a host country, strongly believe that the principle of international burden and responsibility sharing is more important than ever. Thailand echo the high comminutional concern on the global trend to humanitarian funding reductions. Such policy undermine the spirit of solidarity and will continue to have pervasive effects on the millions of displaced population around the world. For Thailand, I'm delighted to share with you that over the past year, we have made many significant progress in our effort to alleviate the plight of the displaced populations. First, as host of more than 77,000 Myanmar displaced persons for over four decades, on 26 August 2025, Thailand has decided to allow them to work outside of the temporary shelters. This decision is made after careful consideration of humanitarian principle, national security, and Thailand border national interest. Thailand view the policy an important milestone toward achieving sustainable and self-reliant solution in response to the changing global humanitarian context and national socioeconomic landscape. Thailand will continue to ensure that the implementation of this policy is in line with international principles and standards. In the connection, Thailand appreciates UNSCR, donor countries, and civil society organizations for their long-standing support to the group. Continuation of such support will be vital during this transition period, particularly in areas of skill development, livelihood preparation for their life outside the temporary shelters. Thailand also will come increased assistance for vulnerable groups who still have remained in the temporary shelter setting. Second, on 29 October 2024, the Thai Cabinet adopted the plan to expedite the process of permanent residency and nationality acquisition for approximately 480,000 stateless persons. This marks one of the most significant breakthroughs in Thailand policy on statelessness while also reaffirm Thailand commitment particularly as a founding member of the global Alliance to the end statelessness. Today, around 60,000 applicants have benefit from this new scheme. Third, Thailand attach great importance to implementing our homegrown national screening mechanism, or NSM, to ensure that protection is accorded to those in need. Since its operation and analysis in 2023, seven individuals have been granted protected person status, while 205 cases are currently under review. In addition, Thailand is currently evaluating the implementation of NSM with a view of identifying areas for improvement and enhance its effectiveness. Continued technical support from UNSCR is appreciated. Fourth, Thailand remains committed to implement alternatives to detention of migrant children since the adoption of the scheme three years ago. More than 2,206 children and their families have been released from immigration detention centres and received support in both community settings and government shelters. This reflects our will to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to all children. in line with Thailand's withdrawal of its reservation on Article 22 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We share Thailand's concern of the international community on the deteriorating humanitarian situation of the Rohingya population and welcome interactive discussion and the high-level conference on the situation. of Rohingya Muslim and other minority in Myanmar and 30 September 2025 in New York Thailand will continue to do our part in implementing our pledge at the second Global refugee Forum in 2023 to provide assistance to the Rohingya in Bangladesh and development assistance to Rakhine State This year, Thailand donated another 700,000 Thai baht to World Food Programme to provide assistance on food security for the Rohingya in Bangladesh. Thailand is committed to continue our good rapport with UNHCR and international community and look forward to constructively participate in the Global Refugee Forum progress review in the December this year. Lastly, on behalf of the Kingdom of Thailand, I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the High Commissioner for unwavering dedication and leadership to providing necessary assistance to the protection to the displaced person all over the world. Throughout this decade long we wish him on the best for the future in the world. I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Argentina. Madam Head of Cabinet, you have the floor.

UNHCR authorities, representatives of member states, citizens, Good afternoon. Let me reiterate the concerns spoken by my colleagues during yesterday's and today's meeting, where more than 47 countries have already taken the floor. I think it's timely to address a problem which for our states poses a challenge and means that we must seek alternatives and new solutions that promote evolution of a system that has reigned for many years and which must be modified. In line with that, the Argentine government fully abides by the statement issued by the US yesterday. To make profound change, we need first self-criticism, and that means redistributing tasks, optimising resources and reorganising structures, which today make too much bureaucracy. It's also a need for accountability and make more transparency, which so that when adjustments must be made and expressions of continuity and disenchantment of countries who complain about lack of financing, investment of states in any area of public policy must be presided over by justification of actions carried out in order to know their motivations and have the decision power to alter decisions which don't mean the needs of decisions made, explanations of decisions taken, given the huge spending made by states, has meant that for months we find ourselves speaking about financing like a key element and ignoring cases that have been raised at global level and it's not and rather than trying to in uh find better ways of upholding the humanitarian goals of this organization as President Millet said at the last general debate in New York We must restore a notion of what's most the biggest priority. Our priorities are working hand in hand in search for peace is the priority, therefore, and the foundations in that event means that UNHCR goes back to its origins with a reduced, more reduced organization, more efficient. which can carry out the humanitarian work in the field based on its great expertise around the global oversight mechanisms, such as in provision of clean water, medical assistance for those who need protection due to forced displacement and those who require shelter. We recall the international systems don't have as their goal to collaborate in the sovereignty of states. International systems should complement the work of states with those who are under their own mandates that gave them their origin. It's also important to recall, as my participation in May in this summit, Every country, every region is experiencing different realities. The geographic location of territories, vicinity to countries in conflict, sanctions or absence of legal norms that support the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol, tolerance with the use of refugee system in the case of economic migrants, the abusive use of the institute of asylum in those case, where it is not even applicable, are situations that inexorably vary and enable the adoption of different measures at different levels of participation on the ground by UNHCR. That highlights the vital need to modernise existing systems to draw on technological resources in those locations where conditions exist. and give preference to regions with the highest flow of forced displacement. In that change, what must predominate is bilateralism between states, so that, in the context of our sovereignties, we can adopt the measures that we deem fit and conducive when it comes to asylum, without the obligatory intermediary of the institution as a necessary participant. Many times, as reality shows, countries adopt decisions in cooperation with sponsors who already have experience on the ground and who assume responsibility for financing the decisions decided by states. In conclusion, it's a time to rethink the institution with a view to its effectiveness and the original goal of its creation and adopt the necessary changes to address the challenges together with equity and most efficiently and most effectively as possible. for the benefit of those who truly need it. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Nigeria. Senor Secretario, Permanent Secretary, you have the floor.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Chairperson, Member States of the Executive Committee, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Nigeria aligns itself with the statement earlier delivered yesterday on behalf of African group by Kuda. Ladies and gentlemen, we are aware that as global displacement figures continue to rise, driven by insurgency, wars, conflicts, largely perpetrated by non-state actors, and the increasing impacts of natural disasters, the international community, including humanitarian bodies such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, has become over-stretched, both financially and in human resource capacity. This strain is further compounded by the redirection of global donor support to other assumed priority areas, leaving vulnerable populations increasingly dependent on host states and host communities that are themselves confronted with numerous challenges. Despite what the grim outlook presents, Nigeria has remained steadfast in upholding its global commitments to displaced populations. In line with President Buhari Ahmed Tinubu renewed hope agenda. It may interest you to know that as of September 2025, Nigeria hosts over 142,000 refugees and asylum seekers, has received over 24,000 documented returnees and spontaneous returns, and has a population of over 6.7 million internally displaced persons nationwide. Your Excellencies, permit me to provide some highlights to demonstrate some of the sustainable responses that the Nigerian government has adopted across the country to support both asylum seekers as well as find solutions to displacement since the last time we came to this meeting in 2024. A support of the Nigerian military in humanitarian responses. B, Nigerian borders are remain open to persons seeking asylum and the structure to respond to asylum needs continue to be reinforced. Leveraging ICT for humanitarian service delivery as well as finding durable solutions. Nigeria has stepped up actions in the areas of durable solutions through provision of resettlement cities in seven different locations of the country in a bid to close down IDP camps in similar manner of the non-encampment policy of the refugee population. Thus, the launching of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Resettlement City in Keffi, Nasarawa State, some 40 kilometers away from the capital city by the Nigeria's First Lady, Her excellency, Senator Oluremi Trunibu in May 2025. That so the resettlement of 48 households of 300 and 45 individual vulnerable IDPs and refugees. Nigeria continues to promote voluntary repatriation of our citizens who are refugees in Cameroon, Chad and the Niger Republics. Through the execution of legal instruments of tripartite agreements between UNHCR and the authorities of the three countries. Thus, over 7,000 Nigerian refugees were voluntarily returned to their respective ancestral homes in Borno State in February 2025. On the other hand, over 14,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon have registered their willingness to return to their ancestral homes. while signing of a tripartite agreement for the voluntary return of over 2,000 Nigerian refugees in Niger Republic is in the view. And lastly, the livelihood support, that is, Nigeria providing livelihood support with agricultural activities, vocational training activities. Ladies and gentlemen, Nigeria hosted the thematic meeting on youth, education, and innovation. Driving the Future of Migration in Abuja on May 13-14, 2025, co-chaired with Spain. This was the first thematic meeting under Nigeria's chairmanship. Mr. Chair, Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection and assistance of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, IDPs, settlements align with international obligations and national priorities. In this regard, Nigeria calls on the international community, UNHCR and the humanitarian partners to strengthen collective action in five critical areas: a) enhancing collaboration, partnership that promote shared responsibility and ensure timely people-centered responses; b) investing in digital innovation building national and local capacities to sustain high-quality asylum systems, encouraging responsibility sharing to ease the disproportionate burden on frontline host countries, as well as advancing durable solutions to foster education, livelihoods, and social cohesion. In conclusion, Mr. High Commissioner, Chairperson, distinguished Member States, ladies and gentlemen, Nigeria remains committed to continued collaboration with UNHCR in all humanitarian programmes within the country and elsewhere in the world, when and wherever it becomes necessary. Thank you all for listening.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. Next speaker is the distinguished representative of Serbia. Madam Deputy Commissioner, you have the floor.

Mr. High Commissioner, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, we thank the High Commissioner for his statement, and we express appreciation to UNHCR staff and all partners for their dedicated engagement and work in protecting persons in displacement and finding durable solutions. We are aware of enormous efforts of UNHCR, headed by High Commissioner Grandi, is making to provide adequate protection and equally meet the needs of persons in protracted displacement, at the same time struggling with diminished resources. The Republic of Serbia is committed to create conditions for permanent and sustainable solution for all displaced persons as one of our key policy priorities. We would like to remind you of the successfully implemented regional housing program that enabled housing solution for over 11,000 refugees in four Western Balkans countries, out of which is 7,500 in Serbia. The Republic of Serbia, as a country of the Western Balkan route, has also been faced with mixed migration flows for a decade. And our response is based on principles of solidarity, inclusion, and protection of human rights. The Republic of Serbia developed a system of providing international protection, including access to procedure, inclusion, integration, on the basis of protection of human rights, with the support of UNHCR, which celebrate 50 years of presence in Serbia. Since the outbreak of the refugee crisis in Ukraine, the Republic of Serbia has been actively involved in providing adequate protection and assistance to Ukrainian citizens who are granted temporary protection and all rights in accordance with international law. We remind that Serbia made five pledges at the first Global Refugees Forum that have been fulfilled. Given the fact that we have fulfilled most of the pledges made at the second Global Forum, we are reaffirming our readiness to contribute to durable solution to the problem of increasing number of displaced people around the world. Ladies and gentlemen. I do like to draw your attention to one of the longest and still unresolved refugees issue in Europe, and that is the issue of Serb refugees from the former Yugoslavia. There are still about 25,000 refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia in the Republic of Serbia that need further support. In addition to the issue of refugees, the Republic of Serbia is also facing the protracted problem of internally displaced persons from the territory of the autonomous province of Kosovo and Metohija since 1999. Refugees from the former Yugoslav republics and IDPs from Kosovo and Metohija make up around 10% of Serbian population. Currently, there are about 200,000 IDPs registered in Serbia and more than 17,000 internally displaced Serbs and non-Albanians within the province. Allow me to bring to attention of this Committee an unacceptable situation in our autonomous province of Kosovo and Metohija that is a result of violation on human rights by the Provisional Institution of Self-Government in Pristina. The position of Serbs and non-Albanian population is still worsening daily, through introducing impunity for ethnically motivated crimes against Serbs, Serbian Orthodox Church and their property, conducting arbitrary arrests, unlawful intrusion and closure of facilities of institutions of the Republic of Serbia. obstructing freedom of movement, illegal expropriation of land, as well as many other acts of violence. The above described and continuous ethnically motivated attacks have resulted in the departure of more than 20 per cent of the Serbian population from the territory of Autonomous Province Kosovo and Metohija in the past two years alone. The return of Serbs and other non-Albanian population to Kosovo and Metohija is one of the most unsuccessful in history. They have been provided with neither sustainable return nor access to basic human rights and essential needs. After 26 years of displacement, the rate of sustainable return compared to the total number of IDPs in Serbia amounts to less than 2%. It is necessary for the international community to enable the implementation of the signed agreements within the EU-facilitated dialogue, and thus the safe and effective return of Serbs and all Albanians to the territory of Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija, including the formation of the community of Serb-majority municipalities. I would like to remind you that his obligation from the Brussels agreement is still pending for more than 12 years. Ladies and gentlemen. I would like to conclude that UNHCR remains an important partner for the Republic of Serbia in addressing the needs and finding durable solution for all displaced persons in Western Balkan. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you very much. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Benin. Deputy Director, you have the floor.

President, Commissioner for Refugees, distinguished delegates, it's with a sense of great honor that I am taking the floor on the occasion of the 76th session of the Executive Committee of UNHCR. Allow me to start by conveying on behalf of the Government of Benin my sincere congratulations to the High Commissioner for his decisive action at the head of UNHCR at a time he is preparing to hand over the baton. We, as he knows, are extremely committed to the legal instruments and the principles which are the cornerstone of refugee protection. Biden would like to reiterate his undying commitment to the principles underpinning the Geneva Convention of the 28th of July, 1951, as well as the 1967 Convention. We reiterate our commitments to these principles, as well as the commitments made in the context of the Global Compact on Refugees. More recently, these principles have been brought into a specific framework in our country in the law of the 20th of December 2022 on refugee status and the status of stateless persons in the Republic of Benin. Faced with the growing number of forced movements of populations the world over, which have been themselves exacerbated by armed conflict, persecution, and the effects of climate change and food insecurity, the international community must demonstrate solidarity and shared responsibility as well as concrete cooperation. It's in this vein that my country, which is faithful to its tradition of hospitality and respect for human rights, continues to host those fleeing conflicts and persecution in full respect of their dignity and fundamental rights. This was strengthened this year by a UNHCR initiative. This was something that was passed by the ministerial meeting on the regional dialogue on national security and the protection of refugees, which was organized in Lome on the 3rd and 4th of July 2025. Benin played an active role in this meeting. This was the crowning moment of a process which was organized around the shared declaration on national security and the protection of refugees. by five countries from West Africa, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo. This statement reaffirms that national security and international refugee protection are far from contradictory goals. They are, in fact, complementary. It invites us also to take an approach which is founded on the rule of law and is respectful of fundamental rights and human dignity. and should be tailored to the realities of each country. A strategic document at the sub-regional document around protection and solutions is being drawn up. This is an opportunity to welcome close collaboration with UNHCR and technical and financial partners, allowing us to roll out lasting solutions for the relevant populations, notably through local integration. Chair, on the 30th of September 2025, We had 24,947 refugees and asylum, and the number of asylum seekers stood at 27,294. These forced displacements are recorded through the technical and financial supports of UNHCR, as well as the World Food Programme and the IOM. Currently, new flows of people displaced by force are predominantly residents in four departments across the north of Benin. These are along the border with the Sahel area, and they are still awaiting registration with financial support by the World Bank and the Social Cohesion Project. Nonetheless, we recognize that there are still significant challenges to overcome. Pressure on resources and growing needs in the spheres of education, health, employment and social cohesion require strength and support from the international community. We would like to therefore call for increased mobilization of financial and technical resources as well as strength and support to countries from our region experiencing unprecedented increase in refugees. Finally, we'd like to insist on the urgency of acting on the underlying causes of forced displacement by supporting conflict prevention and democratic governance, as well as resilience to climate change. Chair, this year in 2025, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that nobody is left behind. For its part, Benin remains resolutely committed, alongside all its UNHCR partners, to progress with the causes of international protection and the promotion of human dignity. Thank you for your kind attention.

Thank you very much. I'd now like to pass the floor to the High Commissioner to share his reflections and thoughts on this debate.

Gracias.

Thank you very much, Chairperson, and a good morning to all. I'd like to begin with Chad, one of the countries at the forefront of impacts of the most significant humanitarian crisis being experienced in the world today, the Sudanese crisis. I've myself seen, and my deputies have also seen in our numerous visits to the country, the very, very significant burden which a country with few resources such as Chad is having to shoulder to host hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees who are continuing to arrive, particularly from the Darfur region. I'd like to, despite all of that, applaud the policies being put in place to host refugees, the open door policy that Chad has always maintained vis-a-vis its neighbors when they're in trouble, and in particular vis-a-vis Sudan, but also greet the policies concerning inclusion which follow up on that welcome. From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to support the particular appeal being made. by the Minister of Chad to donor countries for ongoing support to Chad and indeed an increased support to Chad because this is urgent. We're talking about the lives of thousands of people. We're talking about the stability of the nation of Chad, and I would say indeed the stability of an entire region which is so strategically important. And so this is an essential appeal, and I align myself with it and reiterate it in support of Chad.

Not far in the same region, thank you very much to Nigeria for a very good statement focusing on solutions and cooperation with UNHCR. Nigeria has, as we know, a big displacement problem, has a displacement problem related to Nigerians abroad, but in particular a very big internal displacement problem. And I applaud the efforts that are being made to try to address it with practical solutions. We will continue to cooperate with you on that. It is, of course, in line with the the Secretary-General's special agenda on solutions for internally displaced, which you have embraced, I know, and which we are very much part of. So, thanks for detailing this in your statement and count on us to continue to be a partner as you have invited us to be in this effort.

And remaining in the same region, I'd like to thank Benin as well for the reaffirmation, as indeed most of the African countries have reaffirmed, and I was saying this to my colleagues, I'd like to congratulate you for the fact that I'm hearing from all of the African countries a reaffirmation and confirmation of your commitment to the legal instruments and the principles underpinning the refugee system. It's very important because you're putting this into practice more than any other region in the world, despite the challenges that you must confront. And to repeat it, that goes for the institutional level as well. So thank you to Benin and thank you to the others. And of course, on Benin, specifically and the other coastal countries of Western Africa, we look forward to continuing the regional dialogue. And I really appreciated this sentence in your statement, clearly stating that there isn't necessarily any contradiction between border security and the principles of humanitarian aid and refugee protection. It's very, very important to work on those two dimensions to ensure that they're not allowed to be contradictory. Thank you to Benin and thank you to others who have repeated that idea.

To the Director General for her very important statement on behalf of Ethiopia. She mentioned seven visits. I paid seven visits as High Commissioner to Ethiopia. It is one of our most important partners. And it's very interesting because if you listen to the statement by Ethiopia, one of the countries most affected also by refugee flow, but not just in the last few years, for decades. And Ethiopia has deployed a variety of responses that correspond to the challenges, to the responses that we are also working on. Emergency response for the new arrivals this year, South Sudanese, Sudanese again. longer term sustainable responses in cooperation with international financial institution aimed at the inclusion of refugees in services and the economy. This really summarizes very much what we are also aiming at doing to try to help countries like Ethiopia affected by this big influxes. The fact that you highlighted even further than this, the root based approach, The partnership with development organizations is very, very important and a model to be supported. I want to, sorry, to dwell a bit more on the Ethiopia statement, which I really appreciated, because it shows that countries that have real challenges, real challenges in terms of displacement and refugees, embrace real solutions. at a time when we hear more and more that the system is broken, it has to be thrown away, substituted with I don't know what, it shows that the countries with real problems embrace real solutions. The rest is ideology. Tanzania, I appreciate that there is a challenge with sustaining the pace of the repatriation of Burundian refugees. And I know that this has been a big issue of discussion between us for many years. I'm glad that we could switch to the promotion of return in the last couple of years, I think. and that it has given some results, but you're right to say we need to do more. I would say more in Burundi in particular to create even better conditions. I said it yesterday in response to the Burundi statement. We need to do more in Burundi to ensure that people can go back to the country. And here we need the cooperation of our donor partners. And please continue to make use, as you said yourself, Tanzania, to make use of the tripartite mechanism. The Assistant High Commissioner for Protection just visited Tanzania, and I want to reiterate her message that she passed to you. Let's give maximum chance to the promoted repatriation and then we will discuss also other possible subsequent solution as you have already mentioned, but we stand completely ready to cooperate. Lesotho flagged important issues of legal identity. I said it yesterday, this is extremely important. When we talk about refugees and displaced, everything that has to do with registration, enumeration, identification, identity and documentation is extremely important. It is a formidable protection tool. is a tool of security for states that host this population and is a tool for better assistance. So the measures, practical and legal measures that you have detailed are a good example to others.

On the points raised by Argentina, In my opening statement, I touched on those points already, and in answer to other States as well, I would repeat that I think the asylum system doesn't run contrary to the principle of sovereignty. It's an instrument to uphold sovereignty, as I said yesterday. I don't think that UNHCR ever has gone beyond the limits set by its mandates. And we always stand ready to work alongside all member states to achieve the best efficiency for our programs.

Thank you, Secretary General. We are aware, but it's good that you shared with the audience the big advances that have happened in your country. the permission to work to 77,000 refugees from Myanmar, extremely important. And a very good example, you said it yourself, you explained it very well, of sustainable response. Humanitarian funding is drying up, so we need to move on giving people self-reliance in accordance to your security norms and parameters is the way to go. I saw these people myself in my last visit to Thailand, and I know that you have done great work. And by the way, thanks for continuing to be one of the world champion in statelessness. So now 48,000 more that you're looking at, for whom you're looking to end the statelessness. So thank you very much for that. Thailand is one of UNHCR's oldest partners and will continue to work on this and on other important issues that you raise, like alternative to detention for refugee children. So Thank you very much. You know also that's where I started my career as a volunteer 40 plus years ago, a country very close to my heart. Thank you very much. I can say this because it's my last ex-con. Um, the, uh, regarding, uh, uh, uh, two European countries, Latvia and Serbia, Latvia, Once again, as I've done in past years, I want to thank you and other states in your sub-region, of course, for the strong support to Ukrainians that you have mentioned. We share the concerns that you have expressed. about the use of refugees and migrants to put pressure on other countries. This is, of course, something absolutely contrary to any norm or any principle, actually violating principles, has to be condemned. Our advice, of course, when you have, God forbid, to deal with these pressures, we've seen a few instances in the past, please try to do it within the parameters. The European Pact on Migration and Asylum includes provisions in that respect, which I think are important to recall. And I also heard Serbia mentioned a long history of cooperation, 50 years with UNHCR, that's a long time. Of course, part of that through very difficult years of war, of conflict, of great displacement in the 90s. the regional housing programs that you evoked once more has been quite a model in terms of closing and solving a problem of displacement. Thank you also for hosting you Ukrainian refugees and related to the issue that you elaborated on residual displaced people. We, you know, we've unfortunately had to discuss this many times before. It is important that the political dialogue sponsored by the European Union advances because it is only that context that the conditions will materialize for solving the problem of residual displaced people. Thank you.

Thank you very much to the High Commissioner. We will now continue with our debate and the next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Malawi. Mr. Secretary, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chairperson, the High Commissioner, Excellencies, and distinguished delegates. It is a great honor for the Malawi delegation to be part of the 76th session of this esteemed committee. I bring warm greetings from the Republic of Malawi and its people. Malawi fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Cote d'Ivoire on behalf of the African Group and echoes the call for increased international support, especially noting that the African region has been affected by the closure and scaling down of some of the UNHCR offices, which were key in supporting government in the offering of protection services to the forcibly displaced persons. Chairperson, as highlighted by previous speakers, the nature of displacement has grown increasingly complex. Refugees and migrants now move side by side along transnational routes, presenting multifaceted challenges and placing immense pressure on host countries. Malawi is no exception. We continue to receive displaced populations, yet our capacity to provide adequate basic services remains limited. These efforts are undertaken even as we strive to meet our own communities. We therefore reiterate our appeal for equitable responsibility and burden sharing in addressing these challenges. Our communities have also witnessed a rise in irregular migration and transnational crimes committed by individuals claiming international protection. In response, Malawi has implemented stringent measures to ensure that protection is granted to those genuinely in need, whilst safeguarding national security. We are actively working to prevent the misuse of international protection and call for sustainable support to strengthen these efforts. Chairperson, the Dhalak refugee camp is severely overcrowded, leading to increased demand for essential services such as healthcare and education. To address this, the government has secured 445 hectares of land in Chitipa District for the establishment of a new site. This initiative aims to decongest the lake, and we urge UNHCR and all partners to provide robust support for the timely development of the Chitipa settlement site. Malawi continues to promote durable solutions and complementary pathways. However, scaling up these efforts requires greater support. In collaboration with UNHCR, we have facilitated the repatriation of 155 individuals this year, with recent departures to Rwanda and Burundi on the 22nd and 24th of September 2025. Malawi has assisted the voluntary repatriation of 515 individuals since June 2023. We extend our sincere gratitude to the governments of Burundi and Rwanda for their cooperation and hope this This support continues as many more have expressed a desire to return home. While resettlement remains a vital, durable solution, it has also become a pull factor for new asylum seekers. We therefore appeal for increased resettlement quotas to ensure broader access to this pathway. We are deeply thankful to all states and partners who have supported us, especially those who have created opportunities for refugee youth through complementary pathways. Chairperson, Malawi has integrated forcibly displaced populations into the development agenda. This inclusion fosters self-reliance and enables meaningful contribution to local communities and economies until such a time as individuals can safely return home. We believe that upon return, they will continue to be valuable contributors to their societies and countries of origin. We call for sustained commitment and resources to support these programs. Our responsible department is currently conducting a housing census in the camp to better understand population dynamics and inform future planning. In closing, I wish to thank you, High Commissioner, for your exemplary leadership and express our appreciation to UNHCR and its administration for the continued humanitarian support extended to Malawi. The Government of Malawi reaffirms its commitment to building a robust framework for international protection and looks forward to depending collaboration with UNHCR and other partners in pursuit of lasting solutions for displaced persons. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Secretary. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Equatorial Guinea. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Thank you very much. Your Excellency, Philippa Grandi, High Commissioner of UNHCR, distinguished friends, it's a great honor for me to take the floor on the occasion of this 76th plenary of ExCo of the UNHCR. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, I'd like to start by thanking the Secretariat of UNHCR for all of the provisions and support provided to the delegation of Equatorial Guinea so that it may participate in this forum. In 2019, Equatorial Guinea took up the leadership of the African Union in the area of issues relating to refugees, returnees, and internally displaced people. In the same year, we commemorated the 50th anniversary of the African Union Convention and the 10th anniversary of the Kampala Convention. We thereby committed to the principles of solidarity and cooperation and active participation as well as regional efforts aimed at strengthening our protections for framework, particularly in the context of the African Union and the multilateral African mechanisms. The role played by Equatorial Guinea as a champion in the African Union of refugees, IDPs and returnees as well as stateless people in 2019, led His Excellency, Obiang Nguema Mbasungu, President of the Republic, to visit two refugee camps in Uganda and Ethiopia under the management of UNHCR and the African Union. The deplorable conditions in these camps motivated President Obiang to fund the building of a new primary school for children who are particularly vulnerable in the refugee camp in Tsuri in Ethiopia. Equatorial Guinea greets the growing number of African states who have ratified and legislated it into their statute books, the Kampala Convention. This is, at the global level, the first legally binding regional instrument underpinning protection and assistance for IDPs. It's important to step up our efforts around solidarity at the global level to combat separatist and nationalist ideologies, preventing us from finding lasting solutions to the suffering of highly vulnerable populations in Africa. This situation is becoming a situation which seriously jeopardizes international peace and security. The complexity of the catalysts around this insecurity demand inclusive but complex solutions. Terrorist factions, social conflicts, political conflicts, all require us to identify a common denominator, which is the requirement to fund growth and sustainable development in all spheres, public and private. Ladies and gentlemen, in May 2022, the government of our country hosted the extraordinary summit of heads of state of the African Union on humanitarian issues and donors. This brought together partners, stakeholders, and donors, and mobilized a total of $176 million to respond to the current humanitarian crises in Africa and the rollout of the African humanitarian agency, which is still not up and running. In this vein, Equatorial Guinea urges the African Union to step up its efforts to set up that agency in compliance with the mandates adopted in Malabo. Equatorial Guinea reiterates its full preparedness to support and collaborate with the African Union for that agency to be operationalized. This is essential to strengthening our continental response to the humanitarian crises affecting millions of Africans, Chair. Our region is confronting a complex humanitarian situation. This derives from ongoing conflicts and tension in neighboring countries, which have generated massive population displacement, insecurity, and serious social challenges. We are well aware of the urgency of this reality, and as a result, we have rolled out efforts to promote dialogue and regional consultation Calling and hosting in February of 2025, the Malabo Conference, this was the extraordinary conference of heads of state and government on humanitarian issues where we adopted a strategic vision on humanitarian issues, including the establishment of a humanitarian fund. Despite the fact that it doesn't suffer directly from forced displacement, Equatorial Guinea recently collaborated with UNHCR to provide support and physical and legal protection for the transference of refugees from various zones in Africa to Norway, our host country. Ladies and gentlemen, as part of its international commitments, Equatorial Guinea is looking at a draft of law on asylum with countries in our region to strengthen our regional response to forced mobility. And this includes a national law on enforced displacement and the establishment of a national office for IDPs in Equatorial Guinea, which will consolidate our legal protection framework. To conclude, I hope that during this meeting we will reach a spirit of understanding. We're convinced that the decisions that are to to be adopted in this meeting will provide a cornerstone for identifying lasting solutions in the face of a challenge being confronted by the entire international community. And finally, I'd like to take the opportunity to congratulate the High Commissioner for the fantastic humanitarian work he's carried out throughout his two mandates, and I wish him all the very best in his forthcoming roles. Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Next speaker is distinguished representative of Lebanon. You have the floor, Madam Councillor.

Distinguished delegates, Lebanon align itself with the statements of the groups it belongs to. At the outset, allow me to commend High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, a steadfast friend of Lebanon, who has consistently shown deep understanding of our country's unique circumstances. Your leadership has fostered practical and cooperative approaches to one of the most pressing challenges Lebanon faces, the protracted Syrian displacement. We highly value your engagement in supporting the first return convoy from Lebanon, and we reaffirm our determination to continue this process until a comprehensive solution is achieved. Lebanon, despite the absence of a formal legal framework, has spared no effort in safeguarding the protection of displaced Syrians. Together with UNHCR, we facilitated the registration of official documents, protecting thousands from the risk of statelessness. This exceptional measure, applied exclusively to Syrians, enabled the registration of births and marriages, strengthened their basic rights, and laid the groundwork for durable solutions. The return of displaced Syrians remain an overriding national priority. The exchange of letter in concluded between Lebanon and UNHCR has already yielded tangible progress, and we are committed to redoubling efforts in light of changing political and security conditions in Syria. In this regard, Lebanon calls on the international community to increase the humanitarian support inside Syria channeling aid toward recovery, reintegration, and resilience program. The UNHCR enhanced regional survey on Syrian refugees, September 2025, revealed that 53% of Syrian families in Lebanon rely primarily on humanitarian aid. Redirecting this assistance into Syria would encourage and sustain return, especially as refugees themselves have expressed their strong aspiration to rebuild their homeland, strengthen national unity, and reunite with their families. To facilitate this process, the government of Lebanon extended administrative measures of general security until 31 December, including exemptions from fines and the lifting of re-entry bans. This approach provides a win-win outcome for all stakeholders, while also opening the door to regulating the stay of the breadwinner who remain in Lebanon in accordance with labor market needs. It is worth recalling that 80% of displaced Syrians in Lebanon generate income through work, a fact that underscores the importance of aligning return and stay arrangement with legal and economic realities. Excellencies, Resolving the displacement crisis is not only a national imperative for Lebanon, it is also a necessity for the stability and security of the wider region and both shores of the Mediterranean. It is a safeguard against irregular migration, exploitation, and human trafficking. In this spirit, the Council of Ministers has approved, at the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the unified practical procedure for identifying, assisting, and protecting victims of human trafficking in Lebanon. Nevertheless, despite positive developments in Syria that have enabled thousands to return, Lebanon continues to witness new arrivals after December 8, which pose additional protection challenges. Addressing their status remains a shared priority between the Government of Lebanon and UNHCR. From this distinguished platform, Lebanon calls for the activation of sustainable solutions, including complementary pathways based on humanitarian considerations, in line with the needs of host countries and the collective responsibility of easing burdens. In closing, we echo the High Commissioner's call. While humanitarian financing faces unprecedented shortfalls, these challenges must not overshadow the opportunities that remain for practical, cooperative, and innovative approaches. Lebanon firmly believes that despite the funding crisis, prospects for solutions remain within reach if we combine principled engagement, burden sharing, and investment in recovery and self-reliance. Together, we can return today constraints into tomorrow's opportunities for peace, stability, and return. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. Next speaker is the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone. Mr. Commissioner, you have the floor.

Mr. Chairman, your excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Sierra Leone extends appreciation to High Commissioner for convening this important session. In these challenging times, marked by conflict, by climate shocks and displacement, we are reminded of our collective duty to protect rights and dignity of people on the move. On behalf of His Excellency, the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Chair of ECOWAS, Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to protecting people and persons of concern and pursuing durable alignment and solutions with regional and global frameworks. Therefore, we align with the statement of the African group by Cote d'Ivoire, who presented yesterday. We are working through ECOWAS and national initiatives to phase out protracted refugee situations, enhance livelihoods, and support host communities. Key efforts including implementation of ECOWAS free movement and migration project, which aligns with the Global Compact for Migration and supports SDGs 5, 8, 10, and 16. We continue strengthening our asylum system through capacity building, operationalizing the refugee status determination framework, and adopting digital case management tools for efficiency. Additionally, we are advancing ratification of the protocol on the right to a nationality to prevent statelessness. Integration remains a national priority. Through the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment, PSSNYE, and IOM supported cash plus initiative, We are delivering livelihood support, education access, and protection for vulnerable adolescents, especially in border areas. We are grateful for our partners' support and call for enhanced technical assistance, stronger public-private partnerships, and investment in digital movement transformation and legal capacity building, especially as we confront climate vulnerabilities, limited budgets, and rising irregular migration. I want to, on this point in time, extend thanks and appreciation to the High Commissioner as he ends his tenure in December. He is a kind and kind-hearted man. We want to wish him well. We thank UNHCR and partners for their continued collaboration We affirm our country's unwavering support to the UNHCR. Thank you so very much, Mr. Chairman. And once again, I wish the Commissioner, with a kind-hearted man, best of his tenure.

Thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of France. Madame Ambassador, you have the floor.

Thank you, President. High Commissioner, Excellencies, France aligns with the statement delivered by Denmark on behalf of a number of European States, and it adds the following: High Commissioner, France would first of all like to commend the admirable work that you've carried out during your mandate at the head of HCR. in providing to refugees and displaced persons assistance and essential protection in their exile and to ensure the safe, voluntary, lasting return when conditions allow. We're very grateful to you also for the close, effective trust-based partnership that France has forged with you over the last 10 years. I take the opportunity to commend and hail the action of your teams, both in headquarters and on the ground, conducted with devotion and self-sacrifice, often in very difficult contexts. Armed conflicts are multiplying and intensifying, as you said, as are violations of IHL, with tragic consequences for civilians in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Haiti, in the in Burma and in so many other parts of the world, these conflicts are the cause of ever greater suffering for civilian populations, leading to a growing number of forced displacements. Those populations, among the most vulnerable, need immediate humanitarian aid. France reaffirms here its full political support to the essential work carried out by HCR. Humanitarian aid is crucial, but we must work collectively to find a political settlement to these crises and build peace. France will contribute. The President of the Republic co-chaired with Saudi Arabia the conference on the two-state solution last month. It will host at the end of October a conference for peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region to respond to the humanitarian emergency there and to align peace initiatives. When conflicts find a solution, when the situation on the ground stabilizes, there's a need to create conditions to allow voluntary, dignified return for refugees. That's the case now in Syria, where one million refugees have chosen to return. It's a huge challenge for this country in reconstruction and in transition, and France is determined to support it with HCR and in a regional context so that those returns can take place in dignity and be sustainable. As HCR weathers a grave financial crisis, France reaffirms its support to HCR and to the multilateral system, which remains the most just and most effective of solidarity instruments. Our country is firmly committed to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, to its 1967 protocol, and to the Global Compact on Refugees 2018, which bring us together again in this Forum. The compact is of great importance for France. It's at the heart of an inclusive hosting policy for refugees, but also for support to host countries and communities. It's a solidarity compact, and that's why we are, for that reason, France co-sponsored the Global Forum for Refugees in December 2023, which we remain committed to in implementing its shared goals. This solidarity is embodied in France through inclusive hosting policies for refugees, teaching French language, access to housing and education, professional training, inclusion through sport. On the occasion of the forum, France launched an initiative, Avec Elle, with her, with the help of dozens of state organizations and business to support refugee women and girls, especially exposed to sexual and gender-based violence. and to other violations of their rights, including the right to education. Building on those commitments, France will host the fourth ministerial conference of feminist diplomacy in Paris on 22nd, 23rd October. Solidarity must also be based on the support to host communities and countries, especially in countries of first hosting of refugees. We know the importance of the efforts of Chad, Uganda, Ethiopia, Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and so many others who host and protect refugees. France will continue to support the efforts of host countries and communities and HCR's action in those countries. In the context of the financing crisis that HCR is going through, France provides its support to your reforms in a responsible fashion, in consultation with Member States, local partners, and with the attention that the devoted personnel of HCR deserve. It's crucial that the reforms underway should be supported by collective leap forward. A collective approach is needed with states, development actors, NGOs, private sector, building on the work carried out at the Global Forum for Refugees. Expanding support is important, and we encourage HCR to continue its efforts to diversify financing. In conclusion, that doesn't mean taking the onus away from states. No, we must all, member states, stand side by side with HCR to help it implement its mandate. And France reaffirms the strength of its political commitment to HCR's action of whom it remains a committed partner. I thank you.

Thank you. Next speaker is the distinguished representative of Germany. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Mr. Chair, High Commissioner, and fellow delegates, Germany aligns itself with the statement delivered by Denmark on behalf of like-minded European states. As in previous years, we meet against the backdrop of record levels of forced displacement. figures driven even higher by ongoing conflicts, senseless violence, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. Yet this year feels different. The alarm bells of recent years have given way to a full-fledged crisis, a crisis defined not only by the scale of human suffering and blatant violations of the most basic principles of international law, but also by an unprecedented funding gap and a waning confidence in the multilateral system. From Sudan to Gaza to Ukraine, it is ordinary civilians who carry the heaviest tolls. And with every day that passes, more families are forced to flee their homes, more lives are shattered, if not lost. This tragedy extends also to humanitarian workers, including the thousands of UNHCR staff deployed across the world, that are increasingly being targeted. Today, we honor their courage, their service, and their sacrifice. Humanitarians, just as any civilians, are not a target. Mr. Chair, with the humanitarian system under enormous strain and under attack, the time for decisive collective action is now. Germany, as a long-standing humanitarian partner, firmly stands by its commitments to fulfill its share of responsibilities. Finding multilateral solutions to global challenges remains the cornerstone of Germany's foreign, humanitarian, and development engagement. Although Germany is facing its own budgetary constraints, we continue to be not only a major humanitarian and development donor, but also an active and constructive partner in driving meaningful change within the multilateral system. In the face of the unprecedented strain on humanitarian and multilateral systems, we are working closely with partners to advance the humanitarian reset and UN80 reform agendas. This is a critical opportunity to refocus and reprioritize how we collectively respond to humanitarian and displacement crises through an HDP nexus approach. Germany fully supports the efforts led by the Secretary General and the Emergency Relief Coordinator in which UNHCR has played and must continue to play a central role by driving forward flagship initiatives, such as the Sustainable Responses Approach launched last year. Mr. Chair, our commitment is also reflected in our own backyard. As one of the largest refugee-hosting countries, Germany has a deep understanding of the many opportunities that hosting and integrating refugees into local communities and labor markets can bring. But we also understand the scale of responsibilities and challenges that fall on those who generously provide refuge to people in need for protection. the asylum systems under mounting strain, it is imperative to adapt to the dynamic realities of forced displacement, mixed movements, and irregular migration guided by the framework of the 1951 Convention and the principles of the Global Compact on Refugees and on Migration. Germany is working closely with its European partners to promote fair burden and responsibility sharing among host countries, by closing loopholes and strengthening efficiency, so that international protection is secured for those who are entitled to it and not undermined by those who seek to misuse it. A key factor for success is refugee inclusion, giving those granted international protection a real chance to rebuild their lives and strengthen their contribution to host communities. Germany values refugee participation in shaping public policy, both at home and internationally, and is proud to have established a Refugee Advisory Board last year as pledged during the last Global Refugee Forum. We are proud that Mr. Mahdi Lakdina, member of the Refugee Advisory Board, is joining as part of the German delegation this week, and we value his contribution to this statement. Mr. Chair, allow me to conclude by thanking and recognizing the High Commissioner for his nearly four decades of service within the United Nations. High Commissioner, over the course of this time, you have been an exemplary leader and a tireless advocate for those in need for protection. At this final session of the Executive Committee under your leadership, Germany expresses its deep appreciation for your dedication and unwavering commitment for the multilateral system and the people you serve. Thank you.

Thank you very much. next speaker, distinguished representative of Greece, Ambassador, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. High Commissioner, distinguished delegates, Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered by Denmark on behalf of like-minded European states. We extend our sincere appreciation to the High Commissioner and the UNHCR as a whole for their steadfast leadership through unprecedented financial pressure and operational strain. In a world marked by conflict and eroding trust in institutions, the multilateral system developed over the past 80 years is being directly challenged as never before. Greece, together with its EU partners, is determined to do its utmost to defend and reinforce the multilateral system. In this context, the UN80 reform process is of crucial importance in order to ensure a more resilient and efficient UN system that will be fit for purpose. Greece welcomes the UNHCR's contribution to the UN80 initiative and the humanitarian reset and supports alignment with system-wide financial, administrative, and other reforms leading to cost savings, improved efficiency, and impact. We remain deeply concerned by displacement driven by multiple crises, including Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, the conflict and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and deteriorating conditions in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and elsewhere. Compliance with international humanitarian law, protection of civilians, accountability, and unhindered humanitarian access must remain non-negotiable. The unprecedented level of conflict, instability and economic uncertainty has vastly increased migrant and refugee flows, which have reached unprecedented levels and complexity, testing the limits of our multilateral institutions and national systems alike. In this regard, our shared priority is to reinforce existing asylum systems so they remain accessible to those in need while addressing mounting pressures, especially in mixed movements where refugees and migrants travel together, placing extraordinary demands on host communities and frontline institutions. Echoing the High Commissioner, Greece underscores the imperative to tackle root causes through peacemaking, principled humanitarian diplomacy, inclusive development and partnerships. UNHCR's operational role in facilitating voluntary returns where conditions allow and its ability to mobilize partners and resources remain vital and merit sustained political and financial support. The forthcoming Global Refugee Forum progress review is a key opportunity to reaffirm and scale up collective commitments that advance protection, inclusion and solutions. Nationally, Greece has strengthened asylum and reception, enhanced protection for unaccompanied children and invested in effective procedures, while safeguarding the EU's external borders and combating trafficking and smuggling, paired with support for safe and legal pathways. Since the outset of Russia's invasion, our country has provided temporary protection and access to services to tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Greece firmly condemns the instrumentalization of refugees and migrants for political ends. Human beings and human suffering should never be exploited as tools to achieve political ends, and the international community should react firmly to such practices. Expanding safe and legal pathways is an effective way to share responsibility and reduce exploitation and instrumentalization of migrants and refugees. We welcome UNHCR-IOM cooperation, notably route-based approaches and mixed movements to uphold rights, improve protection screening, and accelerate solutions, including voluntary return. At the same time, we consider that IOM and UNHCR have discrete mandates and missions which should not be confused. On UNHCR's during this critical phase of restructuring, recognizing the gravity of the funding crisis, we appreciate efforts to reshape the organization and the prioritization of life-saving protection and assistance. In conclusion, Greece reiterates full support to UNHCR's mandate and to the High Commissioner's leadership over a demanding decade, and gratitude to the UNHCR personnel worldwide and in Greece. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Next speaker is the distinguished representative of Finland. Madame Ambassador, you have the floor.

Mr. Chair, High Commissioner, Excellencies, Finland aligns itself with the statement delivered by Denmark on behalf of the group of like-minded countries. UNHCR is facing unprecedented challenges. Drastically increasing numbers of displaced persons combined with UNHCR's monumental financial crisis have caused a perfect storm that has not been easy to weather. Finland appreciates UNHCR's role as a guardian of international refugee law globally. Upholding the mandate of UNHCR in these challenging circumstances is vital. The 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees has an instrumental role in protecting civilians displaced, among others due to violations of international humanitarian law. We value the enduring commitment of the and its staff in seeking durable solutions within the resources at hand. We welcome the High Commissioner's efforts to protect UNHCR's core functions while prioritizing oversight and risk management. We would like to underline the importance of flexible funding. Finland has for years focused on predictable multi-year funding and a high degree of flexibility. Our support to UNHCR so far this year has amounted to 22 million euros. We are committed to continuing our support to this valuable work. Finland fully supports the humanitarian reset, which offers great opportunities for synergies and efficiencies among humanitarian actors. Finland encourages UNHCR to remain actively engaged in both the humanitarian reset and the UN80 reform processes. For Finland, empowering in-country leadership, focusing on gender equality and inclusion more broadly, and continuing good risk management is key. Transparency towards donors is important as major changes take place. And we thank the UNHCR for the active dialogue. The number of ongoing conflicts is highest since the Cold War. Many civilians in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, DRC, and Ukraine, and elsewhere, are forced to leave their homes. We pay tribute to host countries and communities showing solidarity to refugees and IDPs despite their own challenges. They deserve greater support by the international community. In addition to our multi-year core funding, Finland is a consistent supporter of UNHCR's regional and country programs, granting 14 million euros this year to UNHCR's work in Ukraine, DRC, Syria, and the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes regions. It is clear that we need new approaches to challenges. As a co-lead of the Global School Meal Coalition, Finland sees school feeding systems as excellent means to promote food security, school enrollment, and learning results, also in displacement contexts. We invite UNHCR to engage in this work. For Finland, supporting and advocating for disability inclusion is at the heart of principled humanitarian action. Over 1 million person with disabilities are disproportionately affected by humanitarian crises and face significant barriers to accessing humanitarian assistance. Ensuring that humanitarian responses are inclusive of persons in the most vulnerable situations is essential for effective and life-saving humanitarian action. Mr. High Commissioner, while this is not a goodbye, I wish to commend you for your commitment and your dedication during the years as High Commissioner. In times of increasingly complex global challenges, it has been reassuring to know that UNHCR is guided by your unwavering dedication and personal commitment. Finally, it is with great pleasure that Finland puts forward the candidacy of Mr. Pekka Haavisto, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, for the position of UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Mr. Haavisto brings with him a wealth of political experience, having served in several key ministerial roles in Finland, including foreign affairs, environment, and development cooperation. He has also served as a UN Assistant Secretary General in Darfur peace processes and as the European Union Special Representative for Sudan and Darfur. He has an extensive experience at the United Nations in crisis areas in civil protection, peace building, and human rights, having served, for example, in Western Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Liberia. At a time when we need principled leadership and global cooperation are more essential than ever, Mr. Harvisto stands ready to serve with integrity, vision, and resolve. Mr. President, Finland is UNHCR's longstanding supporter, and we wish to reiterate our continued support to UNHCR's crucial work also in the future. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Sweden. Ambassador.

High Commissioner, Mr. Chair, Excellencies, Sweden aligns itself with the statement delivered by Denmark on behalf of European like-minded countries. Mr. High Commissioner, thank you for highlighting the scale and complexity of forced displacement, indeed evident consequences of our collective inability to prevent or resolve conflicts. Against this backdrop, UNHCR is facing unprecedented challenges and you will inevitably have to do less with less. UNHCR will be smaller, but we trust you will remain strong. We commend your leadership in difficult prioritization, ultimately affecting the people you serve the most and also your very valuable staff. It is clear that flexible funding, especially unearmarked, is vital. Sweden is and will remain a reliable partner, providing unearmarked multi-year funding to UNHCR. We strongly encourage others to follow suit and to join the GRF pledge on quality humanitarian funding. We commend UNHCR for accelerating resource mobilization, notably with the private sector and non-traditional donors. High Commissioner, Sweden is your partner in delivering impact where it matters the most: in protection, in lifesaving humanitarian assistance, in emergencies and solutions. UNHCR plays an indispensable role in efforts to enable and strengthen collective action to reduce the risk of violence in all humanitarian action. Your protection mandate is unique and essential, especially in providing protection to persons with urgent need thereof. Sweden continues continues its resettlement engagement, giving priority to women, girls and LGBTQI refugees in the region of the Great Lakes in Africa, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. The detrimental shortfall in funding for gender-based violence has prompted Sweden to provide also earmarked support to UNHCR's SGBV response in Sudan and DRC. And we've also provided other earmarked funding to, for example, Syria and Ukraine. UNHCR has a key role in advancing solutions, be it in resettlement or voluntary return. We welcome your efforts to find practical and innovative approaches to respond to forced displacement in a manner that ensures refugees and asylum seekers' rights in accordance with international law, while also addressing the legitimate concerns of refugee-receiving countries. We fully support the route-based approach and the sustainable response approach, noting that refugee inclusion and self-reliance is key. We commend host countries that have implemented inclusion policies and stress the importance of aligning refugee responses with national systems. High Commissioner, we commend UNHCR's reform efforts on oversight, risk management, and cost and delivery efficiency, and HR management. We very much value your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We recognize your active engagement in the UN80 and humanitarian recent discussions and welcome measures already taken in this spirit. In closing, High Commissioner, dear Filippo, Sweden has greatly appreciated your leadership under this past tough humanitarian decade. UNHCR's critical commitment to humanitarian action and diplomacy must continue beyond 2025. And to this end, I am pleased to announce that Sweden has nominated Mr. Jesper Brudin, currently the CEO of the Ingka IKEA Group, for the position of High Commissioner. With over 30 years of experience in global leadership and a longstanding commitment to UN values and UNHCR's guiding principles, Mr. Brodin stands ready to lead the vital vision of the UNHCR. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. The next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom, Ambassador.

Thank you, Chair. High Commissioner, thank you for your candor and openness. Let me begin by expressing my gratitude for your leadership today and during the past decade, as you adeptly steered UNHCR through a whole range of challenges. We all, but in particular people in need of protection, have been lucky to have you. The United Kingdom also expresses its deep appreciation for the timeless efforts of all of your UNHCR colleagues. We salute the values of humanitarianism and international solidarity they represent. We honour those who have lost their lives in service. And we reaffirm the UK's unwavering support for UNHCR's mission. As my Deputy Prime Minister said recently at the General Assembly, the United Nations represents our collective determination for a better world. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland believes that the founding principles of the UN and the work of UNHCR and others remains absolutely essential. That is why I want to address the notion that multilateralism is in crisis. The system is under strain, but we reject the notion. Instead, we see opportunity. to reaffirm our shared responsibilities, and to strengthen the international response to forced displacement. We endorse UNHCR's role in upholding protection standards. We strive to protect lifesaving emergency response. And we support concerted efforts to advance durable, long-term solutions. This includes recognizing the dignity of forcibly displaced persons by helping them return home safely when conditions are appropriate and safe, and strengthening partnerships to promote local leadership and resilience. This is why the UK is committed to approving UNHCR's program budget. We know that we know this is not just a financial instrument, but the foundation upon which UNHCR's operational continuity depends. But we also need to be candid that the current needs-based methodology, while principled in its intent to reflect the full scope of humanitarian requirements, does not enable effective prioritization. An honest picture of humanitarian need is essential, but we also, in parallel, need to understand UNHCR's forecast of Member State contributions and corresponding activity, which in turn will support more effective Member State governance and bring greater transparency to the difficult trade-offs that UNHCR is making. In a shrinking financial landscape, the current approach limits strategic decision making, making it harder to identify which operations are essential, which need to be scaled back, and where efficiencies can be found. A more prioritised outcome-driven model for 2027 would better support operational clarity and accountability. Despite these concerns, the United Kingdom is clear: holding up the 2026 budget is not the solution. It would merely hurt those we are here to serve. Which is why, in the immediate term, we urge all Member States to support its adoption. And as UNHCR finds itself focusing its activities in response to financial pressures, we must ensure that the most vulnerable people are not left behind. Coordinated engagement is needed. We believe development actors and IFIs must play a significantly larger role in fragile and unstable contexts to help break the cycle of extreme poverty and humanitarian need. With over 70% of displacement crises now protracted and beyond five years, it is clear that short-term humanitarian responses alone are insufficient. Instead, we need targeted assistance and support from development actors, host governments, IFIs, and the private sector to help fill the gaps left as the humanitarian system necessarily retreats. We reaffirm our support to UNHCR's Sustainable Responses Initiative, which aims to build inclusive, supported national systems. We see this as part of a broader, but vital, reform agenda. That is why we want to see UNHCR wholeheartedly embrace and implement the UNHCR and humanitarian reset proposals to modernize its approach and to remain relevant and effective. We also commend UNHCR's leadership on statelessness. Ending statelessness is wholly achievable. We are proud to be a founding member of the Global Alliance, and we stand ready to work in partnership with others to realize this goal. The United Kingdom remains a steadfast partner to UNHCR. We must continue to act with unity, compassion, and resolve. Let us, in closing, therefore reaffirm our collective determination to those displaced and to the principles that underpin international protection. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Jordan, Ambassador.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

In the name of God.

And distinguished delegates.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, High Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen. Allow me to express my sincere thanks to the High Commissioner for his initial statement, which has given us all pause for thought. I think that statement speaks to us a great deal and we have shouldered our responsibilities guided by our humanitarian traditions and our moral imperative. He very eloquently outlined obligations vis-a-vis refugees as well as the challenges which have multiplied. Humanitarian workers are targeted.

Our systems, but in Jordan, we did act. We have witnessed firsthand the human cost of protracted displacement, exacerbated by regional instability. The atrocities you described, committed with impunity, not only drive displacement, but also undermine the norms that protect civilians. Therefore, we echo your call for moral clarity and reaffirmation of international and humanitarian law. no conflict should thump our conscience or render us powerless. Jordan fully aligns with your defense of regional instruments. These are not relics, but vital tools of sovereignty and shared responsibility. In our context, we have taken the right choices, and we implemented innovative measures, such as access for refugees into our labor market and educational system. These efforts, supported by UNHCR and partners, demonstrate really how cooperation is essential for response. However, High Commissioner, the funding crisis you outlined threaten to unveil these gains. Jordan's economy, already bended by hosting refugees for over decades, faces immense pressure from reduced international funding. such as our public services in health, education, water and infrastructure have been stretched to their limits. And the 25% drop in UNCR funding this year have forced painful cuts, reduced cash assistance, limited health access and curtailed livelihood programs. These are not abstract numbers. They affect real lives. dreams of boys, kids, girls and youngers. Families are struggling to survive and in camps like Zaatari and Azraq, or urban refugees facing poverty, looking forward for their detainees. Mr. Chair, we also express solidarity with UNHCR staff affected by the current financial crisis And again, this is not only a budget issue. It's a moment to rethink the system. Jordan supports the broader reform aligned with the humanitarian reset by Tom Fletcher and the UNHCR initiative of the Secretary General. UNHCR has a key role to play in this transformation. Jordan is working with a group of like-minded countries on supporting the initiative. Burden sharing must be more than rhetoric. It requires equitable support for host countries, including Jordan, and build a brand while we wealthier nations host the fewer. On solutions, we share the optimism of High Commissioner regarding the retainees of Syrian crisis. The milestone of 1 million retainees is encouraging, almost one seventh of them retained from Jordan. But sustainability is key. Jordan has facilitated voluntary return and stand ready to support more, provided conditions in Syria improve with international backing. We call for bolder investment in reconstruction, as you urged, to prevent renewed displacement. Similarly, in protracted solutions, we always advocate for tackling the root causes for solutions. Mr. Chair, as we look ahead for the Global Refugee Forum progress review in December this year, Jordan stresses the importance of this moment to take stock on progress of pledges, access challenges, and identify what more is needed to advance the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees. Finally, as we witness this is the last ex-con for High Commissioner Grandi. Jordan expressed deep appreciation for his leadership, for his principled leadership, tireless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to refugees and host countries. His decade of service leaves a strong legacy at a time of unprecedented global humanitarian need. And I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. The next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Luxembourg, Ambassador, you have the floor.

High Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Luxembourg aligns itself with the statement made by a group of European countries and would like to add a few comments in its national capacity. High Commissioner, Luxembourg would like to start by expressing its deep-seated gratitude to you for your leadership, your commitment and your compassion throughout the last decade. My country is profoundly concerned by the unprecedented liquidity crisis impacting UNHCR as well as the entire UN and humanitarian system. We greet the professionalism and determination of the entire UNHCR team, despite the difficult choices imposed by internal reorganization and the loss of dedicated colleagues. The moral obligation that is incumbent on us to provide protection to refugees, which is enshrined in the 1951 convention, is no less relevant today than it was when it was passed, and it requires shared responsibility. We deplore the impact of budgetary cuts for refugees and IDPs, particularly the most vulnerable. We reiterate our support for an approach based on age, gender and diversity in order to take account of the protection needs of all concerned. In a context of multifarious crises, Luxembourg reiterates its commitment to multilateralism We continue to shoulder our commitment by dedicating 1% of our GDP to public aid for development. 15% of this is targeted to humanitarian action. My country is a stalwart partner for UNHCR. We offer essential stability of funding, forecastability for effective planning, and have increased progressively our contribution over recent years. Our support between 2022 and 2025 will reach more than 33 million euros, and we are planning an increase in our annual contribution for 2026 from 8.7 to 11 million. This is a 26.5% increase. In answer to the High Commissioner's call, Luxembourg is preparing freeing additional funds by the end of the year in order to allow UNHCR to find strategic solutions to the current budget crisis. My country fully supports the vision shared by the Humanitarian Compact presented by Tom Fletcher as part of UN80. We greet the active commitment of UNHCR in its efforts to reform at the systemic scale, and we encourage it to continue this. We reiterate the importance of multi-agency and multi-partner co-ordination, in particular through sharing services and strengthening national and local leaderships and synergies. A significant, profound and lasting paradigm shift in the humanitarian system is essential. This must be based on greater responsibility, involvement and mobilization, as well as capitalizing on the potential of affected populations and tireless efforts to prioritize and innovate at all levels. High Commissioner, the scale and complexity of forced displacement is unprecedented. We are confronting an increasing number of chronic displacement contexts, often underfinanced. And this is why my country is promoting a multi-annual flexible payment to deal with these contexts, which remain at the heart of our humanitarian priorities. The sustainability of responses to forced displacement, in particular through investments and the empowerment of refugees, as well as the implementation of inclusion policies, is as important as ever. Luxembourg supports, since its inception, the Refugee-Led Innovation Fund, which capitalises on the potential of local communities and empowers them. Ladies and gentlemen, my country remains convinced that innovation will play a growing and key role in refugee protection. It constitutes a key lever to strengthen our effectiveness, increase accountability, and in short, we are bringing about a real difference in the life of those who are displaced. In this connection, we are working closely with UNHCR to establish a framework which can foster research and development to identify new and innovative approaches. With a view to the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review, Luxembourg reiterates its commitment as a co-founder of the multi-stakeholder initiative entitled Connectivity for Refugees. This aims to connect 20 million of those displaced by force and the communities hosting them by 2030 by ensuring availability, affordable and inclusive connectivity. Furthermore, Luxembourg is proud of its partnership with UNHCR in its development of its early warning and effective response system. This has been done in collaboration with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology. This project, which draws on digital technologies, is essential in anticipating and more promptly reacting to forced displacement to prevent crises which will become ever more complex. Ladies and gentlemen, Luxembourg will continue to demonstrate its solidarity to those falling under UNHCR's mandate, as well as host communities and at the national level as a host country of long standing. Thank you for your attention.

The Chair, thank you very much. The next speaker on my list is the Distinguished Representative of Slovakia, Ambassador.

Thank you, Chair. Slovakia aligns itself with the statement of European Member States delivered by Denmark. We are taking the floor to make some remarks that are of particular importance to our national delegation. To set out, we thank High Commissioner Filippo Grandi for his opening statement and his interactive comments. We appreciate his updates on important refugee matters and refugee situations in the field to which UNHCR has been responding. We have also taken note of the new situation the UN Refugee Agency is forced to cope with. We understand that this can result in a UNHCR doing less with less. Still, we have our full confidence in you that you will be able to safeguard the implementation of your core mandate. In this context, we welcome the ExCom statement in support of UNHCR. We think it is an appropriate response to this challenging period. We also recognize UNHCR's engagement in the collective endeavor under the UNHAT and humanitarian reset broader initiatives. Chair, we have always subscribed to High Commissioner's call for increased international solidarity with refugees and host communities. The number of pledges recorded at the second Global Refugee Forum in 2023 and their implementation testify the commitment in this regard. We are looking forward to the mid-term meeting scheduled to take place in Geneva this December in order to review progress. We have always emphasized the need for approaches that would address refugee situations in a comprehensive manner. All in all, This means putting the same emphasis on various aspects covered by the key objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees, from refugee protection and inclusion during their time in need to their safe and dignified return after the conflict or crisis situation has settled. A number of Slovakia's pledges presented at the GRF 2023 have been aimed at this objective, as we have the responsibility of hosting a substantial number of persons forced to flee Russia's war on Ukraine. Our commitment in this regard will not weaken, nor will our humanitarian and economic assistance to our hard-tested neighbor, together with whom we are envisaging holding a third round of our two governments' joint consultations. In this connection, we would like to thank UNHCR once again for its continued support aimed at complementing efforts led by our government, in particular by addressing gaps in the provision of assistance and services to people seeking refuge on our territory. In 2024, we mark the 30th anniversary of UNHCR's presence in Slovakia. Our intensive cooperation has been documented, for example, by the signing last year between the Slovak Olympic Committee and UNHCR of a memorandum in support of Ukrainian refugees through sport, or the delivery of material support by UNHCR in Slovakia in the frame of the agreement between our Ministry of Interior and UNHCR. We thank UNHCR for the preparation of the 2025-26 edition of its Regional Refugee Response Plan. Its launch in Slovakia took place in February this year. Chair, to close, let me offer our repeated thanks to UNHCR and its work throughout the ongoing year. The recent period has continuously been marked by unprecedented number of people forced to set out on a journey as refugee. All this combined with a difficult situation in the agency's financial envelope. And Slovakia hears your call and we are trying to contribute within our budgetary limits, also with voluntary contribution, also this year. High Commissioner's dedicated effort to ease the plight of refugees should also this year deserve our collective recognition and support to adoption of the UNGA omnibus resolution. And I thank you.

Thank you very much. Next speaker is the distinguished representative of Belarus. Madame Ambassador, you have the floor.

Thank you, President. The delegation of Belarus expresses its gratitude to the High Commissioner, Mr. Grandi. We very much appreciate his leadership over the years, his personal contribution to HCR's activities and efforts to strengthen international cooperation in that sphere. Modern crisis phenomena, as shown in the catastrophic growth in forced displaces, is a consequence of armed conflict, growing global inequality, and as Mr. Grandi said, rejection of such approaches as cooperation and compromise. Rejecting established multilateral and bilateral relations on issues of mixed international displacement of refugees and migrants have turned this displacement into chaos and can lead to horrendous consequences, especially for the most vulnerable. Belarus observes these consequences on its own western border with the EU and has done for the last five years. Sadly, our western neighbors have rejected cooperation and they've scaled down unilaterally and virtually blocked many years of cooperation with Belarus and coordinated response to flows of migrants and refugees. Instead, they've built fences, they practice harsh forced expulsion of forcibly displaced persons and potential asylum seekers, and without any grounds, accuse Belarus of supposedly weaponization and instrumentalization of migrants and refugees. Their actions are accompanied by violations of human rights and people and deaths of people. People who've been forced to leave their homes in search for safety and a better life. In four years, Belarusian law enforcement have documented over 80 cases of death of forcibly displaced persons as a result of violent actions by the security structures of our Western neighbors. Belarus urges HCR to devote more attention to this issue, to analyse evidence of violations and to facilitate their prevention. Belarus welcomes the contribution of HCR to strengthening the national asylum system. In our country, there is an effective mechanism for receiving forced displaces. in line with international standards. We consistently develop cooperation to seek sustainable solutions. Recently in Vitebsk, that's in the north of Belarus, we've completed modernization of a temporary refugee settlement camp, which has been in Belarus for over 20 years. And the OHCHR mission in Belarus will have seen this will help swiftly respond to problems related to forced migration. In September this year, we signed a protocol on cooperation between the OHCHR mission in Minsk with the Belarus border authorities. The emphasis in this document is on bolstering national capacities, effective implementation of the UN's humanitarian mission, cooperation on issues of provision of assistance to those needing international protection. We continue together to help refugees from Ukraine. Those people receive in Belarus additional protection and also benefits when it comes to finding work, education, medicine and pensions. The Belarusian Red Cross, local authorities, together with OHCHR, help refugees in integration and provide help to families with children and to elderly people. High Commissioner, and gentlemen, Belarus understands the measures forced on HCR as a result of the humanitarian funding crisis. We trust that the planned change of status of the HCR mission in Minsk will not undermine bilateral cooperation between HCR and Belarus, cooperation that's geared towards bolstering capacities in the sphere of international protection and asylum, providing assistance to refugees and forcibly displaced persons. Sir, making its contribution to to the quest for sustainable solutions for refugees and migrants, Belarus continues to develop dialogue with all interested stakeholders. On 28th of October in Minsk, as part of the third Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, there will be an event devoted to the issue of mixed displacement in modern international relations. The focus of the discussion will be on issues of safe, orderly, safe displacement of people and their integration into receiving societies as a growing important factor in economic growth and prosperity. We're grateful to HCR for confirming their participation in this event and we believe that the outcomes of the discussion will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of growing global displacement on security and development in the Eurasian region. I thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor now to the High Commissioner to share his thoughts and responses.

To what's been raised during the debate. I will start with Lebanon. And just to confirm, one line of the statement in which Lebanon said that I am personally a steadfast friend of Lebanon. Yes, I am a steadfast friend of Lebanon, and I'm very happy that years and years of very complex work on a difficult displacement situation, that of Syrians in Lebanon, may have now, as I've said already several times, a better direction going forward, as was also mentioned in the statement itself. We strongly support the work being led by the government of Lebanon with Syrian refugees in the country to organize their return, their voluntary return, and we will continue to support it, and this is why we need maximum resources for that operation, but I'm happy that Many donors also have mentioned that. It's quite important. I think we also need to recognize that for Lebanon, the presence of so many refugees, one of the highest pro rate, what do you call it, pro percentages, percentages, pro capita, ratios of refugees per national population has been a formidable challenge. So thank you very much for staying the course, and we will continue that course together in the new direction. Fully agree also with Lebanon's statement that now we need to continue to support those that stay in Lebanon until they can go back, but we need to really focus on Syria and on strengthening support there. The fact that there are new arrivals from Syria in Lebanon, although not huge numbers, means that still there are gaps in what is done to support Syria. This actually leads me also to the parallel statement of Jordan, which also emphasized the importance of sustainability of returns of Syrians to Syria. I would stress, looking also at the events of the last few months, including in southern Syria, which is the most relevant region for Jordan, that security support to Syria is very important. Of all the many things that need to be done to ensure that Syria goes on a stabilization path, security support is extremely important, also for the returnees. And to complete my comments to Jordan, I want to salute the very close cooperation we've had with Jordan. I personally must say 20 years of cooperation, first in my years with UNRWA and now my 10 years as High Commissioner for Refugees, Jordan has been a very, very close partner. I have not forgotten that His Majesty King Abdullah opened the Global Refugee Forum and did us that honor with great eloquence and great vision. And, um, I, um, um, Jordan spearheaded in the region, um, new approaches, uh, which led eventually to the creation of the global, um, um, uh, financial, global, um, concessional financing facility, one of the World Bank's, um, instruments to support refugee hosting countries, middle income refugee hosting countries, so very, very, important. Thank you, both Jordan and Lebanon. Some statements from Africa. I appreciate Sierra Leone's statement, also its regional focus. I've said this about each of the coastal states in West Africa. I think it's very important. And our regional bureau has spearheaded a regional approach with the dialogue that was mentioned. Sierra Leone mentioned also cooperation through ECOWAS. It's very important to continue because the themes related to displacement in the region, the security dimension are very regional in nature. So it's important to do that. But Sierra Leone mentioned also its regional approach in respect of mixed movements, which also is a feature of West Africa. Thank you for doing that and for emphasizing your domestic efforts to strengthen asylum and inclusion. Malawi, we've been, of course, in dialogue with Malawi, praising Malawi for having allocated land to decongest the Dzaleka refugee camp. This is very important. This is not an entirely new theme, but something that needs more donor support. We have been penalized in some of those operations with less funding. So it's very important when there are really projects, programs to try to stabilize the situation to support them. Thank you for doing, happy that you were able to conduct some voluntary repatriation to Burundi and Rwanda and hope that that will continue. And, um, thanks for mentioning resettlement and appealing for more resettlement, resettlement, we are at very low numbers of resettlement, I think everybody is aware of that, I think that for that reason, it is important that we're very strategic in how we use. the limited resettlement capacity for cases that are particularly sensitive or desperate or vulnerable. So I really encourage everybody to reflect on what Malawi said and bring it forward.

I also want to welcome the efforts of Equatorial Guinea and its role as a leader on issues of displacement since 2019, I think, and the emphasis in their statement of Equatorial Guinea on issues of internal displacement, as well as in promoting the Kampala Convention. That's an important point. Thank you again to Equatorial Guinea for their role in developing humanitarian initiatives in an African context in support of the African Union's action. And UNHCR also supports that initiative.

I'll start with France.

So that I too, I want to thank them for the very close cooperation that we have enjoyed with France as an institution. And for me personally, thank you very much to you. And thank you also for France's support in many different domains. We certainly do applaud I repeat, as I did with other countries, we do applaud those efforts to promote peace in the Middle East, in Central Africa and in other conflict theatres. That is the most important thing if we truly want to reduce the number of IDPs and refugees. We do very much rely on France's support going forward, especially on a number of dossiers such as return of Syrian refugees. We can assure France of our full commitment when it comes to institutional reform, improving the effectiveness of the institution, but we are still troubled by the drop in contributions. We realize that it does reflect vast and complex budgetary depression, but we do urge France to keep moving forward, to keep supporting us.

I can say the same that your support over the past 10 years has been one of the most coherent, consistent and constant of any country, both as a very important donor country, as a very important host country, you have a very unique role, you have played a very unique role in this respect, but also in terms of policy, refugee policy and protection policy in Europe and beyond. So, big thanks to Germany for all these years of close cooperation. Like for France, I want to stress, however, that we are concerned about the pressure under which your humanitarian budget is being placed, and we hope that all possible considerations will be made so that contributions are safeguarded as much as possible at this very, very difficult juncture. We, on the other hand, as you said in your statement, will continue to look at innovation, innovative approaches, for example, sustainable responses, which we've been speaking about and of which Germany has been one of the strongest supporters. Thank you for that as well. Staying in Europe, Greece, strong cooperation. I remember that in 2016 when I started my assignment, one of my first visit was to ****** at that time the place of arrival of thousands and thousands of Syrian and other refugees. So that really marked the whole era of cooperation and certainly marked a very strong, close cooperation between Greece and UNHCR. Greece, which remains a very exposed country in the European Union and in Europe in terms of arrivals, were conscious that there's been a spike of arrivals from Libya. 80% about, I think, are Sudanese, therefore people that flee conflict. We understand the sensitivities and the complexity of the response. We continue to encourage Greece to respond in a manner that is as much as possible upholding international standards. The recent visit by the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection and the Director was very promising, very positive. So thank you for that. And thank you also for having mentioned the importance of working upstream, route-based approach, cooperation with IOM, and very much agree with your message. IOM and UNHCR are two organizations working closely together, but with distinct portfolios and mandates. Moving north, the Swedish statement, including, I'm happy that some of the things that we're saying are becoming little slogans, like doing less with less and being small but strong. May I say that maybe now let's move from less with less to something a bit more positive. More with more is a bit too ambitious, but very well with less is maybe a good slogan that we will continue to use going forward. Otherwise, we bake in a narrative of little resources that is not good. I want, however, to stress that Sweden, as was mentioned, is a champion, is the world champion of flexible funding, and that is phenomenal and that is very important. The big challenge for us is less funding, but it is also more inflexible funding. Until now, we were able, through different funding sources, to move resources where they were most needed. You want us to be efficient. The main tool of efficiency is flexible funding. That's what allows us to move where it's needed. Without flexible funding, we will not be able to tackle some of the challenges that you have all decried and all referred to. So please follow Sweden's example. It's really important. Also in terms of resettlement, what I said earlier, strategic use of resettlement, you said it. Women, girls were needed, LGBT in many places where they are refugees, but they are still discriminated. Very, very important that you focus on that. And thank you, big thanks for having put additional resources into GBV, gender-based violence responses, because I'm very worried that we are backtracking on that such important activities. And I applaud Finland also for really remaining a strong supporter. I hear the appeal that Finland made to remain engaged in the interagency processes, but let me reassure everybody, we are very engaged. Ask any of my deputies here how much we're engaged in UNHCR, in humanitarian reset. We clearly see that a lot can only be resolved together and not agency by agency. We've been very much focusing on our plight this year, but with an eye, not more than an eye, with a full participation in the inter-agency initiative. I say this because it was a strong message from Finland. And thank you, Finland, also, you have been such a champion in very important areas, education, disabilities, and we really need to applaud that. And since I'm speaking after these two countries, I wish their candidates that were announced all the best. I'm doing it with every candidate in the full spirit of impartiality. And a few more European statements. United Kingdom, not to repeat everything, you know, the things I said about others, but can I just very much support the appeal of the United Kingdom to approve the budget for next year. It is vital that this budget is approved. After what I have said, after what you have all said about the financial pressures, we cannot afford not to have a budget or to have a budget that has not full support. Please, please, this is a very fundamental action that this Executive Committee has to carry out before the end of this session. Thank you also to United Kingdom for assessing candidly the challenges that we have, but upholding its support to the multilateral system. This is extremely important on the part of a country that has so much history in having forged that multilateral system. I just want to say there was a sentence in the statement, if I'm not mistaken, saying humanitarian retreat, there is an inevitable retreat. Let's be a bit careful about that. It goes to the less with less, because how can humanitarian work retreat when you have so many crises? So either you solve conflict or you have to support humanitarian action. There's a contradiction otherwise between these two.

Thank you, Luxembourg, one of the countries that have actually stepped up their contribution. I'm sorry I didn't say it during my statement yesterday, and that was an oversight that cannot be forgiven. So I do ask I apologize to Luxembourg. I very much want to appreciate the fact that Luxembourg is one of the few countries which thus far has responded to my appeal yesterday for more resources between now and the end of the year to bridge the $300 million deficit, so thank you to Luxembourg, a small country that's setting the example, can other countries follow in their footsteps, and thank you Luxembourg to being a, for being a champion of innovation, particularly in the field of technology. financial approaches and so, and so on, it's very valuable.

We look within its budgetary, uh, um, boundaries, of course, naturally, at additional resources. I want to thank Slovakia for that. 30 years of cooperation in Slovakia. I remember when we established offices after the fall of the Berlin Wall in that part of Europe. That's, uh, quite a milestone. Thank you for hosting Ukrainians. You have been one of the countries really championing that approach, and we will continue to support. And I think my last is Belarus. We remain, of course, completely available to reinforce to help you reinforce your asylum capacity. The signature of the protocol with the border service, if I understand correctly, just a few weeks ago is really proof of this engagement to help you strengthen the capacity to deal with movement of population, refugees in particular, in the territory of Belarus. We will have now a multi-country office approach in the region, as we have in other regions, for financial reasons, but this does not diminish our commitment. Muchas gracias.

Muchas gracias, Alain.

Thank you very much, the High Commissioner, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. We will reconvene this afternoon at 1500 hours to continue the general debate. Before concluding, I want to give the floor to the Secretariat to make an announcement.

Thank you, Chairperson. Good afternoon, distinguished delegates. I wish to inform you that the side event, Delivering Better Together, Advancing Humanitarian Reform, Efficiency, and Localization, will be held from 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM in room 5. Sandwiches will be provided outside of the room for your convenience. Thank you.

Thank you.

With that, the meeting of the executive committee of the 76th plenary session is adjourned.