UK Urges Action on Prolonged Displacement at UN Security Council Meeting

Today, the staggering reality is that over 100 million individuals are forcibly displaced across the globe. For more than two-thirds of these refugees, such displacement is not a fleeting crisis; instead, it extends for five years or longer, with no viable solution in sight. Many children spend their entire childhoods confined to refugee camps, homes they can never return to, and families that remain in limbo, waiting to rebuild their lives.

On the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Refugee Convention, it is abundantly clear that change is imperative. The United Kingdom stands in support of the UNHCR’s ambitious vision of “50 by 35.” Our focus should be on facilitating pathways for individuals to move beyond prolonged displacement, rather than allowing them to remain trapped in exile, devoid of the opportunity to restore their lives.

Necessity for Systemic Change

To instigate this shift, we must begin with protection. It is essential to establish asylum systems that work effectively for refugees, host communities, and the member states that support them. This involves enhancing our collective capability to differentiate fairly between refugees and migrants. Moreover, we must tackle the organised criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals seeking perilous journeys.

To truly “protect protection,” our asylum systems must be credible, effective, and trusted by both the individuals they serve and the governments that uphold them. Achieving this also requires a commitment to nationally led solutions and development interventions, a principle that the United Kingdom is currently putting into practice.

Collaborative Efforts for Refugee Support

We are collaborating with international financial institutions to channel development finance towards countries hosting refugees. Such initiatives ensure that host communities are not left to bear the burden alone and promote the inclusion of refugees within national systems. Our efforts extend to over 50 countries, including initiatives aimed at integrating nearly 200,000 refugee children into local education systems.

However, it is crucial to address the fundamental reasons driving individuals to flee in the first place. Factors such as war, instability, and repression are at the root of this crisis. This Council exists to tackle these very threats, yet all too often, our responses focus on managing displacement rather than preventing it from occurring in the first instance.

Confronting Global Conflicts

In Sudan, this means collectively advocating for a ceasefire to end the conflict that is causing mass displacement. In Syria, it necessitates supporting efforts to create stability that facilitates safe and sustainable returns. In Yemen, we must work towards de-escalating the ongoing conflict, which is once again exacerbating displacement and humanitarian suffering, while reaffirming our commitment to a UN-led political process.

This Council possesses the tools necessary to address the root causes of displacement; what is required now is the political will to effectively utilise them. The seventy-fifth anniversary of the Refugee Convention presents a pivotal moment to demonstrate that the existing system can evolve to meet contemporary challenges.

Looking Ahead to the Global Refugee Forum

The United Kingdom is committed to using this anniversary year, along with the journey towards the Global Refugee Forum in 2027, to collaborate closely with the UNHCR, international financial institutions, and member states. Together, we aim to ensure that the refugee protection system remains credible, sustainable, and equipped to meet the demands of today’s world.