World Refugee Day

The Minister based his speech on the following points

 

Your Royal Highnesses, High Commissioner, Excellences, ladies and gentlemen

Let me start by thanking my dear friend, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, the UNHCR staff, Humanitarian Coordinator Andrew Harper and, not least, the Jordanian Government for enabling us to mark World Refugee Day here in Jordan. I am impressed by your level of commitment and dedication to meeting the needs of refugees in this country.

The plight of refugees and displaced persons is of grave concern to Norway, and has been so since the 1951 Refugee Convention and the establishment of UNHCR. Both are keys to the protection of refugees worldwide. Right from the start, Norway has strongly supported UNHCR, politically, financially and logistically. The fact that I am travelling with the High Commissioner on this important visit to Jordan demonstrates the strength of our relationship.

World Refugee Day is being marked in all corners of the world. But it was the High Commissioner who chose Jordan as his destination this year. Sad to say, there are good reasons for this. Jordan has a long history as a generous host for Palestinian refugees. It has also served as a safe haven for people fleeing from sectarian violence and persecution in Iraq. The reason why we are here today, however, is the rapidly growing number of refugees from the conflict in Syria.

Yesterday I went to the border and met people as they crossed over into Jordan. Today I went with Mr Guterres to the Zatari refugee camp and met men, women and children who had left their homes and most of what goes with life at home: relatives, friends, neighbours, jobs and schools, their familiar surroundings. In short all that makes up an ordinary daily life and that we all take for granted.

A camp cannot compensate for these losses, but it can provide temporary relief, shelter, food, and basic health services.

Hearing their stories made a profound impression on me. I was moved to see the courage they are showing as they now embark on an uncertain future in an unfamiliar environment. This special day reminds us of the trauma faced by all who are victim of forced displacement, uprooted by violence, persecution or conflict, and their longing for many of the things we often take for granted – such as hope, dignity and justice.

Today, on World Refugee Day, we are encouraged to put on hold our normal lives and reaffirm a shared commitment to our fellow human beings who are fleeing persecution, oppression and fear. We are here to show that we care - that they are not alone.

In fact the crisis that is now unfolding in Syria affects us all. It is extremely serious. It could destabilise the whole region. Therefore it is the top priority of the international community today.

We must remember that we need political solutions. There is an obligation of the international community and the United Nations’ Security Council. We are not living up to expectations. We have to do much more to try to get our act together and come up with a common position on what to do. There might be different solutions. But as long as we do not have a common solution it will produce more tragedy and more refugees.

Hence, we urge the parties to enter into a negotiation track. Geneva II is an important and positive step, which we hope will be the beginning of a political process towards an end to the conflict and a Syria based on democratic principles.

The international community must continue to support those affected by the crisis. We must all respond to the UN’s call for funding. Norway has committed itself to providing 100 million US dollars in humanitarian assistance since the conflict began in 2011. A significant part of this contribution is channelled to the efforts of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to help refugees in Syria. This work is important for those who receive help. But it is also important to ensure political stability in the region

Syria’s neighbours – host countries to more than a 1.6 million refugees – are in need of international support in the form of burden sharing.

I have been impressed by the hospitality Jordan and its people have shown to these victims of the horrific and shocking situation in Syria. As a country that provides considerable funds to help Syrian refugees in Jordan and its neighbouring countries, Norway greatly appreciates your efforts. We realise that this task places a heavy burden on all Syria’s neighbouring countries. But without the commitment to keep the borders open, this humanitarian crisis would be far worse.

We applaud the Governments of Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq for their continuous open-border policy.

Today, I have seen and admired the good work and efforts of many important actors: the UNHCR and other UN agencies, NGOs, like the Norwegian Refugee Council, and of course the Government of Jordan.

I have also seen a vast number of refugees who have received, and continue to receive, assistance, support and protection from terrible atrocities in Syria.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your continued dedication, compassion and commitment.

Thank you.