Refugee crisis cannot be borne by just one country, UN Secretary General says at Irish event

The responsibility for taking in refugees should be borne collectively and shared by all countries, the UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon has said. Speaking at an event held for resettled refugees and members of the Syrian community in Farmleigh House, Dublin, Mr Ban said that additional safe and regular avenues of migration and access to protection had to be created in order to prevent refugees taking dangerous journeys to reach safety.

“When we consider how to prevent such tragedies, it is important to think of the individuals who have been forced to flee, and ensure that the response reflects our common values and principles of humanity, solidarity, and respect for human rights.”

Welcoming the European Commission’s Agenda on Migration, he said that more countries should follow Ireland’s lead in taking in more refugees.

“The United Nations and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees are ready to work with the EU, its Member States and relevant third countries in supporting and further developing the measures included in the Agenda. The Irish Minister for Justice and Equality responded immediately to the Agenda by announcing an additional 300 resettlement places. This is very welcome, and I hope more States will make similar additional pledges for resettlement that reflect the scale of the needs.”

Ireland is one of a small number of countries – less than 30 worldwide-to operate an annual resettlement programme. 27 different nationalities have been resettled under the programme since 1998, most recently from Syria. In response to the current Mediterranean crisis, Ireland recently announced it will resettle an additional 300 refugees from Syrian and the region in 2016. That brings to 617 the total number of refugees Ireland will resettle between 2014 and 2016.

“Resettlement programmes require a lot of magic ingredients”, said UNHCR Ireland’s Head of Office, Ms. Sophie Magennis. “The first of these are the strength and determination of the refugees themselves. Also vital are the supports that are extended on arrival. The Irish officials, local authorities and community organisations working in resettlement extend a solid hand of welcome and assistance that stays close and provides support over the long term.”

Expressing Ireland’s commitment to responding to the global refugee crisis, the Minister for Justice Ms. Frances Fitzgerald T.D. said it was important that Ireland continued its support for refugees around the world. 

“Life in Ireland is difficult for many people and we must acknowledge that. But we must also acknowledge that refugees who flee war, conflict, oppression and resulting poverty are given the opportunity to start a new life.”
Refugees from Myanmar, Congo, South Sudan, Afghanistan and members of the Syrian community in Ireland attended the event, one of a number the Secretary General attended during his visit to Ireland. The visit comes as Ireland celebrates its 60th year of membership of the United Nations, which will be marked by a number of events throughout the year.