92nd Meeting of the Standing Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – Regional update on the Americas

Mr. Chair,

My Delegation wishes to thank the Regional Director for the Americas for providing an update on the situation in the Region.

As Pope Francis stated, we find ourselves once again “at a crossroads of civilization”^[1] with widespread violence, conflict and persecution across the globe, forcibly displacing an estimated 139 million people this year^[2]. Moreover, the sense of fraternity and common humanity that are also important to keep the international refugee system alive is increasingly challenged.

For many, the times we live in are undoubtedly trying and disheartening. Nevertheless, we must not forget that the core mission of agencies like the UNHCR is to help people in need – human beings with their own stories and suffering, not just numbers or statistics^[3]. There is therefore an urgent need to reflect on the direction we want to take.

Mr. Chair,

According to the 1951 Refugee Convention, people that are outside the country of their nationality and are unable or are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country, and who - for different reasons - have a well-founded fear of being persecuted, have the right to seek and enjoy asylum[4]. Moreover, there is an absolute prohibition on forced return to a country where there is the risk of facing severe human rights violations or even death. Human lives have to be protected in all cases and the principle of non-refoulement must always be respected.

Whilst it is both a legitimate right and a duty to defend oneself and ensure the safety of the community from those who have committed violent or serious crimes, irregular status should not automatically be equated with criminality.

Mr. Chair,

My Delegation is concerned that people on the move are often perceived as a problem to be solved, or worse, as mere objects that we need to find a place for. It is imperative never to lose sight of the fact that these individuals possess dignity, and that they can contribute to the wellbeing of society. As Pope Francis has insisted “they have their own experiences, needs, fears, aspirations, goals, skills, and talents”.[5]

According to the aforementioned considerations, we encourage all relevant stakeholders to assume shared responsibility in a spirit of fraternity, particularly in the context of the integration of refugees into society, whether their stay be temporary or part of a durable solution. Indeed, true integration must also respect host communities’ safety and well-being.

For these reasons, the Holy See emphasizes the crucial role played by those States that have granted refugees and asylum seekers access to socio-economic inclusion. Furthermore, the Holy See commends the efforts of the countries which rely on the invaluable collaboration of faith-based organizations. These organizations, with their enduring and stable presence in the field, are often the first to provide protection and assist in achieving durable solutions. We can only encourage all the States to engage in this fruitful collaboration.

Mr. Chair,

The solution is to transform fear into hope, and anxiety into confidence. For its part, the Catholic Church, together with its many institutions in the Americas and across the world, will continue to welcome, protect, promote and integrate people on the move without discrimination.

Thank you.