Syria takes part in the Global Refugee Forum 2023 in Switzerland

Activities of the Global Refugee Forum kicked off this morning in the Swiss capital Geneva with the participation of Syria. The Syrian delegation is led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Bassam Sabbagh.

In an opening speech, Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner General for Refugees noted the existence of 114 million refugees and internally displaced people around the world, pointing out that almost all refugees are looking forward to returning to their homeland.

He warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza Strip, adding: “The Security Council’s inability in this regard leads us to expect more deaths and suffering among civilians”. He renewed the UN Secretary-General’s call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire for humanitarian purposes.

Grandi clarified that many humanitarian organizations face severe financing challenges, including the Commission which needs $400 million, a sharp shortage that the commission has not witnessed for years. He noted that holding the forum comes at the suitable time to guarantee the required response to the displacement and refuge issue.

The forum, which is held every four years, is the largest international gathering on refugees, and aims to enhance the implementation of the goals of the Global Compact on Refugees, including supporting countries of origin to facilitate the return of refugees to them.

The Syrian delegation also comprises Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva Haider Ali Ahmed and Director of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Qusay Al-Dahhak.

Hamda Mustafa