Sri Lanka expressed its desire that the commitments made by the international community to the recently adopted Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) would remain on course, emphasising that “transforming the Compact into meaningful, practical measures would help address the protection needs of millions of people who remain helpless and in need.” This was decided on at the 2019 Global Appeal of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) held in Geneva last week.
Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative in Geneva A.L.A. Azeez told the conference that “The principles and values of international cooperation have come under immense pressure and the GCR has emerged as a rallying point for multilateralism and solidarity, as reiterated in the UNHCR’s Global Appeal Update.”
Sri Lanka pledged a modest financial contribution to the UNHCR’s 2019 programs, in appreciation of its role and contribution and in expectation that it would be empowered to deliver assistance and protection as part of its mandate.
Ambassador Azeez conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by UNHCR for national resettlement programs in partnership with stakeholders and for its important role with regard to assistance for returnees.