Mr. Chair, High Commissioner,
Latvia aligns itself with the statement of the likeminded European States.
I would like to join in appreciation to you, High Commissioner, for your steady leadership of the Organization during the past ten years.
We share the High Commissioner’s concerns on the unprecedented displacement resulting from conflicts, violence, persecution. The scale of the needs has only grown.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, catastrophic situation in Sudan, violence in Democratic Republic of Congo and other humanitarian crises have resulted in millions fleeing their homes. Parties to conflicts openly disregard international law. We call for compliance with International Humanitarian Law and accountability for violations.
We support the UNHCR’s comprehensive protection-oriented approach, working together with other organizations, especially on the Route-Based Approach. The new European Union’s Pact on Migration and Asylum share the same goals, and Latvia is working to ensure a timely implementation of the Pact.
We welcome the UNHCR’s efforts in addressing the multiple humanitarian crises, particularly at a time of limited financial and human resources, as well as the UNHCR’s efforts in streamlining the organization’s work.
Mr. Chair,
We are in the fourth year since Russia started its war of aggression against Ukraine. Latvia is on the frontline of receiving forcefully displaced Ukrainians – today around 31 thousand Ukrainian refugees have been registered in Latvia, thousands of them are children. Latvia will continue to support Ukrainian refugees for as long as it takes, providing them with housing, education, jobs, health- and social care.
We are also very grateful for the UNHCR’s efforts in Ukraine as civilians continue to be affected by brutal Russian attacks. The fact, that the UNHCR staff remains on the ground, delivering the urgently needed support, deserves our admiration. For the sake of Ukraine’s people and our global community, Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified war must stop.
Overall, the declining security environment endangers the UNHCR staff, who are risking their lives. Latvia has joined the Global International Humanitarian Initiative, as well as the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, which sets standards to protect humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
While supporting the displaced people, Latvia also safeguards the European Union’s external border. At the same time, on our Eastern border we are facing the ongoing instrumentalization of migrants by the Belarusian regime, in complicity with Russia. This is a form of hybrid attack, seeking to undermine the security of European Union Member States, as well as those persons exploited in such attacks. We condemn any attempts to weaponize migrants for political purposes. And We are concerned that such attempts can lead to serious human rights violations.
Mr. Chair,
Conflicts continue to be the main cause of forced displacement. Latvia intends to contribute to maintaining international peace and security, serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the next two years.
As we look ahead, Latvia once again commends the UNHCR’s work and will continue cooperating in addressing the challenges we face.
Thank you!