Barham Salih, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, emphasized in his first report to the Security Council that peace is the most sustainable solution for forced displacement. He pointed to the alarming situation of millions who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflicts and violence, calling for serious actions from Security Council member states to create peace and prevent further displacements.
Current Situation of Forced Displacement
Barham Salih noted that currently, more than 117 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, persecution, and other threats. He described this situation not only as a humanitarian challenge but also as a fundamental challenge to international peace and security. According to him, forced displacement is rapidly increasing, and as conflicts and crises multiply, solutions are becoming increasingly unavailable.
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Commitment to Preventing and Resolving Displacement
Salih emphasized that humanitarian organizations face the consequences of conflicts and displacements every day and are striving to protect affected individuals and assist host countries and communities. However, he stated that humanitarian entities cannot create peace, and it is the responsibility of the Security Council to use its political influence to end conflicts and maintain peace processes.
He also referred to the history of the Refugee Convention, stating: "75 years ago, this convention was a promise to protect those in need during times of peace failure. We must remain committed to this promise, but our collective goal should be greater: to prevent displacements, resolve existing issues, and create conditions where individuals can rebuild their lives in safety and dignity." Salih emphasized that ultimately, the most sustainable solution for forced displacement is peace.
Barham Salih urged Security Council members to use their responsibilities to assist the millions who have been forced to leave their homes and to seize this opportunity to create lasting peace. He also called on the Security Council to pay special attention to the protection of civilians, the support of human rights, and the principle of non-refoulement for refugees.
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