Statement by H. E. Ambassador HE Yafei,
Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Office
at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland,
Head of the Chinese Delegation
At the intergovernmental event at the ministerial-level of Member States of the United Nations to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 50th anniversary of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness
(December 8, 2011, Assembly Hall, Palais des Nations)
Mr. President,
Mr. High Commissioner,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Chinese Delegation, let me extend my congratulations on the successful convening of this ministerial event to mark the 60th anniversary of the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 50th anniversary of the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
Over the past 60 years, the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees has played an important role in protecting the rights of refugees and in advancing the humanitarian cause. Its influence has been expanding, as 144 countries have already joined the Convention. Over the past 60 years, States-Parties have engaged in cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)to actively fulfill their obligations under the Convention, on the whole they have contributed to global peace, stability and development, while the role of the UNHCR has been widely acknowledged.
Mr. President,
Peace and development remain the main themes of our times, however intermittent regional hotspot issues, frequent armed conflicts, natural disasters, financial crisis, energy and food security problems have added further pressure on the international humanitarian cause. The global refugee situation leaves little room for optimism. The international community should have a heightened sense of urgency in implementing the Convention; strengthen solidarity and burden sharing, in an effort to find durable solutions to the refugee problem. Here, the Chinese Delegation would like to make the following proposals:
First, Strengthen mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution, in order to build lasting peace. International and regional bodies such as the United Nations should enhance their capacity for conflict prevention and mediation, in order to prevent the occurrence of conflicts, thereby eliminating root causes of the refugee and internally displaced person phenomena. Countries should abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and resolve differences through dialogue and consultation.
Second, Develop the economy, eliminate poverty, so as to realize common development. Due to the impact of the financial crisis and the European debt crisis, the global economy is in a downturn, hurting disproportionally developing countries. The international community should strengthen cooperation, making join efforts to promote development and to eliminate poverty. At the same time, it is necessary to enhance disaster monitoring and early warning, to raise people's awareness and capability in disaster prevention, and to make disaster prevention and reduction more effective.
Third, Strengthen international solidarity and assist refugee hosting countries in their development. At present, the developing countries hosts 80% of the global refugee population. They make great contribution to the protection of refugees worldwide, but also shoulder heavy burden. Developed countries should put into practice the principle of "international solidarity and burden sharing", by providing developing countries with technical and financial assistance in order to support their development.
Fourth, gradual improve the refugee protection mechanism in light of the changing circumstances. It is necessary to adhere to the principle of "protecting to the maximum and preventing any abuse" in providing protection to refugees and internally displaced persons who deserve protection. It is essential to prevent any abuse of international refugee protection mechanisms, especially the politicization of refugee issues. It is crucial to eliminate racial discrimination and xenophobia against refugees and protect the rights of refugees, in particular, the rights of women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Mr. President,
China is a state party to the Convention. Over more than 30 years, the Chinese Government has strictly fulfilled its commitments under the Convention, overcome numerous difficulties and provided effective protection to nearly 300,000 Indochinese refugees and guaranteed their livelihood, employment, education and health care. Early this year, when Libya fell into a large-scale humanitarian crisis, the Chinese Government acted speedily and evacuated over 30,000 Chinese citizens and over 2,000 citizens of other 12 countries, including Greece and Italy through a large land-sea-air joint operation and thus made a positive contribution to the international humanitarian cause. China has been active in cooperation with the UNHCR and sponsored together with the UNHCR several seminars in China. China and the UNHCR are now discussing cooperation in the field of disaster relief, mitigation and preparation. The Chinese Government will continue to implement its obligations under the Convention with the aim of contributing to the settlement of international refugee issues. China is willing to make the following commitments:
First, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the largest developing country, China will actively engage in settling international "hot issues", promoting dialogues, facilitating reconciliations and preventing conflicts. China will also endeavor to promote the sustainable development of the world economy so as to achieve common prosperity and create a favorable environment for tackling international refugee issues and their root causes.
Second, China will continue to participate constructively in international dialogues on refugee issues and enhance international exchanges and cooperation and promote durable solution to refugee issues.
Third, China will continue to create favorable conditions for development of the Indochinese refugees staying in China and endeavor to finally settle the Indochinese refugee issue at an early date.
Fourth, China will speed up legislation process relating to refugees in light of China's national conditions and legislative process.
Fifth, China will continue to support the work of the UNHCR and gradually increase, within its capacity and in various forms, donations or other forms of support to the UNHCR.
Sixth, China will share its experiences with other members of the international community in the field of disaster relief, mitigation and preparation and enhance our cooperation with the UNHCR to jointly tackle the international humanitarian crises.
Thank you, Mr. President.