The number of persons displaced by various reasons such as conflicts,
natural disasters and human rights violations increases everyday throughout
the world. Many of these people lose their lives, live in very difficult
conditions and are being targeted by transnational organized criminal
networks.
We believe that it is the common responsibility of the international
community to provide necessary conditions for these people to live in
dignity, to create conditions that would ensure safe return to their
countries and to solve the problems forcing them to seek asylum. However,
we also see that the international community does not do enough on her part
in this respect. We regrettably witness the rise of xenophobia, racism and
discrimination against these people, who are economically and culturally
enriching host countries and communities.
Turkey, as a country that opened her borders to those in need throughout
her history, hosts 4 million people in the best manner, who sought shelter
in her territories. Today, services we provide them in several fields, in
particular health, education and access to labor market, are a guide for
the international community.
Our country is also playing an active role at the international platforms
for the improvement of the refugees’ rights. In this respect, we will
continue to support the Global Compact on Refugees adopted by the UN
General Assembly on 17 December 2018, to which we actively contributed
during its preparation phase.
Turkey, as an indication of the importance she attaches to this matter,
will co-chair the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva on 17-18 December 2019
that will take place within the framework of the Compact. We invite all
countries and stakeholders to participate in the Forum at the highest level
and to declare significant pledges for refugees at this Forum.
We wish that 20 June World Refugee Day will be an occasion for the
improvement of living conditions of refugees and asylum-seekers and for the
international community to show more solidarity with these people and host
countries in line with equitable burden and responsibility sharing.