New York, 24 April 2025
 
Theme: Good practices in refugee hosting and inclusion in national systems, and efforts to address the needs of displaced persons and host communities
 

Allow me to begin by thanking all of those who have expressed their sympathies after the passing of Pope Francis on Monday. One of the many legacies he leaves us is a strong commitment to showing special care for displaced persons.

Mr. President,

In recent years, significant progress has been made on this issue. The clarity of purpose and shared commitment that the adoption of the Global Compact on Refugees signified in 2018 should not be forgotten.

In this regard, it is vital to emphasize the inherent God-given human dignity of all persons, including refugees. To this end, my Delegation would like to highlight two elements of best practice that serve to protect their fundamental human rights.

First, in pursuing a balance between national development priorities and refugee engagement, national systems should include policies to protect the right of refugees to non-refoulement, through effective birth registration or comprehensive documentation.[1] They should also ban arbitrary and collective expulsions, ensure access to adequate shelter and to physical and mental health care, and guarantee freedom of religion. 

Second, safeguarding the rights of refugees benefits also the host community. This is the case when education, including training in local languages, and jobs, including quality internships, are made more accessible to refugees. This gives them the opportunity to contribute to the local and national economy, and to reduce social tensions.

Mr. President,

In host communities, the arrival of displaced persons can instill apprehension and fear that is often exploited for political purposes. My Delegation underscores the need to address this issue decisively. It is crucial to include, as a first step in any effective national strategy, programs that promote a positive narrative towards refugees and foster a spirit of genuine human fraternity. In the words of Pope Francis, “we can easily forget that we are dealing with real persons who ought to be welcomed, protected, promoted and integrated.”[2]

Thank you, Mr. President.

[1] Cfr. Pope Francis, Summit on Children’s Rights, 3 Feb 2025.

[2] Pope Francis, Address to Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, January 2025.

Statement was delivered by Msgr. Robert Murphy, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.