I would like to thank you, Mr President, for inviting Ireland to
participate in today’s summit. Your initiative provides a vital
opportunity for the international community to consider its response to the
global refugee crisis.
Effective responses are necessarily global in nature. They involve
conflict prevention and changes to international trade. Development aid
and poverty prevention may also help to give large numbers of people viable
futures in their own homeplaces.
A renewed international focus on human rights may also play its part.
Action to end inequality and prejudice against women, LGBTI people, or
against ethnic or religious minorities may turn a potential refugee into
someone with a future in his or her own homeland.
Ireland stands ready to participate in international initiatives to develop
global approaches to tackling the factors creating the current refugee
crisis.
Ireland is also strongly aware of its international responsibilities to
refugees. Like others here today, we are appalled at the misery, danger
and loss of life involved.
Sustainable solutions are needed for refugees worldwide. It's not just food
and shelter. That's just the beginning - and an important beginning - but
we must move quickly on to medium and longer term needs like education.
Ireland’s humanitarian response is focused on where needs are greatest,
particularly on those affected by the most severe crises, especially
protracted and forgotten emergencies.
The core objective of our humanitarian assistance is to save and protect
lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity.
In 2015, Ireland's humanitarian assistance totalled approximately €140m.
Our response to the Syria crisis, the largest global humanitarian crisis
today, will exceed €62 million by the end of 2016. As our economy grows, we
hope to be able to do more.
We also support humanitarian efforts in the Mediterranean. Since May 2015,
Ireland has deployed 5 successive Irish Naval Service vessels on
humanitarian search and rescue operations. To date, more than 10,000 people
have been rescued.
We are and will be bringing refugees into Ireland through our new Irish
Refugee Protection Programme. We are working to bring to Ireland refugees
and asylum seekers currently located in Greece, Italy and Lebanon. Further
numbers of refugees will come to Ireland through our family reunification
programme. We are also open to bringing people into Ireland through
educational assignments.
Much of the focus of international attention is on rescuing refugees from
situations of crisis and on providing for their immediate needs. However,
the greater commitment has to be to supporting the refugee’s integration in
the host country. That process is intensive, sensitive and long-term. It
involves not only changes to frontline services but also, and more
importantly, changes in attitudes among host populations.
A refugee needs more than a house. A refugee needs a community. If he or
she is to feel a sense of belonging in the new society, that society has to
be open and ready to welcome, live with, work with and support the refugee.
The process of integration is crucial. We have seen the dangers of
hardening attitudes within our societies towards strangers. Such
attitudes can take root frighteningly easily. At the same time, poor
integration processes can result in blighted lives for refugees.
Mr President, I believe that today’s Summit can set a framework for action
that encompasses both immediate and longer-term initiatives. International
cooperation is key. Ireland looks forward to making its contribution. As
a people who have received shelter from others in our moments of crisis, we
will not be found wanting in our readiness to help others in need.
Thank you very much.