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Madam/Mr Chair, High Commissioner,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

1. We thank you for your remarks and presentation of your report. We commend UNHCR’s continued commitment to address the needs and ensure the protection of forcibly displaced persons globally.

2. Your report today is all the more important and timely as we are witnessing record levels of displacement. 2024 has seen a significant rise in the number of forcibly displaced persons worldwide, exacerbated by conflicts, disasters, climate change and socioeconomic instability. We can anticipate that this trend will continue to worsen in 2025. A strong collective effort is required to support and ensure the dignity of forcibly displaced persons around the world.

3. For decades, the EU and its Member States have been providing support in forced displacement contexts on all continents. Each year, around 80% of EU’s humanitarian budget goes to forcibly displaced persons and their host communities.

4. We condemn the increasing number of IHL violations. At all times, humanitarian access and humanitarian space must be safeguarded and the safety and security of humanitarian and medical workers ensured by parties to conflict, be it State or non-State actors.

5. The right to seek and enjoy asylum and the principle of non-refoulement remain at the heart of European law, policy and action. We are grateful to governments and host communities who have generously taken in forcibly displaced persons worldwide. The EU and its Member States also contribute to a sizeable part of global resettlement efforts.

6. We appreciate that UNHCR has continued its business transformation programme. These efforts should include continuously updated information on prioritising, reducing costs, increasing efficiencies and ensuring that quality funding received by UNHCR is passed on to intermediaries and local partners. We invite UNHCR to to further explore partnerships and solutions with private and emerging donors to enhance the scope of their funding and to further build on inter-agency synergies.

Question to HC Grandi: In this regard, and in the face of unprecedented global humanitarian needs, how is the UN system, specifically UNHCR, adapting to overcome current limitations to underfunding in order to deliver essential services to those most in need?

7. Let me conclude by reiterating our appreciation for the dedication of UNHCR’s staff and its partner organisations on the ground, including local actors. You can count on our solid partnership to support the work and mandate of your Office, politically as well as financially.

Thank you.