On behalf of the Norway, I have the honour to present draft resolution L.48 “Protection of, and assistance to internally displaced persons”.
This resolution builds upon the resolution from 2017 which was adopted by consensus.
Let me first thank all delegations for their engagement on this draft and the productive negotiations undertaken towards such a positive outcome.
Chair,
21 years after the UN General Assembly adopted the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, the number of conflict-induced internally displaced persons (IDPs) has not gone down. Instead, it has roughly doubled to around 40 million people.
Meanwhile, the number of natural disaster-induced IDPs also continues to grow, and now stands around 24 million yearly on average.
This draft resolution seeks to set out the challenges at hand, and the vulnerabilities of internally displaced persons. It calls on States to take effective and practical steps to address their plight.
We also welcome the African Union’s decision to dedicate 2019 to the year of forced displacement, marking the 10 years anniversary of the Kampala Convention.
The draft recognizes the applicable human rights, and humanitarian principles. And expresses our concern with the large and growing number of internally displaced persons.
Along with concerns about the protracted nature of displacement.
It recognizes that internal displacement is not only a humanitarian, but also a development challenge. And, in some cases, a peacebuilding challenge.
We call upon all actors to work together to find durable solutions to long term displacement. And further recognize the important role of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons.
Chair,
Let me conclude by extending our thanks to all co-sponsors, and to all Member States for their hard work. We truly welcome the cross-regional nature of this support.
We invite all delegations to join in supporting this vital resolution, and to take all efforts necessary towards its implementation.
Thank you.