UNSC briefing by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

(Wednesday, 2 November 2022; 1000 hrs) 

India Statement

Let me begin by thanking United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi, for his briefing.

2. Historically, India’s approach to the refugee issue has always been driven by the ideals of compassion and empathy. These ideals are part of cultural ethos and our belief in the spirit of “World is One Family”. India has always welcomed communities facing persecution in foreign lands. Zoroastrians and Jews, when faced with persecution centuries ago, found a ready home in India. Now, both are an integral part of India’s proud pluralist culture and heritage.

3. India hosted millions of refugees from Bangladesh, then East Pakistan, when genocidal terror was unleashed on them. India’s humanitarian response to the refugee influx from Bangladesh was one of the most sophisticated and empathetic in contemporary history. India sheltered more than 10 million people.

4. A large number of refugees continue to stay in India. Our programs to assist them are managed entirely from our own resources. The Constitution of India guarantees to all persons, not just our citizens, all the basic rights.  India is also committed to facilitate dignified, safe and sustainable return of these foreign nationals to their homelands, in line with the national laws and mutual agreement with the country concerned.

5. India has also assisted Palestinian refugees through partnering with UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). India continues to remain supportive of UNRWA’s role in human development and delivery of humanitarian services. We have enhanced our annual pledge to the Agency from US$ 1.25 million to US$ 5 million in 2018, and have contributed US$ 20 million over the last four years, including the contribution of US $ 5 million this year.

6. UNHCR in his briefing earlier updated the Council on the refugee crisis across the world and the challenges associated in the handling. We note with concern the surge in the number of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) under the mandate of UNHCR that has reached over 90 million people. The magnitude of the problem is indeed worrying. India appreciates the efforts made by the Office of the UNHCR in helping refugees in various countries.

7. In this regard, let me submit the following FIVE observations:

i) First, the primary duty and responsibility of protecting and assisting IDPs is that of the states concerned. International action must remain within the bounds of the concept of sovereignty, and therefore, should only be at the request of the country concerned.

ii) Second, we need to focus on preventing people from being forced to leave their homelands. Towards this end, preventing armed conflicts, countering terrorism, building, and sustaining peace through facilitating sustainable development and good governance remain critical. We cannot have States following policies exacerbating conflicts on the one hand and then refusing to tackle refugee influx on the other.

iii)Third, the refugee issue is a global challenge and no country alone can resolve this issue. We must continue to foster a global perspective that promotes collaboration and participation of all Member States and relevant stakeholders in line with the relevant international law. India supports the central role of the United Nations in dealing with refugee issue.

iv) Fourth, we firmly believe that the principles of humanity, impartiality and neutrality must be upheld in dealing with refugee matters. This is crucial to maintain the credibility of the international refugee protection mechanism. Member States and UNHCR must remain committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and avoid politicization of the humanitarian work. We also encourage UNHCR to continue to help build, strengthen and use national capacities for protection and humanitarian action. We also understand the importance of working with local responders to ensure localization of solutions and ownership of the process.

v) Fifth, the refugees have also been affected by the global economic slowdown. Humanitarian aid therefore has become more important than ever. Member States should provide indiscriminate and equitable services to refugees and take them into due account in national response strategies. Empathy is of core importance in this context.

7.In closing, Mr. President, India remains committed to providing the relevant humanitarian assistance to refugees. We also believe that this humanitarian endeavor must be consistent with welfare objectives and national security. We strongly believe that determined action, solidarity and multilateralism are needed more than ever to address the refugee issue. I thank you.

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