Ban Ki-moon calls on world to provide more safe avenues of migration for people fleeing conflict and persecution
The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, said in a speech made yesterday that, in the midst of the current refugee crisis in the Mediterranean, it is important to think of the individuals who have been forced to flee, and ensure that the response reflects our common values and principles of humanity, solidarity, and respect for human rights.
Ban Ki-moon was speaking at the end of a visit to Ireland.
Reflecting on his own experiences as a refugee in the Korean war, Ban said people fleeing conflict and persecution was a global issue and he called on the world to provide more safe avenues of migration.
"We must also create additional safe and regular avenues of migration and access to protection. Private sponsorship schemes, enhanced family reunification and flexible visa arrangements, including for humanitarian, study and work purposes, can bring families back together. These initiatives work best when States work in partnership with local communities. I am happy that, in Ireland, the Minister for Justice and Equality, the Syrian community and UNHCR are working closely together to find the most effective ways to support the Syrian community here", he said.
Ban also welcomed the proposals in the European Commission's recent "Agenda on Migration", particularly its focus on saving lives and ensuring the protection of those in need.
"The United Nations and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees are ready to work with the EU, its Member States and relevant third countries in supporting and further developing the measures included in the Agenda," Ban said.
The UN Secretary-General said last year in October that never before in United Nations history had there been so many refugees, displaced people and asylum-seekers.