Statement delivered by Ms. Neishanta Benn, Minister Counsellor, during Security Council Briefing by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Thank you, Mr. President

I must first thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Mr. Filippo Grandi for today's briefing.

Guyana supports the critical work that the UNHCR is doing in regions across the globe. The life-saving assistance provided by the agency to millions of refugees, migrants and other displaced people has safeguarded the human rights of vulnerable populations and provided much-needed support to governments in the management of crises.

The number of refugees continues to rise rapidly, reaching over thirty-five million by the end of 2022, and rising even further to over thirty-six million in 2023. Even more alarming is that this number is only a fraction of the over one hundred million forcibly displaced people that the UNHCR seeks to assist worldwide.

In Guyana, we are no stranger to the consequences of migratory movements that can be propelled by crisis beyond its borders. This is just one of the reasons that we have, and will continue, to work closely with the UNHCR in their dedicated efforts toward executing their mandate.

The global community must remain committed to providing aid to displaced people, including by filling the funding gap of the UNHCR. We are mindful of the importance of ensuring that the agency receives the budgetary support that will allow it to meet the needs of millions in its operations across the globe. We are confronted by the reality of a confluence of war, violence, economic, and climate crises that have forced millions from their homes. UNHCR’s work is now more important than ever; it is imperative that the Council and the wider international community recommit to supporting these efforts.

I must also highlight, as High Commissioner Grandi has, the increasing prevalence of climate-related displacement. Climate change is an existential crisis with further expanding impacts to our planet, it should not be surprising that it is also leading to large-scale internal and cross-border displacement of millions of people.

Refugees and displaced persons are among the most vulnerable. Enhancing their protection from abuse, exploitation and gender-based violence is vital. The UNHCR confronts these challenges every day, and Guyana will remain a partner in these efforts during our time on this Council and beyond.

I Thank You.