Within the scope of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum organized with the theme “Digital Diplomacy”, a video conference on “The Situation of Refugees and Other Displaced People During the Pandemic: The Need for International Cooperation” was held in cooperation with the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
In his speech here, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said that the epidemic affected everyone, regardless of country, and said, “In this process, we realized once again, albeit painfully, the importance of effective international cooperation in the face of global crises. Considering the severity and global nature of the epidemic, Turkey, “He took early action to deliver aid to others. So far, we have met the aid requests of 125 countries. We will continue our aid efforts.” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation for the protection of refugees and displaced persons, who are the most vulnerable groups in the face of crises, Çavuşoğlu said, thanks to Turkey’s efforts, these vulnerable groups will be supported by G20, Mexico-Indonesia-South Korea-Turkey-Australia (MIKTA), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He stated that special references were made in the joint statements of various organizations such as the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking Countries (Turkic Council).
Çavuşoğlu stated that the epidemic creates special difficulties for displaced people and continued:
“First of all, the closure of borders, the disruption of global production, and the disruption of global logistics and supply chains have hindered aid efforts for refugees. Secondly, the closure of borders has also hindered asylum applications. We have not yet found a solution to this problem together. Thirdly, the already strained national health systems have been hampered. “It has become difficult to include displaced people. Fourth, they are more exposed to the virus. The crisis has also highlighted the importance of early information campaigns. Finally, refugees are deeply affected by the economic consequences of Covid-19.”
Stating that there is a need for inclusive, sustainable and stronger international action when addressing these multidimensional challenges, Çavuşoğlu said, “First, we can start with short-term solutions, including cash aid programs, to mitigate the impact.” he said.
Underlining the need for more sustainable solutions for the long-term economic recovery of refugees, Çavuşoğlu said, “We must pay special attention to the well-being of the ‘most vulnerable of the vulnerable’ by taking special measures for the elderly, women and the disabled.”
Pointing out that the epidemic has disrupted efforts in this vital area, so education is a key area when dealing with displaced communities, and that refugees have limited access to education, Çavuşoğlu emphasized that these groups should benefit from distance learning opportunities like their peers.
Noting that these goals can be achieved through effective international cooperation, Çavuşoğlu said, “We must adopt a multi-stakeholder approach to combine our efforts. In addition to countries, private donors and companies should also participate.” he said.
Noting that the UN’s Global Humanitarian Response Plan is a successful example of this cooperation, Çavuşoğlu evaluated that the Global Compact also provides strong guidance in the protection of refugees by encouraging fair burden and responsibility sharing.
Çavuşoğlu said that the Covid-19 epidemic cannot be considered separately from this and said, “Support to countries hosting refugees is necessary now more than ever. There is no room for donation fatigue in particular.” he said.
“We need solidarity”
Stating that he is sure that his counterparts from Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Pakistan, the countries hosting the most refugees, will agree with him, Çavuşoğlu said, “We cannot carry this alone. We need solidarity.” said.
Çavuşoğlu explained that, with the help of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, they can produce best practices for the protection of refugees during and after the epidemic and said, “The international community should support the safe and voluntary return of forcibly displaced persons.” he said.
For this purpose, Çavuşoğlu expressed their satisfaction in working with Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq upon the return of Syrians, and stated that they have held two meetings in this context so far and that they hope to continue their cooperation.
Çavuşoğlu pointed out that they held high-level meetings with the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees on the same subject, and emphasized that they want to continue this valuable cooperation.
Noting that he appreciated the efforts of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Edros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Çavuşoğlu said, “As stated by the Secretary General, ‘The world is only as strong as the weakest.’ “It’s really time to do our best for the most vulnerable.” he said.
In addition to Çavuşoğlu, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hüse attended the video conference.
yin, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Lebanese Foreign Minister Nasif Hitti, Pakistani Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Shah Mahmud Qureshi, European Union (EU) Commissioner for Internal Affairs Ylva Johansson, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, Austria’s former Foreign Minister Karin Kneissi. and World Health Organization (WHO) Deputy Director Zsuzsanna Jakab also attended.
