13 December 2023 Speech by Federal Minister Svenja Schulze at the Plenary Session of the Global Refugee Forum 2023 in Geneva

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Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

What has changed for refugees and host communities since the first GRF in 2019?

The Global Compact for Refugees was designed to improve burden and responsibility sharing, enhance the self-reliance of refugees and increase access to solutions.

And, yes, we have made great strides. Yet, in spite of this, enormous challenges remain. For the people who are on the move. And for the countries who are hosting them.

Being both a host and a donor country, Germany understands the need for urgent action and more global solidarity.

We therefore recommit to the GCR objectives. And we urge all Member States: Let us not lose the momentum. Let us intensify our efforts and solidarity.

Germany is contributing to this in a number of ways:

As part of our peacebuilding efforts, we seek to address conflict and violence, as root causes of displacement.

In the context of climate action, we support host countries in responding to human mobility and we promote a refugee-inclusive climate policy.

Regarding education, economic inclusion and social protection, we support host countries' efforts to systematically include refugees, especially children, in national systems and increase their self-reliance, so that refugees can make valuable contributions to their host communities.

As part of our feminist foreign and development policy, we seek to strengthen the resilience of women and girls on the move.

Our efforts can only be effective if refugees are involved. We therefore pledge to improve the meaningful participation of refugees, including in policy decisions.

I am delighted that Kava Spartak from Afghanistan has joined my delegation as an official refugee delegate.

Today, we – the international community – are setting the course for the next four years of support for refugees and their host communities.

Germany will remain a committed partner in this joint effort.

Thank you.