UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, USA, September 16 2015 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses journalists at one of his rare press conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Mr. Ban talk about his achievements of this year and the open or the 70th Session of the General Assembly.
Photo by: Luiz Rampelotto/EuropaNewswire
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asked “those standing in the way of the rights of refugees to stand in their shoes.”
Ahead of what is expected to be one of the busiest high-level periods in recent memory at the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that sixty million people have left their homes fleeing war and persecution.
He said,
“I ask those standing in the way of the rights of refugees to stand in their shoes. People facing barrel bombs and brutality in their country will continue to seek life in another. People with few prospects at home will continue to seek opportunity elsewhere. This is natural. It is what any of us would do for ourselves and for our children.”
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, USA, September 16 2015 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses journalists at one of his rare press conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Mr. Ban talk about his achievements of this year and the open or the 70th Session of the General Assembly. He is flanked by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric (left).
Ban commended those countries that are doing all they can for people in need. He noted pointed out that Lebanon is hosting Syrian refugees equal in number to 25 per cent of its population, adding that Jordan is also a major per capita host, providing shelter to Syrians equal to almost 10 per cent of its population.
According to the UN, nearly 10 per cent of Syria’s pre-war population — some 2 million people — today live in Turkey.
Ban also saluted leaders and citizens in many other countries, including Germany, Sweden and Austria, for opening doors and showing solidarity. He also thanked for the financial generosity of many countries in addressing the humanitarian consequences, in particular the United Kingdom and Kuwait.
The UN chief also announced a meeting on migration to be held on September 30th,.
He said,
“I will convene a high-level meeting to mobilize a humane, effective and rights-based response to the refugee crisis. I urge all states to shoulder their responsibilities and live up to their legal obligations.”
Asked about the current situation of migrants trying to cross borders into Europe, Ban said “all the countries have their domestic problems. But since they are the people who are fleeing the wars and persecutions, then we must show our compassion and leadership.”
He added
“In fact, all the countries have their domestic problems. But since they are the people who are fleeing the wars and persecutions, then we must show our compassion and leadership. We have showed them caring hands –not to mention international humanitarian law- but as a human being we first and foremost we have to provide life-saving assistance, shelter or sanitation. Then we can discuss how they should be treated or accommodated.”
Source: EuropaNewswire, UNTV