UN Envoy Wants European Union to Prioritize Security and Solidarity in the Mediterranean Sea

JAKARTA - Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR's UN refugee agency representative for Turkey, called on the European Union (EU) to firmly place security and solidarity as the main thing in acting, following the June 14 sinking of a ship off the coast of Greece.

"The EU, its member states and all countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea must prioritize safety and solidarity as the driving force behind their actions in the region," said Leclerc, citing Daily Sabah of Anadolu Agency July 4.

"Given the increased movement of refugees and migrants in the Mediterranean, collective efforts, including greater coordination between all Mediterranean countries, solidarity and sharing of responsibilities, as reflected in the EU Migration and Asylum Pact are essential to save lives," Leclerc continued.

"This includes the establishment of an agreed regional debarkation and redistribution mechanism for people arriving by sea, which we continue to advocate for," he said.

Noting the number of people displaced by war, persecution, violence and human rights violations at the end of 2022 stood at a record 108.4 million, up 19.1 million from the previous year, Leclerc said this was "the largest increase ever."

"This includes 35.3 million refugees, 62.5 million internally displaced persons, 5.4 million asylum seekers and another 5.2 million people who need international protection," he said.

He explained that low and middle income countries host 76 percent of the world's refugees and people who need international protection. Meanwhile, less developed countries provide asylum to 20 percent of the world's total refugees.

"High-income countries, which account for a large share of global wealth, will host 24 percent of refugees by the end of 2022," he said.

"This is a much larger proportion than in recent years, mainly because of the number of Ukrainian refugees being hosted in high-income countries, especially European countries," he said.

Leclerc reminded that the Global Compact on Refugees, which was affirmed by the UN General Assembly in 2018, provides a blueprint for global solidarity and the sharing of responsibilities needed by the international community.

"This means doing more to relieve pressure on host countries, increase refugee independence, expand access to third country solutions, and support conditions in countries of origin for voluntary return in safety and dignity," he said.

"The upcoming 2023 Global Refugee Forum will be an opportunity to demonstrate this solidarity remains solid, as countries and other stakeholders demonstrate good practice, making new commitments to support refugees and their host communities," he added.