High Commissioner’s Fifth Dialogue on Protection Challenges “Faith and Protection”

Mr. High Commissioner
Distinguished Panellists
Distinguished Ambassadors
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations.

As we heard in the very interesting remarks of the High Commissioner, this year the dialogue addresses the key issues of “Faith and Protection”, exploring how the right to seek and enjoy asylum and the protection of stateless persons are reflected in religious values and traditions. The Palais des Nations, which serves as a vibrant platform for cross-cultural dialogue and exchange, provides a most appropriate context for your discussions.

In extreme situations, faith makes an indispensable contribution to the protection of vulnerable human beings. Many of the more than 42 million forcibly displaced people worldwide engage in some form of spiritual practice and believe that their faith plays an important role in shaping their lives.

Faith-based groups inspire confidence and trust. People everywhere look to religious leaders for guidance, support and direction. They are often seen as a true part of the local community and more committed to it than perhaps others. Indeed, they are often the first to which the vulnerable turn in times of need and to which they give in times of plenty.

Faith-based groups do outstanding work in providing not only humanitarian relief, but delivering health, education and other services in some of the most troubled parts of our world. They offer a unique contribution in both delivering development and connecting with communities, particularly those marginalized or that cannot be reached by other means. We need to build on this network in all aspects of our work – in protection, in building tolerance, in advancing respect and in guiding reconciliation, across the United Nations’ agenda.

In my previous capacities, I have been involved in organizing a number of inter-faith and inter-religious meetings. Therefore, I do understand the importance of today’s discussions. I strongly support the High Commissioner’s initiative and I have no doubt that it will signify an important step forward in the ongoing international discussions on this critical topic.

Today’s protection challenges defy categorization. They demand new and more inclusive ways of working together. Geneva, with its particular expertise in humanitarian action, human rights, development and migration issues, is an ideally suited venue for these exchanges. I hope that you will benefit from the range of experience and perspectives from a variety of vantage points, including States, intergovernmental organizations, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, non-governmental organizations and other experts.
We should not limit ourselves to a review of existing mechanisms and procedures, but should address the real challenges in creating welcoming communities, promoting durable solutions and last but not least, improving cooperation.

I trust that you will advance these discussions over the coming two days by generating practical proposals for closer cooperation in partnership and for action on the ground.

I wish you much success in your deliberations.

Thank you very much.