UN Resident Coordinator’s speech at the World Refugee Day event

It is my pleasure to join you this evening to commemorate the World Refugee Day.

The World Refugee Day serves as a tribute to the millions of refugees worldwide.

Today, we stand in solidarity with the women, men, girls, and boys who have fled their homelands due to conflict or persecution.

According to the UNHCR's annual report, Global Trends in Forced Displacement, an alarming record of 108.4 million individuals were displaced by war, persecution, violence, and human rights abuses by the end of 2022. This figure represents a staggering increase of 19.1 million compared to the previous year, marking the largest ever upsurge we have witnessed.

Regrettably, the global trend of forced displacement has shown no signs of abating in 2023. Recent conflict in Sudan have triggered new waves of displacement, pushing the estimated global total to an alarming 110 million individuals by May this year.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The experience of forced displacement resonates deeply within the hearts of the people of Azerbaijan.

Currently, Azerbaijan provides sanctuary to over 1,700 refugees and asylum-seekers hailing from various countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Syria.

This year, the theme for World Refugee Day is "Hope Away from Home: A World Where Refugees Are Always Included."

When refugees find inclusion within their new communities, they gain the ability to rebuild their lives effectively, while also making valuable contributions.

The power of refugee inclusion is beautifully depicted in the paintings created by children, which are proudly showcased here tonight.

These paintings, made by both refugee children in Azerbaijan and children from the welcoming communities, speak volumes. They depict a shared hope for a peaceful, equitable, and inclusive world. Moreover, they reflect a pressing sense of urgency for climate action, highlighting the necessity for humanity to coexist in harmony with nature.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In three-month time, in September, the world leaders will gather in New York for the 2023 SDG Summit. The Summit is expected to adopt a political declaration that will provide a roadmap for putting the world back on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by their 2030 deadline.

In a world increasingly shaped by climate change, poverty and conflict, the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved without taking into account the rights and needs of refugees, internally displaced and stateless people.

United Nations will continue to support Azerbaijan on its journey of Sustainable Development and its efforts to  give “ hope away from home” to the ones that need it.

I thank you.