Elisabeth Millard
Senior Area Advisor for Europe and Eurasia
US Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
October 21, 2020
AS DELIVERED
Thank you to Special Rapporteur Jimenez-Damary for drawing attention to the challenges posed to internally displaced persons by natural disasters and climate change and for advancing an approach to prevention, response, and solutions that respects human rights.
While we do not agree with all of the report’s recommendations given that the factors that drive displacement are complex and multicausal, the United States and the UN remain strong partners in our efforts to address challenges.
The United States is partnering with governments and regional organizations to bring relief to those who need it most. We are applying innovative solutions to help communities improve resilience to disasters. Improving resilience requires a balanced approach that promotes economic growth, improves energy security, and protects the environment. These steps are also critical to international peace and security.
The United States supports the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement and its efforts to develop new, bold, and concrete recommendations. We are pleased to hear of your close collaboration with the Panel.
The U.S. government contributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually to humanitarian programs that protect and assist IDPs and we encourage other Member States to do the same. New and emerging donors need to step forward to share this responsibility. We also need to recognize the important role of countries hosting refugees and displaced populations.
We place tremendous value on the Inter-Agency Standing Committee system and the improvements to coordination since it was developed in 1991. We hope the High-Level Panel will identify even more opportunities to more coherently and effectively support assistance, protection, and solutions for IDPs.
Question: During your last four years in this post, have you seen governments and the UN increase inclusion of IDPs in the process of shaping lasting solutions?
Thank you.
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