Switzerland. President Yoweri Museveni has delivered a speech at the Global Refugee Forum 2023, urging world leaders to establish conditions of security, peace, and democracy to address the global refugee crisis.
Museveni emphasized that human conflicts remain a major trigger for creating refugees and internally displaced people, underscoring the need to stabilize political conditions in countries to prevent mass displacement.
The Prime Minister of Uganda, Robina Nabanja, delivered Museveni’s speech at the forum, which is co-convened by five states – Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan, and Uganda, and co-hosted by the Government of Switzerland and UNHCR.
Uganda currently hosts 1.6 million refugees, primarily from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Eritrea.
Museveni reflected on Uganda’s own experience, highlighting how the country transitioned from being a significant exporter of refugees to becoming one of the leading refugee-hosting nations. He attributed this transformation to Uganda’s prioritization of humanity, compassion, and solidarity.
He posed critical questions about Uganda’s journey from being a refugee exporter to a refugee-hosting country, emphasizing the importance of democracy and stable living conditions in every country as solutions to the refugee problem.
Museveni stressed the need for countries to prioritize common interests over superficial differences such as color, tribe, gender, religion, and political affiliations.
At the forum, Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, warned about the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip and urged leaders to reflect on the growing refugee crisis and take action.
The Global Refugee Forum, held every four years, aims to support the practical implementation of objectives set out in the Global Compact on Refugees, including easing pressures on host countries, enhancing refugee self-reliance, increasing access to third-country solutions, and improving conditions in countries of origin.
The forum provides an opportunity for states and stakeholders to announce concrete pledges and contributions, highlight progress made, share good practices, and address challenges and opportunities related to the refugee crisis.
