UN chief unveils action agenda on internal displacement

JUBA – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has launched an action agenda to galvanize efforts to help internally displaced persons.

More than 59 million people are currently internally displaced around the world – the highest number ever recorded – there has never been a more critical moment to address this global crisis.

“As the Heads of five UN Agencies and Entities, we come together today to express our shared commitment to taking this Action Agenda forward,” Guterres said in a video message during the launch of the action agenda on internal displacement on Friday.

Guterres said action agenda will help internally displaced persons find durable solutions, to better prevent future displacement crises.

“We recognize that it is only with strong cooperation, common purpose, and joined-up efforts that we will be able to help internally displaced persons (IDPs) find an end to their displacement, better prevent future displacement crises from emerging and ensure that those currently facing displacement receive effective protection and assistance,” said Guterres.

Guterres said the action gender will ensure stronger protection and assistance for those currently facing displacement.

“We recognize that while humanitarian action continues to serve a vital purpose, achieving real change on internal displacement will require greater collaboration with, and engagement from, actors across the UN system and beyond – most notably development, peace, and climate experts.”

“The current internal displacement crisis will not be sustainably resolved through humanitarian assistance alone, but rather by working with national and local authorities to create the conditions for safe and lasting solutions,” he added.

The UN chief said that the action agenda sets out clear commitments for the United Nations system.

“In developing the Action Agenda, the Secretary-General asked our five organizations to serve as a Steering Group on Solutions to Internal Displacement.”

The UN chief urged member states, civil society, and international financial institutions to do their part to help drive change.

“We will also work closely with other NGOs, civil society, and displaced communities themselves, recognizing that for our efforts to succeed; they must be engaged as true partners in the search for solutions.”