Draft outcome document of the high-level plenary meeting of the General
Assembly on addressing large movements of refugees and migrants
A/RES/70/302
participating in them, we take note of regional initiatives such as the Bali Process on
People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, the
European Union-Horn of Africa Migration Route Initiative and the African UnionHorn of Africa Initiative on Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants (the
Khartoum Process), the Rabat Process, the Valletta Action Plan and the Brazil
Declaration and Plan of Action.
20. We recognize the very large number of people who are displaced within
national borders and the possibility that such persons might seek protection and
assistance in other countries as refugees or migrants. We note the need for reflection
on effective strategies to ensure adequate protection and assistance for internally
displaced persons and to prevent and reduce such displacement.
Commitments
21. We have endorsed today a set of commitments that apply to both refugees and
migrants, as well as separate sets of commitments for refugee s and migrants. We do
so taking into account different national realities, capacities and levels of
development and respecting national policies and priorities. We reaffirm our
commitment to international law and emphasize that the present declaration and its
appendices are to be implemented in a manner that is consistent with the rights and
obligations of States under international law. While some commitments are mainly
applicable to one group, they may also be applicable to the other. Furthermore,
while they are all framed in the context of the large movements we are considering
today, many may be applicable also to regular migration. Appendix I to the present
declaration contains a comprehensive refugee response framework and outlines
steps towards the achievement of a global compact on refugees in 2018, while
appendix II sets out steps towards the achievement of a global compact for safe,
orderly and regular migration in 2018.
II.
Commitments that apply to both refugees and migrants
22. Underlining the importance of a comprehensive approach to the issues
involved, we will ensure a people-centred, sensitive, humane, dignified, genderresponsive and prompt reception for all persons arriving in our countries, and
particularly those in large movements, whether refugees or migrants. We will also
ensure full respect and protection for their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
23. We recognize and will address, in accordance with our obligations under
international law, the special needs of all people in vulnerable situations who are
travelling within large movements of refugees and migrants, including women at
risk, children, especially those who are unaccompanied or separated from their
families, members of ethnic and religious minorities, victims of violenc e, older
persons, persons with disabilities, persons who are discriminated against on any
basis, indigenous peoples, victims of human trafficking, and victims of exploitation
and abuse in the context of the smuggling of migrants.
24. Recognizing that States have rights and responsibilities to manage and control
their borders, we will implement border control procedures in conformity with
applicable obligations under international law, including international human rights
law and international refugee law. We will promote international cooperation on
border control and management as an important element of security for States,
including issues relating to battling transnational organized crime, terrorism and
illicit trade. We will ensure that public officials and law enforcement officers who
work in border areas are trained to uphold the human rights of all persons crossing,
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