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
9.
Refugees and migrants in large movements often face a desperate ordeal.
Many take great risks, embarking on perilous journeys, which many may n ot
survive. Some feel compelled to employ the services of criminal groups, including
smugglers, and others may fall prey to such groups or become victims of trafficking.
Even if they reach their destination, they face an uncertain reception and a
precarious future.
10. We are determined to save lives. Our challenge is above all moral and
humanitarian. Equally, we are determined to find long -term and sustainable
solutions. We will combat with all the means at our disposal the abuses and
exploitation suffered by countless refugees and migrants in vulnerable situations.
11. We acknowledge a shared responsibility to manage large movements of
refugees and migrants in a humane, sensitive, compassionate and people -centred
manner. We will do so through international cooperation, while recognizing that
there are varying capacities and resources to respond to these movements.
International cooperation and, in particular, cooperation among countries of origin
or nationality, transit and destination, has never been more important; “win-win”
cooperation in this area has profound benefits for humanity. Large movements of
refugees and migrants must have comprehensive policy support, assistance and
protection, consistent with States’ obligations under international law. We al so recall
our obligations to fully respect their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and
we stress their need to live their lives in safety and dignity. We pledge our support to
those affected today as well as to those who will be part of future large m ovements.
12. We are determined to address the root causes of large movements of refugees
and migrants, including through increased efforts aimed at early prevention of crisis
situations based on preventive diplomacy. We will address them also through the
prevention and peaceful resolution of conflict, greater coordination of humanitarian,
development and peacebuilding efforts, the promotion of the rule of law at the
national and international levels and the protection of human rights. Equally, we
will address movements caused by poverty, instability, marginalization and
exclusion and the lack of development and economic opportunities, with particular
reference to the most vulnerable populations. We will work with countries of origin
to strengthen their capacities.
13. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Everyone has
the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law. We recall that our
obligations under international law prohibit discrimination of any kind on the basis
of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social
origin, property, birth or other status. Yet in many parts of the world we are
witnessing, with great concern, increasingly xenophobic and racist responses to
refugees and migrants.
14. We strongly condemn acts and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance against refugees and migrants, and the
stereotypes often applied to them, including on the basis of religion or belief.
Diversity enriches every society and contributes to social cohesion. Demonizing
refugees or migrants offends profoundly against the values of dignity and equality
for every human being, to which we have committed ourselves. Gathered today at
the United Nations, the birthplace and custodian of these universal values, we
deplore all manifestations of xenophobia, racial discrimination and intolerance. We
will take a range of steps to counter such attitudes and behaviour, in particular with
regard to hate crimes, hate speech and racial violence. We welcome the global
campaign proposed by the Secretary-General to counter xenophobia and we will
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