Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Maria Zabolotskaya at the High-Level Dialogue “Durable Solutions to Displacement: Scaling National Solutions, Strengthening Regional and Global Partnerships, and Shaping the Next Phase of Action”
Your Excellency, President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
We sincerely thank the African Union, under the leadership of the Republic of Burundi, for organizing today’s high-level dialogue.
Assisting refugees and displaced persons is a vital pillar of international legal cooperation, essential for maintaining global peace, security, and stability. However, to solve this crisis effectively, we must address its root causes. What drives forced displacement? Primarily, it is the expansion of conflicts, poverty, and deep-rooted inequality between States rooted in the colonial past.
We see a tragic situation unfolding with refugees and IDPs in Africa. Their homelands are often torn apart by conflicts resulting from the irresponsible interference of Western states, as it happened in Libya, compounded by the atrocities of rebel factions and the destructive activities of terrorist groups.
At the same time, as it is outlined among others in the Declaration of the Second Russia – Africa Summit, the Russian Federation is ready to continue its consistent support for strengthening the national sovereignty of African States as well as all their security dimensions. Russia will continue to share its accumulated experience and expertise, including in counter-terrorism, and assist in reinforcing security across the continent.
We must also recognize that nearly 70 percent of refugees are hosted by low- and middle-income countries, many of which face severe economic and development challenges of their own. Therefore, effective assistance is needed for countries of origin and host nations alike. Efforts to overcome displacement cannot be separated from broader development aid.
Guided by the unconditional respect for state sovereignty, we believe that any solutions must be nationally owned. The Russian Federation will continue providing assistance to African States in order to address issues related to the provision of food, fertilizers and energy resources, as well as carry out international development assistance projects. Additionally, the Declaration firmly reinforces our shared rejection of xenophobia and all forms of intolerance directed against migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers.
Looking ahead, in a month, on October 28, the third Russia – Africa Summit will be launched in the city of Moscow. We look forward to advancing our partnership there.
I thank you.
