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Cabinet officials

Luxembourg Minister Xavier Bettel Calls for Greater Solidarity at the Global Refugee Forum

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

During his visit to the Global Refugee Forum (GRCF) in Geneva, Luxembourg Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Cooperation and Foreign Trade Xavier Bettel emphasized the need for greater solidarity in addressing the global issue of displaced persons. Minister Bettel referred to the current multifaceted crises, including the war in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, and called for addressing the root causes of forced displacement. He highlighted the importance of a Europe based on values, not barriers and walls, and announced that Luxembourg will allocate 1 million to the "Connectivity for Refugees" initiative to help close the connectivity gap for displaced people.

Key Takeaways:

  • Minister Xavier Bettel highlighted the seriousness of the current situation of displaced persons worldwide, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of forced displacement, including conflict and climate change.
  • The Minister called for greater solidarity and redoubling efforts to achieve a more equitable and predictable governance of displaced persons, especially at the European level.
  • Luxembourg will allocate 1 million to the "Connectivity for Refugees" initiative to help close the connectivity gap for displaced people, in collaboration with the UNHCR, ITU, and GSMA.
  • Minister Bettel expressed his vision for a Europe based on values, not barriers and walls, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in addressing global crises.
  • The Minister held bilateral discussions with international organization leaders, including the ICRC, WHO, UNAIDS, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to explore future collaboration and partnership opportunities.

Statistics:

  • The Global Compact on Refugees was adopted in 2018.
  • The Global Refugee Forum (GRCF) is held every four years, with the first edition taking place in 2019.
  • Luxembourg's allocation of 1 million to the "Connectivity for Refugees" initiative is a significant contribution to addressing the connectivity gap for displaced people.
  • The number of displaced persons worldwide, including refugees and asylum seekers, is a pressing global concern.

Sources:

  • Minister Xavier Bettel's speech at the plenary session of the Global Refugee Forum (2023)
  • Article from Contify.com, "Luxembourg Minister Xavier Bettel Calls for Greater Solidarity at the Global Refugee Forum" (2023)
  • International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2023) (no specific source cited, but mentioned in general in the article)

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