A/RES/71/1
New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants
and sustainable development. Our world is a better place for that contribution. The
benefits and opportunities of safe, orderly and regular migration are substantial and
are often underestimated. Forced displacement and irregular migration in large
movements, on the other hand, often present complex challenges.
5.
We reaffirm the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
We reaffirm also the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 2 and recall the core
international human rights treaties. We reaffirm and will fully protect the human
rights of all refugees and migrants, regardless of status; all are rights holders. Our
response will demonstrate full respect for international law and international human
rights law and, where applicable, international refugee law and international
humanitarian law.
6.
Though their treatment is governed by separate legal frameworks, refugees and
migrants have the same universal human rights and fundamental freedoms. They
also face many common challenges and have similar vulnerabilities, including in the
context of large movements. “Large movements” may be understood to reflect a
number of considerations, including: the number of people arriving, the economic,
social and geographical context, the capacity of a receiving State to respond and the
impact of a movement that is sudden or prolonged. The term does not, for example,
cover regular flows of migrants from one country to another. “Large movements”
may involve mixed flows of people, whether refugees or migrants, who move for
different reasons but who may use similar routes.
7.
Large movements of refugees and migrants have political, economic, social,
developmental, humanitarian and human rights ramifications, which cross all
borders. These are global phenomena that call for global approaches and global
solutions. No one State can manage such movements on its own. Neighbouring or
transit countries, mostly developing countries, are disproportionately affected. Their
capacities have been severely stretched in many cases, affecting their own social
and economic cohesion and development. In addition, protracted refugee crises are
now commonplace, with long-term repercussions for those involved and for their
host countries and communities. Greater international cooperation is needed to
assist host countries and communities.
8.
We declare our profound solidarity with, and support for, the millions of
people in different parts of the world who, for reasons beyond their control, are
forced to uproot themselves and their families from their homes.
9.
Refugees and migrants in large movements often face a desperate ordeal.
Many take great risks, embarking on perilous journeys, which many may not
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
_______________
2
2/24
Resolution 217 A (III).