In connection with the adoption of the Ministerial Decision on the OSCE’s Role in the Governance of Large Movements of Migrants and Refugees, we would like to make the following interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure:
The delegations of Azerbaijan, Canada, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United States are pleased that consensus has been reached on the OSCE’s Role in the Governance of Large Movements of Migrants and Refugees. We are concerned, however, that this Decision does not address the important issue of protecting the rights of internally displaced persons.
We call on OSCE participating States, in parallel to actions being taken to address large movements of migrants and refugees, also to use the OSCE as a platform for elaborating a comprehensive OSCE response addressing the protection of the rights of internally displaced persons.
We also acknowledge language in the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants adopted by consensus at the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on Addressing Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants on September 19, 2016, which reads:
“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.”
We request that this interpretative statement be attached to the Decision and to the journal of the day.
Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
