Premier Li Keqiang called for greater international cooperation to address large movements of refugees and migrants

On the morning of 19 September, while attending the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang spoke at the High-level Plenary Meeting on Addressing Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants to expound on the Chinese government's position and policy initiatives regarding this issue.

Li Keqiang said, the issue of refugees and migrants is a matter concerning world peace and development. It is an issue of both regional and global dimensions that no country can stay away from. Every life is precious and the dignity of each individual must be preserved. The humanitarian spirit must be upheld, and the bottom line of morality and justice must not be lost. The current priority is to pool financial and material resources to ensure basic living for refugees. The differentiated interests and concerns of refugees and migrants should be taken into account and arrangements should be made accordingly in terms of policy making, financial input and social security.

Li Keqiang pointed out that international cooperation should be strengthened to address the issue of refugees and migrants. The international community should work together to expand legal channels for migration and combat illegal migration, human trafficking and terrorism. Comprehensive and systematic solutions should be formulated and implemented under the UN framework. The principle of "non-refoulement" established in the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees must be fully respected. While attention is being given to addressing the refugee crisis in Europe, it is also important not to lose sight of the disaster caused by this refugee issue in source countries. The transit and destination countries for refugees and migrants must play their due part in light of their respective capabilities. Source countries must work with the international community to address the root causes such as wars and conflicts, poverty and underdevelopment. The purpose is to achieve enduring peace and stability, inclusive growth and harmony.

Li Keqiang stressed that China takes the issue of refugees and migrants seriously, and has taken an active part in its solution. China will take up its responsibility within its capability as a developing country. Li announced that China will, on the basis of existing assistance, provide an additional US$100 million humanitarian assistance to related countries and international organizations and will also consider further support measures. China will actively study the possibility of leveraging the China-UN Peace and Development Fund to support refugee and migrant work in developing countries. And China will actively explore third-party cooperation with relevant international institutions and developing countries. Li said that he hopes parties concerned will build consensus, form synergy and work out comprehensive and lasting solutions to the issue of large global movements of refugees and migrants at an early date.