A/AC.96/1154 local integration policies; and many delegations welcomed cooperative arrangements to facilitate voluntary return and reintegration. Nonetheless, more remains to be done to achieve solutions, which present both political and developmental challenges. Particular mention was made of the importance of targeted initiatives, such as the “Solutions strategy for Afghan refugees to support voluntary repatriation, sustainable reintegration and assistance to host countries” and the “High Commissioner’s global initiative on Somali refugees”, which require the urgent attention and support of the international community. Pending the availability of durable solutions, you have emphasized efforts to strengthen the resilience of refugees and their host communities, including through education, self-reliance and cash-based assistance. Several delegations noted that they include refugees in national education and health systems, as well as in national development plans. As one delegation stated, refugees can contribute to economic and social development in their countries of asylum if given the opportunity. They can be opportunities rather than burdens. We were reminded of the need to respond to the causes of humanitarian crises, not just their consequences. You widely welcomed the theme of root causes for this year’s High Commissioner’s Dialogue on Protection Challenges. As we often affirm, solutions to humanitarian crises are necessarily political. The international community must encourage dialogue to resolve disputes through non-violent means, develop economies and build lasting and enduring peace. Some of you recalled that the causes of migration and displacement include not only violence, persecution, discrimination or other human rights violations, but also a lack of opportunities for employment and education, or hope for improving one’s quality of life. Echoing the High Commissioner, you recalled that humanitarian problems are too complicated and long-term to be addressed by the humanitarian sector alone. You made clear that global mobility belongs at the heart of the international community’s agenda, including development agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals. The World Humanitarian Summit was mentioned by many delegations, noting that UNHCR’s protection- and rights-based approach should serve as a model for humanitarian action. Equally, displacement must figure in discussions on climate change, and the Nansen Initiative provides an important contribution in that regard. The High Commissioner noted in his remarks the attempts to dispute the validity of the 1951 Convention or to dilute UNHCR’s accountability for protecting refugees. It was therefore heartening to hear so many of you reaffirm your common commitment to the mandate and values of the Office. UNHCR must indeed remain “front and centre” in global efforts to protect the world’s most vulnerable people. You urged UNHCR to continue to enhance cooperation, coordination and strategic partnerships. You reminded us that refugees are simply ordinary people living through extraordinary times. Our collective response to refugees can and should reflect this fact; all the more so as basic humanitarian values, including the principles of non-refoulement and assistance to those in need, span all cultures and all religions. As the High Commissioner stated: “The acts of kindness of millions of individuals in host communities across the world continue to show us, day after day, that tolerance and solidarity run deeply in the heart of humanity.” Let us continue to build on this tolerance and solidarity to ensure that the displaced - and those who host them - receive the support that they require in these turbulent times. I join you in expressing my appreciation for the High Commissioner’s leadership and vision over the past decade, including his commitment to developing effective and innovative ways of delivering protection and assistance. He will be hard to replace and will be deeply missed by all of us. Thank you.” 10