A/AC.96/1154 Annex I Chairperson’s summary of the general debate The Chairperson summarized the general debate of the sixty-sixth session of the Executive Committee as follows: “The High Commissioner opened the general debate by noting the significant increase in the numbers of displaced persons during his tenure – from 38 million in 2005 to over 60 million in 2015. He underscored occasions for progress, in spite of the succession of emergencies and sobering gaps in funding. About 125 delegations contributed to our debate, sharing your experiences, analyses and recommendations. This compares to some 80 delegations who took the floor in 2014. Many of you recalled that more people are displaced today than at any time since the World War II era, with their ever increasing numbers compounded by the dwindling availability of durable solutions. The “mega-crises” in the Syrian Arab Republic and Iraq featured heavily in our discussions, although you cautioned us not to forget protracted situations such as Afghanistan and Somalia. You welcomed the high-level segment on the Afghan refugee situation in this respect. The situation in Europe was also highlighted, as you encouraged European States to strengthen their common response. You echoed the High Commissioner’s concerns that the humanitarian system is “financially broke”, while honouring the generosity of donors. Particular attention was drawn to the decreasing funding for situations in Africa. You issued strong appeals for donors to increase their contributions, including through unearmarked funding, as well as for efforts to attract new donor countries and the private sector. You joined the High Commissioner’s call to rethink the financing of humanitarian operations; in particular, the need to strengthen the link between humanitarian and development interventions. An overarching theme of the general debate was our collective responsibility to ensure that international protection is provided to those who need it. Many of you remembered times when your own citizens benefitted from asylum and expressed profound gratitude to host States, particularly those who host large numbers at great cost. You urged the international community to match the solidarity, hospitality and compassion of host communities with international burden-sharing. As one delegation reminded us, no country can face the challenges of dealing with large numbers of arrivals on their own. Many of you encouraged States to maintain more open borders, and expressed support for UNHCR’s work on alternatives to detention. Efforts to prevent and improve responses to sexual and gender-based violence were highlighted. In addition, you drew attention to comprehensive plans to address mixed movements, as well as human trafficking and smuggling, with particular mention of the dangerous maritime routes that are claiming so many lives. I was heartened to hear many States report progress in developing or implementing regional protection frameworks, notably the Brazil Plan of Action, as well as efforts to prevent and reduce statelessness. It is also encouraging that several States have strengthened their asylum procedures and laws, improved reception arrangements, and begun to issue machine-readable convention travel documents. UNHCR’s efforts to foster tolerance and respect for diversity were welcomed, especially in light of the human consequences of discrimination and xenophobia. We all share the High Commissioner's preoccupation with the growing elusiveness of durable solutions. The increase in resettlement places by some States was acknowledged as an important manifestation of global participation in resolving refugee challenges, and further efforts on resettlement were called for. We also heard about some of your generous 9