G20 Seeks Coordinated Response To Tackle Refugee Crisis

From Siti Hawa Othman ANTALYA, Nov 17 (Bernama) – The scale of the ongoing refugee crisis is a global concern and G20 Leaders call for a coordinated and comprehensive response to tackle the refugee crisis as well as its long-term consequences. In concluding the Antalya G20 Summit 2015 here Tuesday, the leaders said they supported all efforts to provide protection and assistance and to find durable solutions for the unprecedented numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons in various parts of the world. "We call upon all states to contribute in responding to this crisis, and share in the burdens associated with it, including through refugee resettlement, other forms of humanitarian admission, humanitarian aid and efforts to ensure that refugees can access services, education and livelihood opportunities," they said in a communique released at the end of the Summit. The leaders also saw the need to address the root causes of displacement and highlighted the importance of political solutions to conflicts and increased cooperation for development. "We also recognise the importance of creating conditions to enable refugees and internally displaced persons to safely and voluntarily return to their homes," they said, adding that they would work with other states to help manage migration and refugee flows. All states, according to their individual capacities, should scale up assistance to relevant international organisations to assist affected countries in dealing with this crisis, they conclude. -- BERNAMA