UN summit on refugees fails to deliver real solutions

The declaration approved by world leaders taking part in the UN's summit on refugees and migrants falls short of what is needed, says Oxfam.

Josephine Liebl, Policy Lead for Oxfam's Global Displacement Campaign, said:"Today, the first ever summit for refugees and migrants was held in New York: an unprecedented opportunity for a bold and fair deal to ensure the safety and dignity of refugees and migrants. As expected, the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants gives us no firm commitments to change the status quo. The world had the chance to come up with a more humane approach, but for now governments gave us a half-hearted response. We cannot continue to accept it. 

"Rich countries must urgently step up to welcome, protect and support refugees. Oxfam's research shows that the world's six richest countries, which make up more than half the global economy, host just less than 9 percent of the world's refugees and asylum seekers. Those that have the responsibility and the broadest shoulders continue to turn their backs on desperate people. 

"The summit also however showed that in many places neighbors are working together; communities are speaking out for the rights of those fleeing violence, disasters and poverty; and ordinary people are opening their arms and homes to refugees. World leaders must show that same spirit. President Obama's Leaders' Summit tomorrow is an opportunity for world leaders to show the political leadership that until now has been sorely lacking."