Regarding Proposed Reductions in Development Aid, Secretary-General Cautions Member States against Redirecting Critical Funding at Pivotal Time

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

With the world facing the largest crisis of forced displacement since the Second World War, the Secretary-General calls on the international community to meet this immense challenge without lessening its commitment to vitally needed official development assistance.

The Secretary-General recognizes the financial demands faced by host communities and partner Governments as they seek to support the international response.  He expresses sincere gratitude to Governments and their citizens for their generosity.

The Secretary-General underscores the importance of fully funding both efforts to care for refugees and asylum seekers in host countries, as well as longer-term development efforts.  Resources for one area should not come at the expense of another.  Redirecting critical funding away from development aid at this pivotal time could perpetuate challenges that the global community has committed to address.  Reducing development assistance to finance the cost of refugee flows is counterproductive and will cause a vicious circle detrimental to health, education and opportunities for a better life at home for millions of vulnerable people in every corner of the world.

As we strive to meet the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Secretary-General encourages all Governments to enhance international development assistance.  Helping people in need should not be a zero-sum game.