Secretary-General, in Video Message, Says New Facility for Refugees, Migrants, Displaced People Will Help Bridge Humanitarian-Development Gap

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the launch of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Facility for Refugees, Migrants, Forced Displacement and Rural Stability, in New York, 19-20 September:

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen,

This week, the United Nations is convening a summit for migrants and refugees.  Leaders are gathering in New York to address the unprecedented humanitarian crisis of migration and forced displacement.

Many displaced people come from rural areas and many settle in the countryside.  I welcome IFAD’s establishment of the Facility for Refugees, Migrants, Forced Displacement and Rural Stability, or FARMS.

This new initiative will support refugees and migrants in rural areas and host communities.  It can help ensure that no one is left behind.  FARMS is an important step in bridging the humanitarian — development gap.

Relief aid is essential but we also need long-term development and investment.   When we help displaced people and those who host them, we will foster a better future for all.  Thank you.