I thank the Government and people of Uganda for their compassion, generosity and hospitality in hosting refugees fleeing conflicts in neighbouring countries.
Uganda鈥檚 refugee policy is an inspiration for the region and the wider world.听 Rather than being hosted in camps, refugees are settled in villages and have access to land. 听This policy recognizes the rights of refugees to work, establish businesses, move freely within their host country and access the same services as Ugandans.
I commend Uganda鈥檚 transformative and integrated settlement approach, which allows refugees the possibility to live with greater dignity, independence and normality. 听We know that when communities recognize and welcome refugees as agents of development and contributors to the sustainable development of their host communities, everyone benefits.
I am pleased that the Government of Uganda is integrating refugee management and protection into its second National Development Plan through the Settlement Transformative Agenda, in line with the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. 听This agenda aims to sustainably assist refugees and host communities by promoting socio-economic development in refugee-hosting areas, supported by the United Nations through the Refugee and Host Population Empowerment initiative which was developed in collaboration with the World Bank.
Once again, thank you for your efforts and your example as one of the world鈥檚 largest host nations for refugees.听 The United Nations remains committed to standing with the Government and people of Uganda in meeting the needs and rights of refugees.
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