Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you, Chair.
New Zealand welcomes the release of UNHCR’s Global Appeal for 2026. It underscores the scale and urgency of humanitarian needs as displacement reaches record levels, demanding sustained international solidarity to protect those most at risk.
New Zealand extends its gratitude to UNHCR for its invaluable work in providing crucial humanitarian assistance, protection, and durable solutions for displaced persons – essential work that UNHCR is uniquely placed to do.
New Zealand recognises UNHCR’s vital role in the Asia-Pacific, where overlapping crises have driven the displacement of 18.4 million people, 14% of the global total. UNHCR’s leadership is essential to deliver life-saving assistance, support host communities, and advance durable solutions in this increasingly complex landscape marked by mixed movements, which requires comprehensive responses consistent with the route-based approach.
UNHCR needs flexible and predictable funding in order to respond effectively to the projected 136 million people that will be displaced by the end of 2026. Such quality funding supports UNHCR to carry out its work effectively, and to meet the most urgent needs.
New Zealand’s funding to UNHCR is designed to help meet that need. Earlier this year New Zealand committed to providing NZ$18 million in multi-year, unearmarked core funding to support UNHCR’s annual programmes for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Over the past year, we have also made further contributions to UNHCR's humanitarian protection and assistance programs for Sudanese and Ukrainian refugees and returnees, as well as supporting host communities.
New Zealand remains resolute in its commitment to collaborate with UNHCR, host countries and the broader international community in the resettlement of refugees, demonstrated through our long-standing Refugee Quota Programme and complementary pathways.
We reaffirm our commitment to fully implementing our Global Refugee Forum pledges, including meaningful refugee participation, employment and self-sufficiency and inclusion in health systems, and look forward to participating in the upcoming Progress Review.
In closing, New Zealand reiterates its profound thanks to you, High Commissioner. As this marks your final UNHCR Pledging Conference following nearly ten years of distinguished leadership at UNHCR, we extend our deepest appreciation for your unwavering commitment and principled service.
Thank you.