Yesterday, the Global Compact on Refugees was adopted by an overwhelming majority of the Member States. This is a memorable day for the international protection of refugees. It shows that the international community is facing up to the challenge of dealing with major refugee situations.

Germany is already doing its share to help refugees around the world – as an important donor of humanitarian assistance and as a host country. Currently, not enough countries are showing commitment to this cause and assuming responsibility for the protection of refugees. This is what the Global Compact on Refugees wants to change.

With the Compact, we now have a political framework, as well as a point of reference for our demand that the entire international community must step up its engagement. The international community must make a joint effort to better protect and create prospects for refugees, and provide more support to host countries. Furthermore, with the Global Compact on Refugees, we also want to create better prerequisites for refugees’ return in safety and dignity to their countries of origin. That is exactly why Germany has over the past two years been campaigning for the drafting and adoption of the Compact.