Nordic Statement at the 81st session of United Nations General Assembly, Third Committee

Read the Nordic Statement delivered by H.E. Ms. Heli Lehto, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations, at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Third Committee, Interactive Dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Barham Salih, on November 4, 2026.

Thank you, Chair. I would also like to thank the High Commissioner for his presentation and report.

I have the honor to deliver remarks on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.

The Nordic countries have a deep and long-standing commitment to UNHCR and its mandate to offer protection and seek durable solutions for those forced to flee.

As the annual report elaborates, global displacement remains high despite a modest decline from last year, with 117,8 million people remaining displaced. While the decline was driven by 14,7 million people returning home — largely in Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan — many returned under immense pressure to areas lacking security and infrastructure. Concurrently, new conflicts forced 5,4 million more to flee.

UNHCR and the broader humanitarian community continue to face an unprecedented financial crisis that severely affects humanitarian response capacities worldwide. Only 37% of UNHCR’s global needs were covered during the reporting period. Upholding the mandate of UNHCR to provide protection in these challenging circumstances is vital. UNHCR deserves our full support for their commitment to stay and deliver where assistance is needed.

Supporting and advocating for persons in the most vulnerable situations is at the heart of principled humanitarian action. We highly value UNHCR’s commitment to defending universal legal frameworks and promoting normative standards. Furthermore, we deeply appreciate the daily, practical efforts in advancing gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, disability inclusion, climate action, and the rights of LGBTI+ persons. And we value your continued search for sustainable outcomes as reflected in the new 50 by 35 vision.

High Commissioner,

This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. The Refugee Convention and its Protocol (from 1967) remains a cornerstone of the international protection framework. Amidst exceptionally high levels of forced displacement, shrinking asylum space and protracted crises, UNHCR’s mandate as the guardian of the Convention is as relevant as ever.

The UNHCR Omnibus resolution supports the humanitarian and non-political mandate of UNHCR. Last year, the Nordic countries proposed a new approach for the resolution, namely alternating between substantive negotiations and technical rollovers every two years. This year we embarked on a full round of negotiations, resulting in the balanced and broadly supported resolution before us today. We wish to thank all Member States for their active participation in the process and for the constructive spirit that characterized the negotiations.  

We encourage all Missions to register as co-sponsors for the resolution. We call for adoption by consensus, to show solidarity and send a strong message of support to UNHCR and its increasingly crucial mandate. At a time when humanitarian needs are reaching new heights, it is important to convey a clear message of support and unity on humanitarian action. This resolution is first and foremost for refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR. We must safeguard the right to asylum, and commit to sustainable, long-term solutions.

Thank you.