There is never a humanitarian solution for a humanitarian crisis. The solutions for the humanitarian crisis are always political ones.
Antonio GuterresRead
...in the midst of migrants in search of a better life there are people in need of protection: refugees and asylum-seekers, women and children victims of trafficking...Many move simply to avoid dying of hunger. When leaving is not an option but a necessity, this is more than poverty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the urgent plight of migrants and refugees who are forced to leave their homes due to extreme circumstances.
Antonio Guterres highlights the complex nature of migration, particularly in contexts where individuals are not merely seeking better opportunities, but are fleeing dire situations such as hunger, violence, or persecution. He underscores the necessity of compassion and protection for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, who often suffer the most in these tumultuous circumstances. The quote calls attention to the humanity at the heart of migration and the moral obligation to support those in crisis.
Themes
MigrationRefugeesAsylumProtectionHungerPoverty
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a refugee support event, this quote can emphasize the importance of understanding the reasons behind migration.
More from Antonio Guterres
All quotes →As a global society, we have the technology, resources and the know-how to make a massive difference to living standards everywhere, including for refugees.
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The world's problems transcend borders.
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Humanitarian response, sustainable development, and sustaining peace are three sides of the same triangle.
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The fact that societies are becoming increasingly multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious is good. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
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Syria has become the great tragedy of this century - a disgraceful humanitarian calamity with suffering and displacement unparalleled in recent history.
Antonio GuterresRead
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