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.
Antonio GuterresRead
There is never a humanitarian solution for a humanitarian crisis. The solutions for the humanitarian crisis are always political ones.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humanitarian crises require political solutions rather than purely humanitarian efforts.
Antonio Guterres emphasizes that while humanitarian crises often evoke a strong emotional response and a desire to provide aid, the root causes and lasting solutions are deeply rooted in political issues. Addressing these crises effectively requires engaging with political processes and frameworks rather than relying solely on charity or relief efforts.
Themes
HumanitarianCrisisPoliticsSolutionsAid
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about international responses to refugees during a panel on humanitarian issues.
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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.
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When counterterrorist policies are used to suppress peaceful protests and legitimate opposition movements, shut down debate, target human rights defenders, or stigmatize minorities, they fail, and we all lose. Indeed, such responses may cause further resentment and instability and contribute to radicalization.
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