​Thank you, Chair,

At the outset, we would like to thank the ExCom Bureau and the UNCHR for convening this meeting, where we are discussing the final draft of the Global Compact on Refugees.

We welcome the work that has been done by all the different stakeholders, who have been constructively engaged in developing this document. Many discussions have taken place from the zero draft to the current final version. We commend the efforts of UNHCR to accommodate the many, and sometimes opposed, comments by different stakeholders. We would like to thank UNHCR for holding this process, which has been open and transparent. 

Regarding the draft before us, we would like to note the following:

• We support the acknowledgment of the non-binding nature of the Global Compact, while sharing the objectives mentioned in paragraph 7, which are recognized to be interlinked and interdependent. 

• We welcome the reference to people with disabilities, including in data collection, as well as the changes introduced to reflect the needs of women and girls, children, adolescents and youth, as reflected in the change in the titles of the sections.

• Moreover, we are pleased to note that the draft Programme of Action pays due attention to the essential role of developing innovative technology, which can help to meet basic humanitarian needs, and making them readily available to refugees. This has relevance both as an emergency measure, and as a longer-term development objective, for creating jobs, ensuring livelihoods and accommodation, and enabling efficient resource management.  In particular, we believe that technical cooperation has a key role to play in crucial areas such as water and sanitation, harnessing the unique technological added value of relevant states.

• We commend the importance given to data collection, which is necessary in order to assess the success of any action taken.

Mr. Chair, 

We are looking forward to the Global Refugee Forum later next year. In the same vein, we support the stocktaking possibility provided by the additional biannual meetings, as a mid-term review. Furthermore, we welcome the inclusion of other arrangements, paying attention to local, national and regional opportunities, as well as the reference to support platform and solidarity conferences. Additionally, we believe that the introduction of the indicators on the four objectives of the compact is in a good idea. Measuring the progress will allow to reinforce the commitments and spirit guiding the Global Compact.

Mr. Chair,

In light of all this, we are ready to join consensus on the compact, and we agree with the Assistant High Commissioner´s observation, that the Global Compact is not the end, but 

rather the beginning of a continued dialogue on the important issue of refugee response.

I thank you.