21 Sep 2016

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi has expressed regret that the global security environment remains volatile, adding that all countries are at risk of terrorism, economic downturn and harsh climate change patterns.  

A press release from the ministry says Mr Kgathi made the remarks when delivering a statement to the United Nations high level meeting on addressing large movements of refugees and migrants in New York, United States of America.

The meeting is one of several consultations taking place along the sidelines of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
These challenges, the minister said, “had exerted increasing pressure on the economies of developing countries and had the effect of mass displacement of people.”

He informed the meeting that the implementation of the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development will support global peace building efforts, and that the global campaign against terrorism will also provide necessary impetus for arresting migration and large movements.

He acknowledged the role Botswana has played in providing refuge to asylum seekers by “providing protection and dignity for all those displaced from the Southern African region and the broader Sub Saharan Africa during the liberation struggle in the early 1960s.”

“The minister expressed his support for the UN General Assembly’s proposal to launch a migration survey programme that would generate a clearer understanding of the demographics of migration and the large movement phenomenon,” says the release.

Large movements of people, he said, required governments and multi-national organisations to collectively commit and resolve to pool resources necessary to assist the UN to come up with sustainable solutions to the problem.

The minister, the release says, also expressed his support for UN General Assembly’s proposal to launch a migration survey programme that will generate a clearer understanding of the demographics of migration and the large movement phenomenon.  

Delegates to the high level meeting comprised ministers, senior government officials, representatives from international organisations and other representations from across the globe.

Prior to the high level meeting, Mr Kgathi and his delegation participated in round table discussions on addressing the root causes of large movements of refugees.
Minister Kgathi is expected home tomorrow. Ends