2016年CRI China pledges help to global refugees and migrants（在线收听）

China pledges help to global refugees and migrants

Addressing the Summit for Refugees and Migrants in New York, Li Keqiang has promised an additional 100-million US dollars in assistance to help deal with the migrant situation.

In revealing the pledge, the Chinese Premier says this reflects the concerns the Chinese government has about the large movement of refugees and migrants.

"Today the number of global refugees and migrants and the rate at which they are increasing are unprecedented in recent decades. This impedes the development of the countries directly involved, jeopardizes peace and regional stability, hinders global economic recovery, undermines international order and creates loopholes for terrorists. The issue of refugees and migrants is both regional and global; no single country can remain out of this and its solution requires the active participation of the whole international community."

Li Keqiang says while every country needs to play a role in helping deal with migrants, attention does need to be paid to both historical and modern conditions.

At the same time, he's suggesting a more coordinated and orderly approach to dealing with migrant flows may be needed.

"The most urgent task is to raise funds and assets to guarantee the basic livelihood of the refugees, but efforts must also be made to expand legal channels of migration and fight human trafficking and terrorism. The countries of origin must also work to stem the major root of refugee displacement in the form of armed conflict and poverty. All parties involved must settle their differences by dialogue and negotiation."

The Summit for Refugees and Migrants has seen the world leaders in attendance sign the "New York Declaration."

In it, the international community is vowing to protect migrants and their rights, while at the same time, offering support to countries which accept them, and recognize the contributions migrants can play in helping build societies.