United Nations – Conversation between Jean-Noël Barrot and Barham Salih, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot spoke with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih on May 7.

The Minister praised the cooperation between France and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees within their strategic partnership. He expressed France’s support for the implementation of the UNHCR’s mandate to protect and defend the rights of people forced to flee their homes, in line with the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. 

The Minister assured the High Commissioner of France’s support for the reforms undertaken by the UNHCR to strengthen the effectiveness of its humanitarian response to crises and conflicts, and to offer long-term solutions to refugees and displaced persons. 

The Minister and the High Commissioner discussed the major crisis situations and their humanitarian consequences. They agreed to continue working closely together as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the 1951 Geneva Conventions relating to the Status of Refugees and in the leadup to the 2027 Global Refugee Forum.