UN General Assembly
2023

We also call for a global response to the refugee and migrant crisis. In that regard, we must share the responsibilities we assumed in the global agreements we have adopted. We must cooperate in finding solutions and helping countries of destination, as well as countries of origin. Allow me to recall that Montenegro gave shelter to over 100.000 refugees and displaced persons during the wars in the former Yugoslavia, amounting to more than 20 per cent of our entire population. Also today, we have opened our doors to the biggest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita in Europe. Let me emphasize that the protection of refugees, including their legal status and our decision to provide them with shelter as they flee devastating conflicts, has received unanimous support from the entire political spectrum. Moreover. Montenegrin society stands united in its commitment to upholding international law in that regard, even in the face of significant social pressure on our health care and education infrastructure.