I am particularly happy that this ceremony takes place in Rome, the capital of Italy a country which ranks among the strongest supporters of the United Nations in general and my Office, in particular. Our mandate is to protect and assist refugees who are the victims of war and violations of human rights.
Humanitarian action can build a bridge between war and peace.
Urgent humanitarian efforts can reduce the seeds of tension. It can create time and space for political initiatives. Under neutral and non-political humanitarian cover, the belligerents and antagonists can be brought together. We have often seen political results emerging from what began as contacts on humanitarian issues. When refugees decide to return, they go back to peace, or more often these days, they go back in order to contribute to the building of peace.