However, if peace, in simple words, is not made and built, our own humanitarian work cannot be sustained. In this respect, let me make two points. First, refugee work can be effective only if states strongly back my Office. This means concrete political efforts to resolve conflicts. Second, we need to address the specific requirements of the transition phase, which follows the end of conflicts, but precedes a consolidated peace.
Resources come readily for high-profile humanitarian emergencies.
When investments are required to consolidate returns of refugees and rehabilitation of infrastructure, we have a much more difficult time getting the world s attention. Sometimes, scenes of misery and death seem to be a prerequisite for international interest. As a result, many post-conflict situations today are festering, when it is during this crucial phase that, very often, peace can be consolidated and further refugee movements can be prevented. Ladies and gentlemen, The time is too short to elaborate on these important points, but I wanted to use this opportunity to briefly illustrate the complexity and importance of refugee work. Most conflicts today produce refugees.