In their press release they stated that ambassadors of United States of America and United Kingdom have been working closely to determine how to prevent future cases of forced migration and how to strengthen legal protection and better provide aid to refugees and internally displaced persons. They have also been building upon common positions regarding protection of minorities although the two states take slightly different positions on the matter.
They said that the ideas of the US and UK ambassadors were presented to the other present G8 states and most were well received.
Common plans, common standpoints?
On the topic of forced migration the states discussed the role of the international community and level of involvement for different cases of displacement. Both the UK and USA are advocating a case-by-case approach, whereas Italy suggested that the states should also focus on burden sharing ideas. Some G8 states agreed that looking into such proposals would be particularly advantageous.
Another important issue discussed by the G8 were the causes of displacement, which will warrant strengthened protection and assistance.
On the topic of minorities, hurdles remain, because not all states recognize 'national minorities' in their national legislation, but do award all rights based on equality and non-discrimination to all individuals.
All G8 states expressed their willingness to continue cooperating informally and formally in the next two months in order to ensure that concrete resolutions are passed at the GA.
The UN Herald plans to conduct six detailed interviews with each G8 delegate on both topics. Expect them online next week!
Below you will find the full media statement and also additional statement by the delegate of UK.
"On Saturday 6 April 2013 the UK hosted a G8 Working Dinner and invited all distinguished G8 delegations represented in the UNGA session to be held from April to May 2013. The G8 Working Dinner was held in Ljubljana at the residency of the Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. United States, Russian Federation, France and Italy were able to attend this event, which proved to be an excellent opportunity for the delegations to meet and discuss topics on the agenda. Germany was unfortunately unable to attend, but the senior representative sent his deepest apologies and subsequently agreed to all statements written in this press release.
The Ambassadors of United States of America and United Kingdom have been working closely to determine how to prevent future cases of forced migration, how to strengthen legal protection to refugees and better provide aid to both internally displaced persons and those who have fled across the border. They have also been building upon common positions regarding protection of minorities although the two states take slightly different positions on the matter.
These ideas were presented to the other present G8 states and most were well received. On the topic of forced migration the states discussed the role of the international community and level of involvement for different cases of displacement, but both UK and USA are advocating a case-by-case approach. Italy suggested that we also focus on burden sharing ideas and some G8 states agreed that looking into such proposals would be particularly advantageous. Another important issue discussed by the G8 are the causes of displacement, which will warrant strengthened protection and assistance.
On the topic of minorities, hurdles remain, because not all states recognize 'national minorities' in their national legislation, but do award all rights based on equality and non-discrimination to all individuals. Therefore all G8 powers agree that the wording of any future draft resolutions will have to reflect this fact. G8 states also agreed that respecting the principles of equality, equal opportunities, non-discrimination is a strategy of combating inter-ethnic violence involving minorities.
The G8 states are now able to collectively state that they deplore all racially, ethnically and religiously motivated violence and hate crime. They are willing to take practical and effective actions to prevent intolerance, discrimination, and all forms of extremism.
All G8 states expressed their willingness to continue cooperating informally and formally in the next two months in order to ensure that concrete resolutions are passed at the GA, but also that our common interests are protected. The outcome of this conference is expected to enhance discussions among the G8 Heads of State and Governments."
The delegate of UK, Ms. Petković, provided us with an additional statement:
"As part of the UK's G8 Presidency in 2013, we were
pleased to host an informal event for the G8 representatives of the UNGA. The
issues of forced migration and inter-ethnic conflict involving minorities is a
pertinent issue for the UK and this was an opportunity to set the agenda for G8
discussions. Both topics are closely related to international security and
peace and economic prosperity, two broad global challenges facing the
international community. In the spirit of our 2013 G8 Presidency, we aimed at
creating the right environment for frank and open discussions. Heated
debates among the G8 states only go to show the complexity of the
issues ahead of us. We were able to agree on many points, but this is just the
first step.
Without genuine ambition we may be disappointed
with lofty promises and wide-spread indifference."
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