Migration/UNHCR/meeting between M. François Hollande, President of the Republic, with the High Commissioner for Refugees
Paris, September 7, 2015
The President had a meeting this afternoon with Mr António Guterres, the High Commissioner for Refugees. He expressed France’s full support for the UNHCR, which is being confronted with a situation of unprecedented gravity and is doing an exceptional job on the ground.
He presented to him France’s initiative, in agreement with Germany, to strengthen Europe’s asylum policy and provide support to the European countries most exposed. In particular, he spelled out France’s commitment to take in 24,000 more refugees over the next two years and the need to equip Europe with a permanent, compulsory mechanism to ensure a fair distribution between member states.
The President and Mr Guterres also signalled their determination to mobilize the international community to step up humanitarian aid, especially in the countries neighbouring Syria and in Africa, including through an international conference on refugees which could be organized in Paris.
The Head of State welcomed the excellent cooperation between France and the UNHCR. He highlighted his determination to increase France’s support for the organization over the next few weeks./.
