Yesterday, 8 October 2025, H.E. Ambassador Marie-Thérèse Pictet-Althann made the following statement at the General Debate of the 76th session of the Executive Committee:
Mr. Chairman,
High Commissioner,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
The Sovereign Order of Malta warmly thanks the High Commissioner for his powerful leadership over the past 10 years. We share the concerns expressed in his sobering statement about the erosion of trust in institutions, the strain on multilateralism, the unprecedented humanitarian budget cuts, and the profound consequences these have on those who are forced to flee. At a time when multilateralism is under immense pressure, the Order of Malta reaffirms its strong and unwavering support for international cooperation as the only viable path to protect refugees and displaced persons.
For centuries, the Order of Malta has placed the dignity of the vulnerable at the center of its mission. Today, as millions are uprooted by war, persecution and violence, we remain deeply committed to working alongside UNHCR and partners to defend the institution of asylum, strengthen protection, protect the vulnerable, and advance lasting solutions that bring hope.
The High Commissioner reminded us that, while the challenges are immense, practical and innovative approaches are possible. He rightly emphasized that efforts to work towards peace are never in vain, that self-reliance and inclusion must be at the heart of our collective response, and that humanitarian diplomacy can open doors even in the most sensitive political situations. We fully endorse this vision.
The Order of Malta, through its global network and its worldwide relief agency, Malteser International, is deeply committed to assisting refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide. Our mission is to safeguard dignity, provide essential health and social services, and strengthen resilience — always working with affected communities and local partners to respond to their most urgent needs.
Allow me to highlight just a few examples:
• In Asia, from Bangladesh to Pakistan and Afghanistan, we provide essential healthcare in refugee camps and host communities, with a strong focus on mother and child health.
• In Ukraine and neighboring countries, we continue to support displaced families with emergency relief, psychosocial care, and long-term assistance.
• In Latin America, our programs in Colombia assist Venezuelan refugees and vulnerable indigenous communities through health, nutrition, and psychosocial support.
• Across Africa, from Uganda to South Sudan to the DRC and Nigeria, we support displaced families with clean water, nutrition, and community-based initiatives to foster self-reliance and peaceful coexistence.
These initiatives reflect our conviction, echoing the High Commissioner’s call for innovative approaches, that humanitarian assistance must go hand in hand with inclusion, self-reliance, and social cohesion. We also support innovative urban integration mechanisms and advocate for refugees’ access to national health systems and labor markets. We believe that refugees must be involved directly in decision-making on the programs that affect their lives.
Beyond field operations, the Order of Malta’s humanitarian diplomacy enables us to combine advocacy with action. Grounded in concrete field experience, our network can serve as a bridge between humanitarian and political actors, helping to facilitate access to vulnerable populations in situations of conflict and fragility, while at the same time advocating consistently for the dignity and protection of displaced people in international fora. We would be pleased to deepen this cooperation with UNHCR, in line with the High Commissioner’s emphasis on principled engagement with all parties.
Mr. Chairman,
At this critical juncture, when humanitarian needs are immense and resources dangerously stretched, the Order of Malta joins the High Commissioner’s call for renewed solidarity and responsibility-sharing. Protecting those forced to flee is not only a matter of international law; it is also a moral imperative and a test of our common humanity.
Looking ahead to the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review in December, we encourage all States and partners to reaffirm and scale up their commitments. The Order of Malta will continue to contribute our medical, humanitarian, and diplomatic capacities to alleviate suffering, strengthen resilience, and work for lasting solutions.
Thank you.
