China to provide 100 million US dollars in additional aid for problems of refugee movement

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Monday that China will provide 100 million U.S. dollars in additional humanitarian aid to help solve problems brought about by massive movement of refugees and migrants.

The aid, which is on top of China' s previous pledges, would go to some relevant countries and international organizations.

Li made the statement while addressing the Summit for Refugees and Migrants of the ongoing UN General Assembly that opened earlier last week.

The large movement of refugees and migrants concerns global peace and development, affects regional stability, and could trigger serious political, social and security concerns, the premier said.

"We are committed to shouldering our responsibilities compatible with our abilities, and this is an act of justice," Li said.

"We did what we could to help, even when China was poor," he said, adding that "now China has made great progress in its economy, but we still are a developing country."

China is mulling further supporting measures, considering setting aside a portion of the China-UN peace and development fund to support developing countries in their efforts to address issues concerning refugees and migrants, Li said.

China would also actively explore working with international institutions and developing countries on trilateral cooperation, he added.

The issue of refugees and migrants is a humanitarian crisis, testing human conscience, the premier said.

The problem not only affects the development of countries that are concerned, put regional peace and stability in jeopardy, but also is a drag on global economic recovery, influence international order, and leave opportunities for terrorists to explore, he said.

While noting that the issue of refugees and migrants is a global one that "no country can stay immune to," the premier urged the international community to "act strongly to respond."

"We are living in a global village, every life is precious, and the dignity of every person deserves being upheld," Li said.

Source : XINHUA