US Plans World Summit on Refugee Crisis

Pamela Dockins

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND—U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called on the world’s nations Friday to redouble their efforts to solve the crisis posed by unprecedented numbers of war refugees, help victims of other global crises and combat the rising threat of terrorism at a fundamental level.

Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Kerry announced President Barack Obama will host a summit at the United Nations in New York later this year in response to the global refugee crisis. The goals include big increases in the number of nations answering U.N. humanitarian appeals and in those willing to help resettle families safely.

“The private sector, civil society, and religious organizations will also be called on to help integrate refugees into host communities socially, academically, and through access to employment,” Kerry said.

“I know we know how to do this in a way that protects the security of our countries.»

The United States has announced plans to admit 85,000 refugees by November and 100,000 next year.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry delivers a speech on Jan. 22, 2016, to attendees at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Corruption

Kerry also focused on the problem of corruption in his address to government and corporate leaders from around the world. Corrupt practices, he said, have “grown at an alarming pace and threaten global growth.”

In Nigeria, for example, Kerry said that, on taking office last year, President Muhammadu Buhari “inherited a military that was underpaid, underfed and unable to protect the Nigerian people from Boko Haram.” Much of Nigeria’s military budget had been “finding its way into the pockets of generals,” the top U.S. diplomat said.

Corruption in government is «a radicalizer,» «a social danger» and «an opportunity destroyer,» Kerry said. «It destroys faith in legitimate authority. And no one knows that better than violent extremist groups, who regularly use corruption as a recruitment tool.»

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry takes a moment on Jan. 22, 2016, to enjoy the view of Davos, Switzerland, before delivering remarks to attendees at the World Economic Forum.

Next stop: Saudi Arabia

Friday’s speech wrapped up two days of meetings for Kerry in Davis. Saudi Arabia is the next stop on his five-nation tour, then Laops, Cambodia and China.

Before departing for Riyadh, the U.S. secretary is to meet with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, to sign an agreement on science and technology cooperation.