Referring to verse 6 of Surah al-Tawba of the Holy Quran, he described it as the most beautiful prescription for refugee protection in the history of the world.
This verse says “And if one of the idolaters seek protection from you, grant him protection till he hears the word of Allah, then make him attain his place of safety; this is because they are a people who do not know.”
Guterres was speaking on Monday at the Refugee Summit in Islamabad, Pakistan, calling for greater solidarity and support for the refugees.
“Afghanistan and its people cannot be abandoned,” Guterres said. “Now is the time for the international community to act and to deliver.”
“Our aim,” Guterres said, “is to galvanize more resources and investments, widen the circle of partners and forge stronger linkages between humanitarian, development and peace investments.”
Thirty countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran attended the gathering in Pakistan.