The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, has called on the U.N. Security Council to prioritize ending conflicts and humanitarian crises so that the over 117 million people displaced globally can return to their homes. In his first speech to the Security Council since taking office last December, Salih emphasized that the council has a unique role in promoting peace, which is essential for ending displacement. He argued that the long-term goal should not be simply keeping displaced people alive, but helping them rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. Salih highlighted several ongoing conflicts that have led to massive displacement. In Sudan, the war has created the world's largest displacement crisis, with 12 million people fleeing inside and outside the country. He warned that as long as the fighting continues, people will keep fleeing. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, decades of conflict and violence have been worsened by an ongoing Ebola outbreak, making the situation even more dire. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine has displaced millions within the country and forced many more to seek refuge abroad. Salih also spoke about the long-standing displacement of people from Western Sahara, a territory claimed by Morocco. For generations, refugees from this region have lived in camps near Tindouf, Algeria, waiting for a political resolution. Their future remains uncertain, with limited opportunities and no clear path to return home. In the Middle East, recent hostilities in Yemen have forced over 130,000 people to flee within the country, while more than 3,700 have sought refuge in Djibouti. UNHCR has mobilized resources and staff to assist these people. Salih acknowledged that a goal he set earlier this year—to reduce the number of refugees in long-term displacement by half by 2035—is ambitious. However, he insisted that it is necessary to move beyond merely keeping people alive. He stressed that the ultimate success must be measured by the ability to create conditions where people no longer need humanitarian aid. This means preventing displacement whenever possible, resolving it when it occurs, and ensuring that displaced individuals can rebuild their lives with dignity and security.