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Peru
179. UNHCR has been engaged in a major resettlement operation in Peru with a view to resettling the Chilean refugees who had been admitted to the country on a transit basis only, without right to work. By the end of 1977, a total of 2,672 of these refugees had been resettled under UNHCR auspices, of whom 224 left in 1977. Although the remaining caseload in 1977 was small, the problem they presented was acute, since many had been awaiting resettlement opportunities for up to four years in enforced idleness and were becoming increasingly restless regarding their future prospects. In view, moreover, of the steadily declining rate of departures, a renewed resettlement drive was undertaken in 1977 and by the end of the year fewer than 150 persons were still awaiting resettlement opportunities.
180. Total UNHCR expenditure in Peru in 1977 amounted to nearly $430,000 of which some $243,000 served to provide basic necessities, including shelter, food and medical care to refugees awaiting departure. The assistance was mainly channelled through the Comisión Ecuménica de Acción Social.
5. Other Latin American countries
181. The total refugee population in countries other than Argentina, Chile and Peru. was estimated at year's end at 64,000, of whom 45,000 were of European origin, living mainly in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela. Movements of refugees of Latin American origin were varied and took place, inter alia, towards Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela. European refugee beneficiaries, many of them aged and handicapped, received annuities as well as medical and institutional care, while others were assisted with housing subsidies and establishment in crafts and trades. Assistance to Latin American refugees varied according to their situation and the country in which they were receiving asylum. Resettlement, supplementary aid and local settlement were the main measures extended, together with counselling and legal assistance as required.
182. Expenditures in Latin America other than in Argentina, Chile and Peru totalled $852,700, of which $145,000 went towards local settlement measures and $397,400 towards supplementary aid including shelter, food and medical care.
183. Over-all UNHCR expenditures in Latin America in 1977 amounted to some $5.3 million, of which more than $3 million were for supplementary assistance and over $1 million for resettlement.
B. North America
184. UNHCR's co-operation with the Governments of Canada and of the United States, both major countries of resettlement for refugees, is assured through its Branch Office in Ottawa and Regional Office in New York, the latter being also responsible for maintaining close relations with the United Nations and members of its system.
185. Assistance to refugees both in Canada and in the United States is mainly provided through governmental institutions and voluntary agencies, with very limited financial participation on the part of UNHCR. On the other hand, measures have been taken to strengthen UNHCR's action in a consultative capacity, notably on matters relating to the granting of refugee status.
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