EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER'S PROGRAMME
Sub-Committee of the Whole on International Protection
Distr.
RESTRICTED
EC/SCP/13
27 August 1980
Original:
ENGLISH
NOTE ON VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION
(Submitted by the High Commissioner)
Introduction
1.
Voluntary repatriation, whenever feasible, is of course the most desirable solution to refugee problems. If refugees in complete freedom express the wish to return to their country of origin, it is essential that everything possible should be done to assist them in this regard. The facilitation of voluntary repatriation is one of the basic functions of UNHCR and indeed in recent years this aspect of the work of the Office has assumed increasing importance.
From the time when the United Nations began to concern itself with the refugee problem, emphasis has been placed on the importance of voluntary repatriation as a solution. Thus in a Resolution on the Question of Refugees adopted on 12 February 1946 1/, the General Assembly stated that the main task concerning displaced persons was to encourage and assist in every way possible their early return to their country of origin. At the same time, the General Assembly laid down the basic. principle that repatriation must always be voluntary:
3.
"No refugees or displaced persons who have finally and definitely, in complete freedom, and after receiving full knowledge of the facts, including adequate information from the governments of their countries of origin, expressed valid, objections shall be compelled to return to their country of origin."
▸ •
The essential need for repatriation to be voluntary is, indeed, the counterpart of the fundamental and generally accepted principle of non-refoulement, according to which no person may be returned against his will to a territory where he has reason to fear persecution. Efforts to ensure that repatriation is voluntary, both in the case of individual repatriation and in regard to large-scale repatriation operations, constitute an important aspect of the Office's work in this field.
1/ Resolution 8(1)
GE.80-2523