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favourably to the current resettlement programs of other
countries.
Program priorities will be subject to close on-going review, particularly having regard to need and demand world-wide for resettlement in Australia. Progress will be monitored in consultation with donor and resettlement countries, countries of first refuge and where appropriate, refugee source countries. In this regard, the Government recognises that resettlement as a solution, and in particular resettlement in Australia, will not in most situations meet the needs of
refugees.
Australia's refugee assistance programs, including financial assistance to refugee situations, are planned and managed in
the context of international burden-sharing of refugee
problems. We are keenly aware that even a substantial resettlement program by Australia will have limited effect if it is not complemented by the generous participation of other involved governments. We see the co-ordinating role performed by UNHCR as essential in maintaining and inducing such participation.
The Government will be placing greater emphasis on achieving political solutions to refugee situations recognising that resettlement must continue to be seen as the last resort and,
in principle, the least desirable durable solution.
To this end, Australia will bend its efforts towards assisting
with negotiations and mediation in both multilateral and bilateral contexts. As a general approach Australia will be urging greater prominence to humanitarian issues and priorities in consideration of refugee matters. Refugee and
humanitarian aims will figure more prominently than before
in the pursuit of Australia's external relations objectives.
The Government further recognises that refugee resettlement
is no substitute for the provision of normal migration
opportunities direct from the country of origin where this is
possible within established criteria and particularly where
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