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34TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EXCOM) OF THE PROGRAMME OF THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)
10 - 20 OCTOBER 1983
Introduction
1. Paragraphs 2 7 summarise the Session. following give more detail.
Summary
Paragraphs 8 and
2. A businesslike and constructive session with a notable emphasis on (voluntary) repatriation as the best solution to refugee problems. Good chairmanship minimised some inevitable squabbles. The High Commissioner and his Directors appeared to advantage and their statements were forward-looking and positive.
3.
Western preparation for this Session was carried out in concert with some of the G77 members of the Executive Committee. This was
The
a new departure, designed to avoid the G77 criticism of the past that Western members of ExCom had an inside track to UNHCR. experiment was a success in that it established an open and friendly atmosphere and limited the animosities within ExCom of some previous sessions. Despite bilateral squabbles between Morocco and Algeria, Iran and Iraq, and Ethiopia and Somalia, the mood was cordial and
constructive.
4.
The Sub-Committees on Protection and on Administrative and
Financial Matters were of great value enabling delegations to devote time in plenary to policy rather than detail.
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15.