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In the context which I have outlined, I would like to give a few examples
of where we stand and what we are trying to achieve today.
We have been giving a great deal of thought to the refugee situation in
the Born of Africa and the Sudan. How can we achieve further progress in
depth, in each country and in the region as a whole?
In Somalia, there are two sine qua non conditions for a real shift towards
self-sufficiency: more land, more income-generating activities. This
requires a considerable effort. In March of this year, in compliance with the
pertinent General Assembly resolution, a review mission visited Somalia to
consult with the Government on the refugee situation, assess the international
relief effort and identify the requirements for 1983 and later. The mission
was to focus on the overall needs of refugees, including aspects relating to
their settlement and rehabilitation. These terms of reference could not
coincide better with UNHCR's own preoccupations. Assessments of this kind,
and ensuing recommendations especially at a time when the emergency phase is
over and concrete efforts are being made to move beyond care and maintenance
are fundamental for proper long-term planning.
The mission visited all regions where there are refugees: Gedo, Hiran,
the North-West and Lower Shebelli. It acted in close cooperation with the
authorities, visited 27 camps out of 35, and met with representatives of
countries involved in helping. The World Food Programme accompanied UNHCR and
liaison was maintained with other UN bodies. While attention was paid to
self-sufficiency in Somalia itself, the question of voluntary repatriation was
not overlooked.
The mission looked into all facets of assistance: food and food storage,
health, safer water supply, communal facilities, provision of utensils and
equipment, shelter, transport and logistics. And, of course, self-help, which
is really the new direction. Though conditions do not permit, as regards
self-help, an all embracing plan covering all refugees, it is now hoped that
efforts will lead to more than just a modest beginning. Attention is being
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