- 5
As a result of the combination of all the adverse factors I have briefly
reviewed, there has now been, for a long while in our programmes, a
comparative slowdown in the provision of durable solutions. Relief, care and
maintenance, have become increasingly conspicuous components of our overall
efforts. Some striking figures are reported in the programme "book". In
1970, 83% of the programme was geared toward the promotion of durable
solutions. In 1977, the proportion was 54%. Then, major refugee crises
erupted within a timespan of very few years: refugees in South-East Asia, in
the Horn of Africa, in Pakistan. In 1981, as a consequence of this rapid
increase, the proportion of the programme devoted to the promotion of durable
solutions was at its lowest: 26%. Since then, there has been some progress
again and we hope that next year ve shall reach 23,5%. These are perhaps too
many figures. But they are indicative and must serve as a powerful incentive
to reverse the trend further.
We only have three solutions at our disposal. We must promote them
wherever there is the slightest glimmer of hope, even if it takes many years
to reach them and implement them satisfactorily. And we need governments with
us: they have the key, not UNHCR. Of course, governments have their own
constraints and it would be unrealistic and unfair not to recognize them.
However, refugees are waiting, and for them no progress often means
deterioration of their condition.
Through this great puzzle, we are trying to develop our planning capacity,
keeping the need for "durable solutions whenever possible" as our leitmotiv.
We must help push barriers a little further back.
Though we are by no means
the center of the game, which is a position occupied by governments, we must
be a catalytic agent and convince: convince refugees, convince governments,
It is not always so difficult to start
convince the international community.
helping. A new problem may receive a favourable echo from governments, from
public opinion, from others concerned.
But gradually, if solutions are not
readily feasible, the situation changes. The great difficulty lies in seeing
a problem through to a conclusion. Like the problem of the boat-people or
that of refugees from Indochina more generally.