c)
d)
were invited not only to intensify their resettlement efforts but also to accelerate their decision-making mechanisms as one of the means to curb the practice of irregular movements (it sometimes takes 4 to 8 months for countries to reach decisions). The Representative of Sweden pointed out that very few of the Iranians arriving in Sweden have actually applied for resettlement through UNHCR.
The Representative of the ICRC pointed out that about 350 Iranians in Iraq are becoming a problem and need to be helped. As UNHCR has no office in Iraq the ICRC has been handling this problem.
The matter of Iranians in Italy was raised. As Italy applies geographical limitation to the 1951 Convention, it does not recognize Iranians and other non-Europeans as refugees. At present 400 Iranians in Italy are in need of resettlement.
The Representative of Switzerland expressed concern that the UNHCR Briefing Paper grouped Iranian refugees according to their religion. In reply it was clarified that the presentation reflected the resettlement criteria of a number of receiving countries. Sometimes it becomes necessary to categorize people by their ethnicity or their religion in order to distinguish them from other groups of the same nationality for whom resettlement is more difficult to achieve.
Disabled refugees
Commenting on statements by several representatives, UNHCR stressed that local or regional solutions are always explored and that all efforts are being made to avoid systematic resettlement. Many disabled refugee are also resettled within the framework of regular programmes. The Representative of Denmark mentioned that his country is considering joining the "Twenty or More" plan but cannot yet make a firm commitment.
Other groups
Mr. Issaka raised the possibility of a resettlement need arising in Lesotho in view of recent developments.
The Chairman pointed out that UNHCR is constantly searching for regional solutions and although voluntary repatriation is the best solution, settlement in the region is the next best. However, for some refugee groups, i.e. in the case of Vietnamese and Kampuchean refugees, voluntary repatriation or settlement in the region is not yet feasible, therefore resettlement remains the only durable solution.
Such
It was the opinion of many participants that the most worrying aspect is currently that of "irregular" arrivals. The Representative of the Netherlands asked whether UNHCR had attempted to make a projection of the total resettlement need over a given period. a projection might lead to substantial policy changes by governments instead of marginal adjustments. UNHCR explained that, in view of the changing refugee situations around the world it is difficult to make projections of resettlement needs and priorities in terms of
definite global numbers.