CONFIDENTIAL
8.
Finally, there is the point that where existing machinery for coping with refugee problems exists it should be used, and certainly nothi ng should be done which might undermine it. Where it does not
exist every effort should be made to cultivate and develop it, both within the refugee community itself and in the host government. The aim is self-sufficiency of refugees and hosts governments alike - so that the offices of UNHCR are not required. Many NGOs, in their
eagerness to help, often overlook this basic fact with the result
that the refugees end up even more dependent on hand-outs and
infrastrcuture from outside.
UNITED NATIONS DEPARTMENT
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
N57ABZ
CONFIDENTIAL