CONFIDENTIAL
IV. Non-Mandate Refugees
Line to Take [Defensive]
[If raised] we would be interested to hear UNHCR's plans/views.
Background
We assume that the problem of the future of non-mandate refugees may be raised.
This poses problems for donors as well as for UNHCR. If we agree that these people should be a continuing/future charge on UNHCR, then by implication we recognise that UNHCR will need extra financial support. But, in UK's case this cannot be guaranteed since not only are we up against a fairly rigid Aid Framework and more
support for UNHCR may mean less development assistance elsewhere, but refugee funds
are found from our contingency money, the limit of which is only known at the start of each financial year. Yet, some of the poorest countries in Africa cannot be
expected to bear the burden without help. There seems little logic in suggesting that WFP or UNDP takes responsibility.
It has to be borne in mind also that the receiving country may not welcome UNHCR as the "umbrella" for non-mandate refugees.
On balance we tend to favour UNHCR continuing to care for non-mandate refugees although we cannot commit UK assistance at this point. Presumably UNHCR would raise
money for any extension of its mandate through the Special Appeals mechanism.
would of course continue to respond to these sympathetically.
UK
V.
UNHCR/UNDP Cooperation
Line to Take
UNHCR should endeavour to fulfil its mandate, its primary objective being the achievement of durable solutions for refugees.
UNDP Resident Representatives should work closely with UNHCR to ensure that durable solutions and the resources required to meet them are brought fully to the attention of the recipient government in the context of an integrated country programme.
3.
CONFIDENTIAL