problems of refugees. He was aware that a certain number of questions and doubts remained, but this was a natural part of the process of democratic debate, which he welcomed. The discussions had offered encouragement and support to the countries of first asylum, particularly in the developing world, which he hoped would enable them to continue their generous policies of asylum and hospitality to refugees. Dignity and security in the search for durable solutions was vital. The discussion on detention and military attacks revealed the preoccupations of delegates but also reflected their determination to arrive at a consensus. The High Commissioner also welcomed the emphasis placed on the problems of refugee women. With regard to the reorganization, he looked forward to the opportunity for Member States to pronounce themselves on UNHCR's new Plan of Action in January 1987. As for financing, UNHCR had not needed to cut its programmes significantly in 1986, but hoped to have sufficient funds at the beginning of 1987 to permit the planned implementation of projects. The High Commissioner also welcomed the expression of support by the non-governmental organizations in the work ahead.
121. Responding to the discussion on assistance, durable solutions and refugee aid and development, the Deputy High Commissioner noted the general support for UNHCR's framework of action in the assistance arena and for an activist role in pursuing solutions, especially voluntary repatriation. He also took note of the general agreement on considering the three issues together under one agenda item, and the appreciation for the form and content of UNHCR documentation, as well as the positive statement by UNDP. He was grateful that his definition of the concept of operationality, which was not a new idea for UNHCR, had been accepted; a Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs as far back as 1955 had classifed UNHCR as an operational agency. He explained the transfer of the Sudan programme to the General Programme by stressing that with the passage of the emergency UNHCR had resorted to its traditional approach; there were no "grey areas" in the case-load assisted. He concluded by expressing appreciation of the major contribution of first asylum countries which harboured large refugee populations despite the difficulties these posed for them.
122. Responding to the debate on administration and management, the Deputy High Commissioner expressed his appreciation of the support that had been expressed for the general orientation of the Office, the organizational changes, improvements in budget control and reporting, and the attempts to break out of the negative cycle of audit reports. He welcomed the statement that zero-growth should not be allowed to impede the Office in the accomplishment of its basic tasks, and stated that the number of project ("L") posts, which are essential to UNHCR's response capacity, would continue to expand and contract in accordance with changing refugee situations. He also stated that the Ad Hoc Advisory Board was an exceptional measure taken in the context of restructuring and in order to respond to the challenge to place staff in new positions in a timely manner. The Office wished to restore the traditional process of postings, but decisions on certain key posts would have to be the inherent responsibility of the Head and the management of the organization.
L. Adoption of the draft agenda for the thirty-eighth session
(Item 9 of the agenda)
-
assistance,
123. One delegate felt that the merging of three crucial items durable solutions and refugee aid and development in one agenda item affected the possibilities for constructive debate, given the time limitations on interventions.
-27-