CODE 18-77
AWO Ltd.
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NOTE FOR THE FILE
Reference....
1 Leeks
37TH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF UNHCR: GENERAL DEBATE:
8 OCTOBER 1986
1.
Bolivia stated that EXCOM must address the problem of armed attacks against refugees. They also stated their support for any
durable solutions.
2. Nigeria promised to continue to offer hospitality to refugees and expressed their appreciation to the major donors. However they expressed their concern that armed attacks on refugee camps had evoked little attention from the major donors.
3.
envisage
The OAU pointed out the need to implement projects by ICARA II. On international protection they stated their serious concern at the South African raids on refugee camps in complete disregard for sovereignty of nations. The OAU considered that the Africans Charter for peoples rights should help prevent new refugee flows if implemented.
4.
The ICRC stated that it had a mandate under the four Geneva Conventions to protect and assist persons affected by armed conflicts. Thus ICRC and UNHCR had complementary mandates. must ensure that they could implement their mandates fully.
5.
Both
Senegal referred to the large number of refugees in Africa and the need to mobilize resources of donors particularly in the ICARA context. They condemned policies of Southern Africa and stated the need for more than stop gap solutions.
6.
The International Council of Voluntary Agencies stated their readiness to work in partnership with UNHCR. They expressed concern over refugee women, repatriation programme in Djibouti, the situation in Southern Africa, armed attacks on refugee camps, the situation in Asia and particularly on the Thai/Cambodian border, and the increasing use of detention in Europe, They called for a comprehensive refugee strategy.
D
7. Iran totally condemned the attacks on refugee camps in Iran and perpetrated by South Africa and Israel. They praised the role of UNHCR which in contrast to most UN activity (which consisted of useless, toothless resolutions) was useful. In 1987, the International Year of Shelter, limited resources should be allocated on a proportionate basis and without political bias as needed. The aims of this year should be purely humanitarian.
8. The World Food Programme outlined its role in helping refugees and in cooperating with UNHCR. They stated that food and was a double edged sword. It must not depress prices and adversely affect local production. Nor should it act as a disincentive for durable solutions. To this end UNHCR and WFP must avoid any over supply and ensure that food aid reached those
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