CODE 18-77
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Reference....
qualified so that resettlement countries could not use it as an excuse for not bearing their share of the burden. In this regard Algeria noted the reduction in resettlement places.
9.
Tanzania stated their preference to take this item as three items on the agenda as they formed the heart of UNHCR's mandate. They would threfore not stick to the five minute rule. Tanzania emphasised the need for medium and long term planning for refugees not just reaction to emergencies. UNHCR must increase the general programmes and improve the cost efficiency of implement- ation. In this regard they welcomed the efforts towards better management.
10. The plight of host least developed countries must be a priority. Many of those in Africa also faced development crisis. It was most unfortunate that these countries had not been spared the reductions in UNHCR's programmes. It had been hoped that these countries would have been given special consideration during the cutting process. Merely lowering standards of projects was not acceptable.
11.
The major achievement of ICARA II had been to establish the international nature of responsibility for refugee aid and development. But implementation was proceeding too slowly only 2 out of 8 projects in Tanzania had started. They hoped that the reorganisation of UNHCR would result in speedier implementation.
12. Tanzania had pioneered settlement handover but the burden had proved too great for them. They simply did not have sufficient foreign currency to help maintain settlement eg spare parts, fuel etc. The situation could deteriorate into one where the settlement became dependent on international aid again. Even after settlement in this manner the people were refugees. They called for further aid to avoid deterioration of the situation.
13. Tanzania noted the problem of over crowding in some countries of first asylum. There should not be a hierarchy of solutions but the situation of particular refugee problems should be taken into account. Therefore no solution should be considered as one of last resort. Indeed local integration
no easier or cheaper than resettlement as witnessed in Honduras and Thailand. The best solution of course was to encourage countries of origin to create conditions which would allow repatriation. Governments should put pressure on South Africa to dismantle apartheid and withdraw from Namibia. Africa should be isolated in accordance with UN General Assembly resolution.
14. The UK spoke as in the attached speech.
South
15. Turkey spoke about the problems of countries of first asylum and the need for resettlement as part of the process of durable solutions. Naturally they called for more countries to offer resettlement places.
/16.
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