CONFIDENTIAL
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In the Sub-Committce, last year, international solidarity in large-scale influx situations was considered principally in relation to admission, exuitable burden-sharing, and consultation with the Office of the United Nations High Cammissioner for Refugees and other international bodies.
We believe that the Sub-Committee should also consider other aspects of international solidarity particularly relevant to large-scale influx situations. These include the value and importance of even political and moral expressions of solidarity by States in the protection of refugees, and action by States to exercise their responsibility or influence to obtain the optimu solution to a refugee situation, i.e. voluntary repatriation, by their endeavours, jointly or individually, to secure an immediate improvement in the situation in the country of origin of the refugees so as to make possible their voluntary return.
The role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in relation to these aspects should be considered.
The Problem of "Sources" or "Origins"
In addition, though in another forum, we believe that the United Nations generally should address itself further to the problems of the "origin" or "source" of any large-scale exodus. The international responsibility of the "source" State is involved not only by the often grave and systematic violations of fundamental human rights which lie behind a mass exodus, but also by the consequences for other States who, without their consent, have to receive and support the victims of such violations.
Enforced departures or the deprivation of nationality contrary to human rights are seriously wrongful acts, both in regard to the individuals concerned and to other States. Such solutions to internal problems are unacceptable. While expulsion or enforced departure may be preferable to detention, imprisonment or death, neither is a legitimate alternative to respect for humen rights. Asylum or refuge granted by other countries does not relieve the "source" country of continuing responsibility to acoord their nationals fundamental human rights, including the right to return and enjoy them.
While we do not believe that it would be appropriate to cinsider the problems of "origins" or "source" in the Sub-Committee ; an International Protection or in the Executive Committee, we feel
that the subject should continue to receive the urgent attention of the United Nations. A dangerous imbalance could be created if renadial measures were stressed without corresponding emphasis on proventive aspects.
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