TNAG-0587-FCO40-720-Aid-from-UK-for-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 111

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ANNEX D

UNHCR AND UNDRO

1. We have noted ECOSOC Resolution (E/L.1730) with interest, in particular the references to man-made disasters and, while we in no way wish to criticise the High Commissioner's operations in this sphere, for which we have the highest regard (and we hope we will continue to become involved in such situations particularly where uprooted and displaced persons are concerned), we would like to see a measure of co-operation between UNHCR and UNDRO in the co-ordination of humanitarian relief aid which is brought to victims of disasters whether these be natural or man-made disasters.

2. Our understanding of UNDRO's mandate (GA Resolution 2816) is that UNDRO should involve itself not only in the co-ordination of relief assistance to victims of natural disasters but also in the case of "other disaster situations" which we take to mean man-made disasters. We believe both organisations should seek to establish a pragmatic working arrangement. Such an arrangement would, we believe, make for greater efficiency within the UN system and should lead to the best employment of available UN resources when such disaster situations arise.

3. We should prefer to see others take the initiative in raising this topic. Perhaps the Dutch would be prepared to do this in the context of the Nine. The delegation should do what it can to encourage this approach. In any case, the UNHCR/UNDRO problem does exist and our views should be made known.

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