TNAG-0892-FCO40-1102-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 176

E/1979/95 page 39

200. Whereas in preceding years emphasis was placed upon the transportation, reception and initial settlement of displaced groups, efforts in 1978 were concentrated primarily on the implementation of an assistance programme in rural areas with a high proportion of displaced persons and returnees, focusing mainly on agriculture, health and education. This assistance was not only intended to contribute towards the self-sufficiency of the displaced groups, but also to help lay the groundwork for the restoration of a basic infrastructure in the areas where they now live. Agricultural tools and machinery vere provided as well as 10 tons of insecticides and 50 tons of rice seed. A previously established project, whereby UNHCR undertook to provide certain equipment to 100 dispensaries and to partially cover the construction costs. of 60, was completed at the beginning of 1979. A total amount of almost $1,043,000 was expended for these purposes during the year under review.

209. The severe drought that affected the south of the country during 1977, as well as the floods occuring in 1978, influenced the UHCR assistance pattern. A total of $3,841,425 was spent from trust funds during 1978 in respect of emergency food assistance, in cash and in kind, in flood and drought affected areas. In addition, rice seed was provided to alleviate the effects of floods. Total expenditures in 1978, under Special Programmes, amounted to some $4,912,400.

Lebanon

210. As in the preceding year, UNHCR's activities in Lebanon, under its General Programmes, in favour of approximately 1,000 refugees, were again adversely affected by events in the area. Assistance for resettlement abroad and local integration remained at a relatively low level due to the prevailing unsettled situation, with few new refugee arrivals from other countries.

211. 41 refugees were resettled, 23 of them without recourse to assistance from UNHCR, with a remaining caseload of about 150 refugees wishing to resettle abroad as at the end of 1978. Counselling services were maintained and refugees were also assisted mainly through supplementary aid, the provision of medical and institutional care as required, rent subsidies and kindergarten and primary education for their children. A total of $121,594 was obligated for these purposes.

212. In addition to the funds made available from its General Programmes, UNHCR contributed to the overall United Nations effort to help displaced persons inside Lebanon through its participation in the work of the High Relief Committee and through co-operation with the Secretary-General's Special Representative. Funds totalling $3,215,827 were made available for emergency assistance and for a rehabilitation programme in rural areas. This latter programme comprised the reconstruction of villages and/or repairs to village houses as well as supporting the socio-economic infrastructure through the provision of agricultural implements, water supply, small irrigation schemes and aid in the field of community development.

213. Projects within this Special Programme continue to be implemented mainly by the Government of Lebanon. One such project permitted the reconstruction of about 2,000 houses in southern Lebanon and was successfully completed at the end of January 1979. Other projects, however, face delays in implementation due to the prevailing situation.