E/1979/95 page 45
CHAPTER V
ASSISTANCE ACTIVITIES IN EUROPE
A. Assistance in various countries
248. The overall number of refugees in Europe was estimated at some 520,000 by 31 December 1978, approximately 26,000 less than at the end of 1977.
Natural causes, naturalization, resettlement abroad and, in certain cases, re-acquisition of previous nationality (Spaniards) partially account for the decrease. It is also due to the exclusion from the overall figures of a number of stateless persons residing in the Federal Republic of Germany, previously included in the statistics, but who are no longer shown as they are not of direct concern to UNHCR. It is further to be noted that the decrease in the overall refugee population in Europe was partly offset by new refugee arrivals in Spain and Portugal.
249. With the exception of Portugal and Spain, where a number of legal and assistance problems remain to be solved, most of the refugees are well integrated in their country of asylum and receive the same benefits as the local population. As in previous years, gcvernments continued to provide the bulk of assistance to refugees through voluntary agencies and non-governmental organizations. UNHCR's role often limited itself to that of a co-ordinator and in the sphere of protection to that of an advisory body.
250. In a number of countries, UNHCR advises national Committees in matters relating to the determination of refugee status of asylum seekers. In the United Kingdom, UNHCR consulted with the Home Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on recommendations concerning refugee legislation and procedures.
251. In view of the increasing number of refugees reaching Spain from Latin America and Africa and the complexity of the problems connected with their presence there, a UNHCR Branch Office was opened in Madrid during the period under review. The initial tasks of this Office were to assist the Spanish authorities with the drawing up of internal legislation in line with the 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol, both of which were ratified by Spain during the course of the year, as well as the elaboration of additional assistance measures to meet the refugees' growing needs.
252. In Portugal the exact refugee population was not known due to the absence as yet of legislation to determine the status of the large number of persons who reached Portugal following the independence of African territories formerly under Portuguese administration. Assistance was extended where possible to refugees of both African and Latin American origin and consisted of multipurpose measures designed to facilitate local integration. Special mention should be made of voluntary repatriation to Africa which was also arranged for some 1,100 refugees.
253. During 1978, European countries again provided resettlement opportunities to refugees, particularly from Latin America and Indo-China. In France, refugees and displaced persons from Indo-China continued to be admitted at the monthly rate of initially 1,000 and later 1,100. Moreover many European countries have requested ships flying their own flag to rescue "boat people" in distress on the high seas and in most cases have been generous in guaranteeing asylum to people so rescued. Refugees of African origin found local integration possibilities in France, the United Kingdom, and to a lesser extent in Portugal and Spain. Refugees of European origin continued to seek and receive asylum in various countries. In addition, transit facilities were provided by Austria, the Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Italy and Turkey for groups or individuals wishing to resettle overseas.
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