TNAG-0892-FCO40-1102-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 183

E/1979/95 page 46

254. Once again counselling services constituted one of the more important aspects of UNHCR's programmes for refugees in Europe. Mainly non-European refugees benefit from these services aimed at easing problems of employment, accommodation, social welfare and educational training. Social workers also advise refugees on asylum, repatriation and family reunion procedures.

255. Aged and handicapped refugees continued to receive assistance under special schemes administered by UNHCR. These include housing-with-care for the elderly and resettlement (Ten or more Plan) for the handicapped. In Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Yugoslavia, the aged were again provided with annuities while efforts for the treatment and rehabilitation of the handicapped were pursued, notably in Belgium.

256. Expenditure in various European countries under the 1978 General Programmes totalled $2,540,700 and over 1,223,500 under Special Programmes.

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United Nations Humanitarian Assistance for Cyprus

257. The High Commissioner, at the request of the Secretary-General continued to act as Co-ordinator of United Nations Humanitarian Assistance for Cyprus, a function he has discharged since August 1974.

258. Working closely with the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), UNHCR made available food and medical supplies to the displaced and needy throughout the island, with the full co-operation of WFP and WHO. Previous year's activities undertaken to reactivate farms, small businesses and local crafts were pursued, while further financial allocations permitted the construction of low cost housing developments replacing temporary accommodation. Special attention was again given to the very young, the handicapped and the old, who continued to benefit from various measures of assistance.

259. At the request of the Cyprus Government, a number of contributions were channelled through UNHCR to finance the United Nations programme in the island. Expenditures totalled $13.75 million in 1978, of which $9,286,500 were spent for shelter, $1,359,500 for health services and medical supplies, $1,272,200 for supplementary assistance to diverse groups, $860,400 for the construction and equipment of educational facilities and $461,500 for reafforestation and agriculture.

260. Additional information concerning the humanitarian activities carried out by the United Nations in Cyprus in the course of 1978 may be found in the relevant chapters of the progress reports submitted by the Secretary-General to the Security Council in the months of June (S/12723) and December (S/12946).