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281. Voluntary agencies have played a major role in promoting the resettlement of refugees, particularly boat people from South East Asia, by providing sponsorships in countrics of permanent residence. The agencies have worked with UNHCR in a number of situations such as that of the persons from Burma in Bangladesh, the repatriation of Zairian refugees from Angola and the Nicaraguan refugees in central America.
282. UNHCR has further strengthened its traditional partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the League of Red Cross Societies (LRCS) which provide significant support to the Office in the performance of its protection functions.
283. In financial support alone, the voluntary agencies contributed a total of $8.9 million towards UNHCR programmes in 1978 which represents some 6 per cent of all contributions received by the Office.
Nansen Medal Award
284. The Nansen Medal for 1978 was presented to Sir Seretse Khana, President of the Republic of Botswana, as a tribute to the courageous and dedicated action pursued on behalf of the uprooted by a young nation under the inspiring leadership of its President. The Government and the people of Botswana rendered exceptional service to the cause of refugees by giving shelter to thousands of victims of racial discrimination and other forms of persecution.
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