E/CN.4/1503 page 52
113. It is recognized that the role of such a corps of humani-
tarian observers should be entirely non-political and purely
humanitarian. Consequently, any decision in this regard by
the United Nations should be taken in a humanitarian context
and care should be taken that it is not viewed as an effort
parallel to, or in conflict with, the work of the Security
Council. The benefit would be similar to that of delegates of
bodies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross in
situations of armed conflict. In addition to having a calming
effect in the areas where they would be stationed, these ob-
servers might carry out general monitoring functions both in
regard to the rhythm and nature of the exodus and the inter-
national aid provided. The corps would consist of volunteers
lists of whom might be established in advance on the basis of
availability of human resources essentially within the United
Nations system, for short rounds of duty in the field. A
prerequisite for this role would be the concurrence of the
governments concerned.
The corps would then spring into action in the context of the trigger mechanism suggested in this Study.
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