1
σ
three million people in the North Western provinces have been affected by
drought: this has had a negative impact on the UNHCR programme, and
understandably so as priorities in the area, in terms of logistics and
transport, had to be reviewed and existing means mobilized for immediate
distribution to victims. Our objective, however, remains unchanged: in
cooperation with the authorities and the agencies, to provide proper initial
rehabilitation to the returnees, giving them a sound basis to start a new life
in their home country.
The most globally planned, longer-term approach to refugee problems in
Africa is being developed today through the preparation of ICARA II, the
Second International Conference for Assistance to Refugees in Africa, due to
take place in Geneva from 9 to 11 July next year. The pertinent General
Assembly resolution aims both at meeting the needs of refugees and returnees
and at strengthening the social and economic infrastructure of African
countries concerned with refugee or returnee problems, to help them cope with
the burden. In our 1984 Programme to meet refugee needs, more than half of
the target submitted for Africa is for durable solutions.
are being studied, country by country.
Additional needs
In order to devise projets aimed at easing the burden on national
infrastructures, technical teams are at work: the OAU, the Office of the
United Nations Secretary-General, the United Nations Development Programme,
UNHCR and other agencies, are visiting some 15 countries. The teams are to
take all possible factors into account, such as the refugee situation, the
government policy toward refugees, the socio-economic situation, the impact of
the presence of refugees. Projects being prepared so far, extending over
three to five years, aim to be reasonable, realistic and technically sound.
Reports will be produced for each country, with the respective governments'
concurrence. UNHCR's active involvement in all preparations is guided by our
confidence that the Conference will lay a solid foundation for future
concerted action.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.