TNAG-1524-FCO40-2088-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-Sub-Committee-on-Race-Relations-and--1986 — Page 45

INFORMAL MEETING OF PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES IN GENEVA OF STATES

MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED

NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES

Statement on 31 January 1986 by the Permanent Representative

of the United Kingdom, Mr John Sankey

Mr Chairman,

First of all I would like to welcome M. Jean-Pierre Hocke

and to wish him every success in his new and difficult role as High Commissioner. I associate my delegation with the tributes paid to his high qualifications for his new task, and to the sterling work of his predecessor.

It was with great concern that my Delegation learned last year of the financial crisis which affected, and still affects, UNHCR. We are glad that there have been some further pledges since the pledging conference in New York in November, but the situation still remains very serious. The UK sees a continued need to establish priorities and keep administration costs at a minimum. We wholeheartedly agree that no life-saving elements should be cut although we are sorry to see cuts in the solution elements of programmes. We welcome the reductions in administrative costs which have been achieved in 1985 and welcome the High Commissioner's intent to improve the effectiveness of UNHCR's headquarters organisation.

u

So far as resettlement is concerned, the UK considers that in general it is the least satisfactory long-term solution. The best arrangement, where circumstances permit, is voluntary repatriation. Local integration should also be explored and pursed wherever possible. There is a need to monitor the situation of returnees and to provide developmental aid to communities into which they return. Britain contributed £850,000 in our financial year 1985/86 to the UNHCR special appeals for assistance with voluntary repatriation programmes.

1 You

Page 45}