TNAG-1542-FCO40-2106-United-Nations-High-Commissioner-for-Refugees-(UNHCR)-Execut-1986 — Page 122

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region.

attached).

(Policy statements on Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala

BACKGROUND

4. Since 1981 the United Kingdom has contributed over £1,550,000 to the relief of refugees and displaced persons in Central America; £680,000 of this has gone to the UNHCR to assist refugees. This year, we have given £150,000 to UNHCR appeal funds for Central America. We also gave the International Committee of the Red Cross £100,000 for their Central

America Emergency Appeal this year.

5. UNHCR assist some 118,000 refugees in Central America, Belize,

Mexico and Panama. Some 40,000 are Guatemalans, 26,500 Salvadoreans,

and 44,000 Nicaraguans. Salvadorean and Guatemalan refugees generally flee from their security authorities or combat zones. However, the overall number of refugees in the area is considered to be around

320,000.

REFUGEE PROBLEMS

6. The refugee situation is highly politicised, especially in Honduras in respect of both Salvadorean and Nicaraguan refugees.

A: HONDURAS

We understand there are 44,223 UNHCR registered refugees in Honduras.

(a) Nicaraguan Refugees. Some 23,000 registered Nicaraguan refugees

(17,000 Miskitos, 6,000 Ladinos). In March 1986, there was a major influx of refugees. A further 35,000 unregistered refugees of Indian origin are believed to have moved from Nicaragua into Honduras in the period up to the end of August. The picture is confused. The US claim that these refugees have fled as a result of attacks by the Sandinistas. According to other accounts, the contras have kidnapped entire villages and forced them into Honduras, largely for recruiting purposes. The use of the camps by contras for recruitment, training, supply and sanctuary is a politically sensitive issue.

JONE 10.

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