TNAG-1542-FCO40-2106-United-Nations-High-Commissioner-for-Refugees-(UNHCR)-Execut-1986 — Page 239

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i. There is scope for improvement here, although much of it is largely academic, being outside the hands of either the UNHCR or, independently, the Algerian government. Potential improvements could take any of the following forms:-

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ii.

(a) the UNHCR operation in Algeria is staffed by a very

small office in Algiers executing a not so small programme. With more staff, they could certainly devote resources to other tasks, notably carrying out a census of the refugee population. For obvious reasons however, such a task might not be politically acceptable. In current political circumstances, when the UN are recognising Morocco and not (explicitly) the SADR, the latter are unwilling to supply lists or other details which might fall into Moroccan hands.

(b)

(c)

Although (see (4) below) there is reasonable liaison with other agencies, both international and foreign national, this could be improved.

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Similarly liaison with their HQ in Geneva is weak. There is apparently a tendency to treat the Western Saharan operation an on-going and increasingly routine one as the poor relation in contrast with more dramatic and newsworthy operations elsewhere, for example in Ethiopia or the Sudan.

Assistance provided is adequate for the targets at which the UNHCR aim. However it is not adequate to meet all existing refugee needs. Complementary assistance from other sources, and particularly the Algerian government, generally succeeds in bridging the gap.

Assistance is of a "care and maintenance" nature and, without the political will for a long-term solution, must remain

So,

iii. Yes. The Sahrawis are conscientious in ensuring that assistance reaches its civilian targets. Some men in the camps are soldiers, but they are simply returning to their families, eg on leave.

iv.

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Yes. A variety of projects gardening and poultry and livestock rearing, as well as sewing and carpet-making have been set up to help the refugees help themselves, but there are limits to what can be done in the desert terrain and when neither permanent settlement or transfer could be easily reconciled with ultimate political objectives.

V.

This question is not really relevant to the Algerian situation. The Algerians, and other groups, had the expertise before the UNHCR set up was established. In fact some "buck passing" is now apparent with the Algerians encouraging the UNHCR to take on activities which they themselves have previously and properly carried out.

CONFIDENTIAL