TNAG-1542-FCO40-2106-United-Nations-High-Commissioner-for-Refugees-(UNHCR)-Execut-1986 — Page 59

CONFIDENTIAL

8.

Finally, there is the point that where existing machinery for coping with refugee problems exists it should be used, and certainly nothi ng should be done which might undermine it. Where it does not

exist every effort should be made to cultivate and develop it, both within the refugee community itself and in the host government. The aim is self-sufficiency of refugees and hosts governments alike - so that the offices of UNHCR are not required. Many NGOs, in their

eagerness to help, often overlook this basic fact with the result

that the refugees end up even more dependent on hand-outs and

infrastrcuture from outside.

UNITED NATIONS DEPARTMENT

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

N57ABZ

CONFIDENTIAL