character of refugee camps and settlements.
Two speakers requested that the report reflect a balanced approach as well as a detailed historical account of the problem, region by region, its impact on the lives and physical and mental well-being of refugees, the adverse effects on UNHCR's action on behalf of refugees and that the report review the law, including humanitarian law, customary international law and the United Nations General Assembly resolutions. One of these speakers also requested that a first report be submitted in advance of the informal meeting of the Executive Committee planned for June 1987. Two other speakers, however, expressed the view that both the Chairman and the High Commissioner should have a free hand concerning the time and the mechanism required to deal with this matter.
47.
Some speakers referred to the situation of the Palestine refugees and their need for international protection. These speakers believed that confusion should be avoided between material, medical and educational assistance which was indeed provided by other United Nations agencies and protection which Palestinian refugees had never received from any United Nations agency, or organ. These speakers, therefore, called upon the High Commissioner to extend international protection to Palestine refugees within the context of his universal mandate and requested that the provisions of the 1951 Convention be applied to them.
48.
Several speakers recalled Conclusion No. 39 on the protection of refugee women adopted by the Executive Committee at its thirty-sixth session. These speakers expressed concern at the continued violations of the safety and physical integrity of refugee women and requested UNHCR to continue and intensify its efforts to respond to their needs in order to ensure respect of their basic rights and that they receive the necessary protection. The High Commissioner was encouraged to continue reporting in as much detail as possible on this subject and one speaker proposed that the subject-matter also be submitted for the consideration of the 12th meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Whole on International Protection.
49.
A number of speakers similarly expressed concern at continued piracy attacks in South-East Asia. Some speakers spoke in support of the different Rescue at Sea programmes. One speaker stated that such programmes should not be used by asylum-seekers to obtain resettlement advantages. The same speaker looked forward to a review and evaluation of the "Rescue at Sea Resettlement Offers" (RASRO) scheme.
50.
A number of speakers paid particular tribute to the work performed by voluntary agencies in the field of international protection and called for even closer co-operation of agencies and the High Commissioner. One speaker noted that the success of voluntary repatriation often depended on the assistance afforded to returnees. This was an area where voluntary agencies could make a considerable contribution towards international protection and the attainment of a durable solution.
51.
In responding to the debate, the Director of the Division of Refugee Law and Doctrine expressed his gratitude for the concern and interest shown by everyone on the various protection issues discussed.
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