D.
Durable solutions
(Items 4 and 6 of the agenda)
One
62. All speakers stressed the need for durable solutions to refugee problems. delegation recalled the High Commissioner's statement that the persistence of a number of refugee situations with no hope for a lasting solution was the biggest refugee problem in the world today. Others welcomed the "solution-orientation" of the High Commissioner, UNHCR's awareness of the need to plan for solutions at the outset of a problem, and the increased share of resources being devoted to the pursuit of such solutions. Some speakers stressed the importance of a regional approach to durable solutions. A number of speakers echoed the view that it was not enough for the industrialized nations to make financial contributions to the Office; they too had to share the burden of accepting a refugee presence on their soil. One speaker felt there was a need to develop comprehensive guidelines on durable solutions that would lead to a more active approach towards their realization.
63. All speakers accepted that voluntary repatriation was the best solution to refugee situations and welcomed the High Commissioner's emphasis on this solution. A large number stressed that the voluntary character of a repatriation movement would have to be carefully established, and the refugees consulted before steps were taken by UNHCR. Several delegations pointed out that the conditions conducive to voluntary repatriation were not available in some of the major contemporary refugee situations and that therefore assistance and resettlement programmes were still necessary. Another felt that repatriation movements were sometimes blocked
by the lack of political will of certain States.
64.
Some speakers, including observers, welcomed voluntary repatriation movements in their regions and particularly to and from their own countries, and called for
One adequate UNHCR assistance to facilitate the reintegration of returnees. delegation, however, stated that the return of large numbers of refugees to his country, apart from posing an insurmountable problem of absorption, could prove to be a source of insecurity. None the less each individual repatriation request would be examined by his Government in conformity with international legal instruments relating to refugees as well as the regulations in force in his country. The solidarity of the international community, particularly that of neighbouring countries, in the permanent settlement of these refugees in host countries could help resolve this problem.
The
65. A number of speakers noted the different proportion of resources devoted to each of the three durable solutions. One delegation stated that while it was not surprising that nearly 90 per cent of such resources was allocated to local integration, the proportion devoted to voluntary repatriation should increase. same delegation, supported by three others, called for more analytical data on durable solutions to facilitate assessment of UNHCR's achievements in this area. Many speakers expressed the view that a "hierarchy of solutions" should not be established; local integration, one stated, was not an easier or more appropriate solution than resettlement. Two other delegates felt that local integration should be pursued whenever and wherever appropriate. One speaker proposed the creation of a consultative body including other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to provide advice and co-ordination on durable solutions.
66. A number of delegations reaffirmed the commitment of their Governments to \providing resettlement opportunities for refugees. One speaker announced a
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