85. A number of speakers addressed the problem of the increasing numbers of asylum-seekers in Europe; several described the position and policies of their own Governments in this regard. One delegation stated that the current number of refugees in the Federal Republic of Germany was 673,000, and that the impression conveyed by UNHCR's documentation that the majority lived in unacceptable community housing was incorrect. Several speakers alluded to the difficulty of finding a balance between dissuading abusive requests while preserving refugee rights. UNHCR's efforts in this area were widely welcomed. An observer saw the need for greater UNHCR involvement in protection concerns in North America.
4. Latin America and the Caribbean
86.
The Head of the Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean introduced the programme in his region, recalled its general objectives and touched on the major developments in the area since the preparation of the Committee's documentation.
87. A number of delegations from the region described the refugee situation and policies in their countries, expressed their appreciation of the efforts and the co-operation of UNHCR and urged that assistance programmes be further extended and enhanced. One delegation pointed out that attention should be drawn to the problem of nationals living close to refugee camps and, in particular, to problems of development. Several delegations also expressed concern about the reduction of funds allocated for assistance to countries in Central America. One delegate found the situation of refugees in Central America preoccupying, while another speaker also referred to the situation in Mexico. The accelerating pace of voluntary repatriation in the area was commended by many speakers, who, inter alia, expressed support of UNHCR's efforts to assist with the repatriation of Haitians from the Dominican Republic. Another delegate expressed appreciation of the two Tripartite Commissions, composed of countries of asylum, countries of origin and UNHCR, whose objectives were to facilitate voluntary repatriation.
88.
The delegate of Costa Rica sought the allocation of more funds for Central American refugees, especially in his country, in view of the influx of refugees from Nicaragua as a result of human rights violations in that country. The delegate of Nicaragua objected to this statement, denying the existence of such violations, and stated that the external aggression imposed on his country is the principal cause of the instability of the region and consequently of refugee movements. The delegate of the United States regretted that political elements had been introduced into this humanitarian forum.
89.
One speaker pointed out certain insufficiencies in figures and estimates submitted in UNHCR's documentation, and expressed the fear that this might lead to a reduction in the indispensable activities of UNHCR in Latin America. Responding to the debate, the Head of Bureau assured delegates that UNHCR's allocations would be constantly reviewed to meet programme needs wherever necessary.
5. Middle East, North Africa and South-West Asia
90. The Head of Bureau introduced the situation in the region and outlined a number of common themes in UNHCR's programmes of assistance in the region, including the areas of relief, basic services, self-reliance activities, relations between refugees and locals, and programme implementation and follow-up.
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