and their importance should not therefore be minimized. Another urged the High Commissioner to mobilize non-governmental organizations and world public opinion to achieve solutions to the root causes of refugee problems.
115. The President of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) pointed out that non-governmental organizations worked in partnership with UNHCR by virtue of their own identity and commitment to refugees. UNHCR's role as the lead agency on behalf of the international community was one that the voluntary agencies had long supported; inherent in this was the responsibility of UNHCR for protection and durable solutions even beyond the point when assistance programmes have been handed over to other agencies. In his view the growing number of non-governmental organizations was a demonstration of popular involvement and concern; non-governmental organizations mobilized millions of dollars and thousands of volunteers who facilitated the task of Governments and intergovernmental agencies such as UNHCR. These views were later echoed by three other delegates.
116. The representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed the view that ICRC and UNHCR had complementary mandates and stressed the importance both organizations attached to respect by Governments for fundamental humanitarian principles and treaty obligations. He welcomed the co-operation between the two organizations in the field and in Geneva. The Secretary-General of the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies described the activities of his organization in favour of refugees, in particular by extending support to the work of National Societies.
J. Inter-agency co-operation
(Items 4, 5, 6 and 8 of the agenda)
117. A number of speakers urged enhanced co-operation and better information flow between UNHCR and other agencies engaged in related work.
118. A large number of speakers sought enhanced operational collaboration between UNHCR and UNDP, the World Bank, ICRC and ICM. One delegation expressed reservations in respect of ICM.
119. Representatives of UNDP, UNESCO, WFP and ICM took the floor to describe the current situation and future prospects of their co-operation with UNHCR. Reviewing his agency's co-operation with UNHCR, the UNDP representative noted that durable solutions for refugees could not be divorced from general development plans and reiterated UNDP's commitment to the implementation of the recommendations of the Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa. He had taken careful note of the many comments of delegates urging enhanced co-operation between UNDP and UNHCR.
K.
Responses of UNHCR
(Items 4 6 and 8 of the agenda)
·
120. Responding to the general debate, the High Commissioner expressed his appreciation, and that of his staff, particularly those in the field, for the comments made thus far. He felt there was still a long, hard road ahead, but said that the discussions had testified to the will of Governments to confront the
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