TNAG-1543-FCO40-2107-United-Nations-High-Commissioner-for-Refugees-(UNHCR)-Execut-1986 — Page 65

CODE 18-77

AWO Ltd. 7/84

NOTE FOR THE FILE

Reference...

per Leeks

37TH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF UNHCR: PLENARY: 7 OCTOBER 1986

General Debate (continued)

1. The Canadians in their speech referred to the growing lack of distinction between the reasons for seeking asylum and for emigration from Third World countries. The term they used was the convergence of the emigration and refugee streams. They also spoke in support of closer governmental/UNHCR coordination, on the reorganisation of the Office, on the need to balance the budget, on burden- sharing, on durable solutions, refugee women and self- reliance.

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2. Sweden also spoke on the reorganisation of the Office, international protection, South Africa, Afghanistan, regional solutions, income generating projects, cooperation between UNHCR and other UN organisations, Sweden's record in assisting refugees, the role of NGOs, irregular movement, root causes of human rights', and the debt burden on developing countries. In particular they regretted the failure of the Sub-Commission on International Protection to agree conclusions on military attacks on refugee camps. They blamed South Africa for destabilising the region and thereby causing refugee outflows and called upon the international community to be prepared for further increased refugee flows from South Africa. In balance they also blamed the refugee problem in Pakistan and Iran on the Soviet Union and stated that the problem would remain as long as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan lasted. They ended by saying that the real problems would not be solved unless we can eliminate the root causes of refugee flows. The constant violation of human rights, ongoing armed conflicts and poverty are only some of the root causes. They said that the system of economic imbalance in developed and developing countries including the debt burden are among these other causes of refugee flows. They agreed with the High Commissioner that it was for governments to find political solutions to the causes of refugees' displacement.

3. Japan spoke of their commitment to UNHCR and announced new pledges, about protection, assistance activities, durable solutions and the reorganisation of the Office. On its last point they stated that they would reserve judgement on the reorganisation until a January meeting. They also referred to the report of the G18 stating that the report contained a wide range of recommendations to improve the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations and that the UNHCR might find it useful to study the report and to reflect on their recommendations in its reorganisation exercise.

14.