CODE 18-77
AWO Ltd.
7/84
Reference..
M
3.
6. The Swiss spoke
about the need for dialogue
between governments and UNHCR, durable solutions and political problems giving rise to refugees, the need for self-reliance programmes, ICARA II and development aid for refugees, finance of UNHCR and the Swiss contributions, the reorganisation of the Office, international refugee instruments, and irregular movements. In particular they welcomed the collaboration between UNHCR and governments represented by the informal EXCOM and the open days. On reorganisation they too stated that they wished to review the situation in January once the High Commissioner's measures had had time to take effect, and that we should not expect immediate savings from these measures.
-
7. The Chinese delegation spoke about the increasing numbers of refugees, armed attacks on refugee camps, root causes of refugee outflows, durable solutions, burden- sharing and the burden of the least developed countries and China's support for UNHCR. They condemned specifically the attacks by South Africa and Vietnam on refugee camps and the loss of many innocent refugees. They linked the search for durable solutions with the root causes of refugee problems which they claim were the outcome of international political, social and economic contradictions and turbulences. The fundamental solution to the refugee problem could possibly only be found when just and reasonable political solutions are found to the conflicts concerned. On burden- sharing they felt that the developed countries as compared to the developing countries still have potential to help refugees even more.
8.
Tanzania spoke about the humanitarian role of developing countries, military attacks on refugee camps, South Africa and apartheid, the need to prevent new flows of refugees, and the mandate of UNHCR. On military attacks on refugee camps they stressed the importance of making a very clear commitment in favour of the unprotected and dispossessed. The slightest hint of even tacit acceptance of such acts was totally unacceptable and was wrought with immense implications. On the mandate of UNHCR the Tanzanian delegation called on developed countries to give a broad interpretation to the mandate. They stated that they will need to be generous with resources they make available and persevere in their commitment to humanity in their own best traditions beyond national interests is much greater, much more onerous burdens are to be avoided in the not long distant future. With regard to South Africa they felt that we ought now to be preparing for the refugees which will flow from South Africa in the future.
9. Zaire was the next to speak. They spoke of their record in helping refugees, their lack of resources to fit their own generousity towards refugees and hence the need for international assistance, the need for developmental assistance to the poorer countries of first asylum so that asylum-
/seekers
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.