Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa

Calls upon all States and international organizations, within their mandates, to ensure that the civilian and humanitarian nature of refugee camps is not compromised by the presence or the activities of armed elements; expresses deep concern at the serious and far-reaching consequences of large numbers of refugees and displaced persons in the receiving countries; expresses concern at instances where the fundamental principle of asylum is jeopardized by unlawful expulsion; expresses its appreciation and strong support for those African Governments and local populations that continue to accept the additional burden imposed upon them by increasing numbers of refugees and displaced persons, in compliance with the relevant principles of asylum; commends the Governments concerned for their sacrifices in providing assistance and protection to refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons; reiterates that the Plan of Action adopted by the Regional Conference on Assistance to Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in the Great Lakes Region, held at Bujumbura from 15-17 Feb. 1995 continues to be a viable framework for the resolution of the refugee and humanitarian problems in that region; calls upon the Office of the High Commissioner and other concerned entities to intensify protection activities; appeals to Governments, the UN, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and the international community to create conditions to facilitate the voluntary return in safety.

Adopted without vote, 85th meeting

5 p.

Adopted at the 85th plenary meeting, 9 Dec. 1998.