Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Strongly reaffirms the fundamental importance and the purely humanitarian and non-political character of the function of the Office of UNHCR; reaffirms the fundamental importance of the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees; reaffirms that, as set out in article 14 of the Declaration, everyone has the right to seek and enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution, and calls upon all States to refrain from taking measures that jeopardize the institution of asylum, in particular by returning or expelling refugees or asylum-seekers contrary to international standards; emphasizes that refugee protection is primarily the responsibility of States; stresses the importance of international solidarity and burden-sharing in reinforcing the international protection of refugees; condemns all acts that pose a threat to the personal security and well-being of refugees and asylum-seekers; urges States to uphold the civilian and humanitarian character of refugee camps and settlements; urges all States and relevant organizations to support the High Commissioner's search for durable solutions to refugee problems and to promote sustainable development and capacity-building; calls upon all States to promote conditions conducive to the voluntary repatriation of refugees in safety and with dignity; reiterates the right of all persons to return to their country of origin; calls upon Governments and other donors to contribute generously to the UNHCR unified annual programme budget.

Adopted without vote, 83rd meeting

5 p.

Adopted at the 83rd plenary meeting, 17 Dec. 1999.