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ExCom's Mandate
In accordance with paragraph 4 of UNHCR's Statute, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) established the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme in 1958. In its resolution 1166 (XII), the General Assembly:
Although established by ECOSOC, which elects its members, the Executive Committee functions as a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly. Its documentation is issued in a General Assembly series and its annual report is submitted directly to the General Assembly where it is considered in the Third Committee.
The Statute of UNHCR states in Article 3 that:
The Executive Committee does not substitute for the policy making functions of the General Assembly or ECOSOC but has its own slate of executive and advisory functions. The General Assembly set out the following terms of reference:
By its resolution 672 (XXV) of 1958, ECOSOC established the Executive Committee which came into existence as of 1 January 1959. Reaffirming the terms of reference laid down by the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council:
The Executive Committee holds one annual session. This takes place in Geneva during the first half October each year. Its duration is of one week. The Executive Committee's Rules of Procedure are contained in document A/AC/96/187/Rev.6.
In accordance with paragraph 4 of UNHCR's Statute, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) established the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme in 1958. In its resolution 1166 (XII), the General Assembly:
"Requests the Economic and Social Council to establish an Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme to consist of representatives of from twenty to twenty–five States Members of the United Nations or members of any of the specialized agencies, to be elected by the Council on the widest possible geographical basis from those States with a demonstrated interest in, and devotion to, the solution of the refugee problem."
Although established by ECOSOC, which elects its members, the Executive Committee functions as a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly. Its documentation is issued in a General Assembly series and its annual report is submitted directly to the General Assembly where it is considered in the Third Committee.
The Statute of UNHCR states in Article 3 that:
"The High Commissioner shall follow policy directives given him by the General Assembly or the Economic and Social Council" (GA resolution 428 (V), Annex, article 3)."
The Executive Committee does not substitute for the policy making functions of the General Assembly or ECOSOC but has its own slate of executive and advisory functions. The General Assembly set out the following terms of reference:
"(a) To give directives to the High Commissioner for the liquidation of the United Nations Refugee Fund;
(b) To advise the High Commissioner, at his request, in the exercise of his functions under the Statute of his Office;
(c) To advise the High Commissioner as to whether it is appropriate for international assistance to be provided through his Office in order to help solve specific refugee problems remaining unsolved after 31 December 1958 or arising after that date;
(d) To authorize the High Commissioner to make appeals for funds to enable him to solve the refugee problems referred to in sub–paragraph (c) above;
(e) To approve projects for assistance to refugees coming within the scope of sub–paragraph (c) above;
(f) To give directives to the High Commissioner for the use of the emergency fund to be established under the terms of paragraph 7 below."
(GA resolution 1166 (XII)).
(b) To advise the High Commissioner, at his request, in the exercise of his functions under the Statute of his Office;
(c) To advise the High Commissioner as to whether it is appropriate for international assistance to be provided through his Office in order to help solve specific refugee problems remaining unsolved after 31 December 1958 or arising after that date;
(d) To authorize the High Commissioner to make appeals for funds to enable him to solve the refugee problems referred to in sub–paragraph (c) above;
(e) To approve projects for assistance to refugees coming within the scope of sub–paragraph (c) above;
(f) To give directives to the High Commissioner for the use of the emergency fund to be established under the terms of paragraph 7 below."
(GA resolution 1166 (XII)).
By its resolution 672 (XXV) of 1958, ECOSOC established the Executive Committee which came into existence as of 1 January 1959. Reaffirming the terms of reference laid down by the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council:
"Decides further that the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme, being entrusted with the terms of reference set forth in General Assembly resolution 1166 (XII), shall:
(a) Determine the general policies under which the High Commissioner shall plan, develop and administer the programmes and projects required to help solve the problems referred to in resolution 1166 (XII);
(b) Review at least annually the use of funds made available to the High Commissioner and the programmes and projects being proposed or carried out by his Office;
(c) Have authority to make changes in, and give final approval to the use of funds and the programmes and projects referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of the present paragraph."
(ECOSOC resolution 672 (XXV)).
(a) Determine the general policies under which the High Commissioner shall plan, develop and administer the programmes and projects required to help solve the problems referred to in resolution 1166 (XII);
(b) Review at least annually the use of funds made available to the High Commissioner and the programmes and projects being proposed or carried out by his Office;
(c) Have authority to make changes in, and give final approval to the use of funds and the programmes and projects referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of the present paragraph."
(ECOSOC resolution 672 (XXV)).
The Executive Committee holds one annual session. This takes place in Geneva during the first half October each year. Its duration is of one week. The Executive Committee's Rules of Procedure are contained in document A/AC/96/187/Rev.6.
Rules of Procedure
A/AC.96/187/Rev.6
(issued 28 January 2005)
Financial rules for voluntary funds administered by UNHCR
Regulations governing the financial activities of UNHCR
UNHCR Statute
A/AC.96/187/Rev.6
(issued 28 January 2005)
Financial rules for voluntary funds administered by UNHCR
Regulations governing the financial activities of UNHCR
UNHCR Statute