Report of the Seventh Meeting of the Standing Committee (30 April - 1 May 1997)

A/AC.96/881

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
HIGH COMMISSIONER'S PROGRAMME
Forty-eighth session

I. INTRODUCTION

1. The meeting was opened by the Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee, His Excellency, Ambassador Björn Skogmo (Norway). The Chairman took the opportunity to welcome the delegations of Poland and South Africa as newly elected members of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme.

II. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA OF THE SIXTH MEETING AND THE REPORT OF THE FIFTH MEETING

2. The Provisional Agenda (EC/47/SC/CRP.15) and the Draft Report of the Sixth Meeting of the Standing Committee (EC/47/SC/CRP.14 and Corr.1) were both adopted without revision. An amended draft decision on the social and economic impact of large refugee populations on host developing countries, forwarded from the sixth meeting of the Standing Committee, was adopted without further revision (annex I).

III. PROGRAMME AND FUNDING ISSUES

3. The Standing Committee had before it a document entitled, Update on Programme and Funding Projections for 1997 (EC/47/SC/CRP.16) and a related draft decision.

4. The agenda item was introduced by the Director of the Division of Operational Support (DOS). With regard to 1997 expenditure, he provided up to date information on the use of the Voluntary Repatriation Fund and the Programme Reserve. In relation to 1998 programmes, he foreshadowed some difficulties in relation to the likely level of 1998 General Programmes. On present indications (see next paragraph), he indicated that it might not be possible to maintain the level of 1998 General Programmes at their 1997 level and that there would not be any scope to shift statutory activities currently being funded under Special Programmes to 1998 General Programmes. The Director informed delegations that a clearer picture of the 1998 needs under both General and Special Programmes should emerge by the time of the June meeting of the Standing Committee, indicating that by that time the Operations Review Board will have completed its work.

5. The current funding trends were reviewed by the Head of the Funding and Donor Relations Service (FDRS). He concentrated on two areas of potential funding problems for 1997. The first of these related to General Programmes. With diminished secondary income and carry-over, the Head of the Service explained that UNHCR's funding projections showed a possible drop of contributions of some $ 20 million. Further, he informed delegations that, if not reversed, this trend would have considerable impact, particularly on next year's General Programmes' target. He went on to explain that several donors appeared unable to maintain their 1996 General Programmes funding levels. In addition, he indicated that the strong US dollar had the effect of diminishing contributions from countries contributing in their own currencies. Secondly, he appealed to donors for adequate funding for a number of Special Operations, including repatriations in Africa, programmes in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and operations in former Yugoslavia. He urged donors to assure a reasonably stable funding base, in order to permit the High Commissioner to deal with the challenges and problems at hand.

6. Delegations made statements and posed questions on a number of specific operations, including the Great Lakes region of Africa, former Yugoslavia and Ethiopia. The priority that should be accorded to the funding of General Programmes was underlined by several delegations. The same delegations stressed the need to broaden UNHCR's donor base. One delegation asked that more information be given on the uses made of the various allocations under the Voluntary Repatriation Fund and the Programme Reserve. A question was asked about any possible relationship in the predicted shortfall in the funding of General Programmes and the funding of Special Programmes. One delegation expressed the wish that the documentation be more up to date.

7. The Director of DOS and the Head of FDRS responded to the various interventions. Problems and progress to-date in relation to the expansion of UNHCR's donor base were outlined and it was noted that the High Commissioner intended to visit a number of potential donors during the course of the year. The present problem of funding General Programmes was considered a separate issue to that of funding Special Programmes. It was explained that UNHCR has consistently had funding problems with Special Programmes over the last four years, both as to the quantity as well as the timing of contributions. This year, delegations were informed, is the first year since 1993 that funding of the General Programmes would seem to be a problem. As regards more up to date information, it was proposed that the oral updates traditionally provided by the Secretariat at meetings would be made available on the day of the Standing Committee in an information sheet. UNHCR undertook to look at providing more information on the uses made of the allocations made under the Voluntary Repatriation Fund and the Programme Reserve.

8. The Standing Committee adopted the related Decision on Programme and Funding (Annex).

IV. SITUATIONS REPORTS

9. The Standing Committee had two regional reviews to consider under this agenda item: an Update on Regional Developments in Europe (EC/47/SC/CRP.17, Corr.1 and Corr.2), and an Update on Regional Developments in the former Yugoslavia (EC/47/SC/CRP.18). An oral report was also provided by the Chairman of the Executive Committee on his recent mission to Mexico and Guatemala.

A. Regional developments in Europe

10. Introducing the regional review of Europe, the Director of Operations for Europe began by emphasizing that in Western Europe, UNHCR's main activity remained the monitoring of the harmonization process of asylum and refugee policies by member States of the European Union. UNHCR's efforts within the framework of the revision of the European Union treaty to promote the universality of the application of the 1951 Convention were mentioned by the Director, as well as current efforts to define a policy for possible involvement with the return of persons not in need of international protection. Delegations expressed support for this initiative. In addition, delegations expressed support for UNHCR's reorientation in Europe and expansion into the CIS and Baltic countries. Delegations requested to retain this issue on the agenda for further discussions. Support was also voiced by delegations for the balanced references made to the need to safeguard asylum while also ensuring border controls. Delegations requested that future Standing Committee reports include the number of resettlement places offered by resettlement countries. One delegation requested further information on UNHCR's planned efforts to promote inter-regional cooperation within the Nordic region. A hope was expressed that following Lithuania's and Estonia's accession to the 1951 Convention, the Government of Latvia would also accede to the Convention.

11. The Director stated that in Central Europe, UNHCR will endeavour to create opportunities which would facilitate the integration of refugees and allow them to enter into the social and economic structures of host countries. A brief overview was then given by the Director on the situation in Albania, from where more then 31,000 persons had left for Italy and Greece since March 1997. The Director commented, however, that the presence of a Multinational Protection Force was expected to contribute towards stability in Albania. Delegations expressed their appreciation for the close cooperation between the Italian Government and UNHCR in trying to resolve this crisis.

12. The Director also reviewed the process and outcome of the CIS Conference, mentioning the variety of assistance programmes that emerged from the Conference and elaborating on the follow-up process. Concern was expressed by one delegation with regard to the modest donor response to an appeal issued in November 1996, which might adversely affect the implementation of the CIS Programme of Action. Further, a wider distribution of the CIS Programme of Action was recommended by a delegation. Delegations, however, also expressed support for the follow-up programme and indicated a willingness to contribute to certain activities. A brief description of the security situation in the Northern Caucasus and political developments in the Caucasus region was also provided by the Director, yielding support from a number of delegations for UNHCR's activities in this region.

13. Delegations also voiced support for UNHCR's decision to close the Atroush camp in northern Iraq. One delegation, however, expressed concern over UNHCR's objective to promote the lifting of its Government's policy to maintain the geographical reservation, stating that this was a necessary and pragmatic approach of its Government to ensure the protection of asylum seekers. The delegation also provided a clarification and elaboration on an immigration regulation referred to in the paper. Further, the delegation requested that "Kurdish Turks" to be referred to as "Turkish citizens of Kurdish ethnic origin".

B. Regional developments in the former Yugoslavia

14. The UNHCR Special Envoy for Operations in the former Yugoslavia introduced this item, recalling the meeting of the Humanitarian Issues Working Group (HIWG) of the Peace Implementation Council, held in Geneva on 23 April 1997, and offered a summary of the developments reviewed at that meeting. He informed delegations that almost all of the estimated 250,000 persons involved in repatriation and return movements in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1996 (160,000 displaced persons, 90,000 refugees) opted to return to so-called "majority" areas. UNHCR, he went on to explain, expects an additional 200,000 refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina to repatriate to majority areas in 1997. The Special Envoy also informed delegations that UNHCR's most difficult challenge and first priority will be to encourage repatriation and return to minority areas, through a series of confidence-building measures. The Open Cities initiative, he explained, is intended to introduce "positive conditionality", increasing assistance to municipalities and areas willing to encourage the return of minorities. Should there be no progress towards minority returns, the Special Envoy warned that UNHCR would have no choice but to proceed with a full re-assessment of its assistance programme. He informed delegations that UNHCR will continue to cooperate closely with the Supervisor on returns to Brcko. The Special Envoy then outlined a second major objective in 1997, which was to ensure the sustainability of return movements from abroad by active cooperation within the Return and Reconstruction Task Force (RRTF), continued efforts to encourage the creation of a soft-loan facility for shelter and income-generation activities, such as the successful Bosnian Women's Initiative.

15. The Special Envoy informed the Committee that, in the region of the former Yugoslavia, UNHCR's objective remains the promotion of solutions, which could principally take the form of voluntary repatriation and local integration. Further, the Special Envoy stated that in Croatia, UNHCR was encouraged by the signing on 23 April 1997 of the "Agreement on the Operation Procedures of Return" by a Joint Working Group comprising the Government of Croatia, the United Nations Transitional Authority for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES) and UNHCR, which defines the guiding principles, as well as specific mechanisms, for a two-way programme of returns to and from Eastern Slavonia, based on equal access and equal treatment for all Croatian citizens without distinction. The Special Envoy expressed hope that significant return movements of minorities from Eastern Slavonia can now be initiated, and perhaps serve as a model for returns from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Special Envoy informed delegations that UNHCR welcomed the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's decision to create a "Council" charged with developing a national policy regarding refugees, which should help to advance the process of regional consultations initiated last year by UNHCR. In this regard, the Special Envoy explained that humanitarian needs remain a high priority. He went on to explain that many refugees have expressed their wish to remain and settle in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, but will require support far beyond that which UNHCR can provide with limited self-reliance projects. In Slovenia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Special Envoy indicated that good progress has been made towards durable solutions. Further, he stated that UNHCR is also making progress towards field-based management of the Operation in the former Yugoslavia in implementing Project Delphi. He informed delegations that a reduced total field establishment has absorbed some of the functions previously performed at Headquarters, accounting for a savings of ten posts in Geneva, despite a projected reduction of 100 posts in the field.

16. Many delegations referred to the 23 April 1997 HIWG meeting and reiterated their support for UNHCR's plan for repatriation to and return in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Strong support was also stated for UNHCR's Open Cities initiative as a means to encourage minority repatriation and return movements. One delegation warned, however, that the initiative should be viewed with caution and that the stated policy of favouring majority movements in 1997 could place a disproportionate burden on the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many delegations insisted that limitations on minority return movements and freedom of movement, particularly by the Republika Srpska, were contrary to the letter and spirit of the Dayton Agreement and could not be countenanced. Two delegations voiced favour for conditioning international assistance on full compliance with the Dayton Agreement. One delegation asked UNHCR to review its implementing arrangements in Republika Srpska, given the authorities' continued resistance to accept the return of minorities. One delegation regretted that EC/47/SC/CRP.17 did not present a full picture of the situation of refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina in its country and of the substantial strides made in achieving durable solutions for them. Another delegation reiterated its desire to accede to the Quintpartite Agreement on transit. Referring to developments in Croatia, a number of delegations welcomed agreement on mechanisms for return devised in cooperation with the Government of Croatia and UNTAES. One delegation drew attention to the situation of ethnic Hungarian minorities amongst displaced persons and refugees in Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and informed the meeting of its close cooperation with the Croatian authorities to secure their safe and dignified return.

17. The Special Envoy thanked delegations for their support of UNHCR planning, objectives and strategy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He noted the persistent calls made by many delegations for minority return movements, both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, and agreed with those delegations who had emphasized the importance of securing respect for freedom of movement and the right to return to home areas. In response to comments on positive developments in Croatia, the Special Envoy cautioned that any optimism must be tempered and weighed against concrete implementation of the agreement reached in tripartite discussions. The Special Envoy welcomed the stated support for "positive conditionality" espoused by UNHCR through its Open Cities initiative and echoed the disappointment of many delegations at the lack of concrete proposals regarding minority movements by the Republika Srpska. The Special Envoy took note of the reservation expressed by one delegation regarding implementation of UNHCR's programmes through authorities who fail to honour the commitments set out in the Dayton Agreement. Finally, the Special Envoy recognized the important role of the Quintpartite Agreement on Transit in facilitating repatriation movements and recalled that amongst the recommendations made by UNHCR in its plan for 1997 was one to widen the agreement to other interested States.

C. Report of the Chairman on his mission to Mexico and Guatemala

18. An oral report was then delivered by the Chairman on his 20-28 February 1997 mission to Mexico and Guatemala. In defining the purpose of his mission, the Chairman expressed his personal desire to witness, first hand, the positive developments in respect to Guatemalan refugees and to attempt to identify elements that might be helpful in resolving similar situations in other parts of the world. The Chairman outlined his discussions with various officials in both countries and described his visits to refugee settlements and return areas. Further, he highlighted several elements which were essential in finding resolution to the refugee situation in these countries. These included the need to address root causes of the refugee problem in order to achieve durable solutions, emphasis on raising socio-economic standards in areas of return and enhanced efforts to address issues of gender to achieve sustainable integration. In conclusion, the Chairman commended the respective Governments on their willingness to cooperate and bring resolution to this refugee situation. Delegations representing countries visited on the mission then thanked the Chairman for his interest in the programme and indicated that progress towards a definitive resolution of this refugee situation would continue.

V. PROGRESS REPORT ON REFUGEE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS, INCLUDING UNHCR'S STRATEGY FOR FOLLOW-UP TO THE REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF ARMED CONFLICT ON CHILDREN

19. The Senior Coordinator for Refugee Children presented an update of UNHCR's efforts to implement its policy and guidelines for refugee children and adolescents, as well as the Office's follow-up strategy to the United Nations study on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Children (A/51/306), hereafter referred to as the Machel study. He highlighted the "invisibility" of refugee children and adolescents, and indicated that this "invisibility" is the result of a structural problem that affects all aspects of policy making and operations. He went on to inform delegations this is despite the fact that children actually make up 52 per cent of the persons assisted by UNHCR and in spite of the "special care and assistance" mandated by the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the UNHCR Policy on Refugee Children. The Senior Coordinator outlined several factors contributing to this problem, including the tendency to view refugees as a uniform group, the portrayal of young people only as dependents of adults and the particular "invisibility" of adolescents. He expressed his hope that the results of a global evaluation of programming for children and adolescents, initiated by UNHCR in partnership with the International Save the Children Alliance, would provide a common vision for constructive improvement to programming in the years to come.

20. The Senior Coordinator then presented UNHCR's strategy of response to the Machel study, a rights-based, goal-oriented, and child and adolescent-specific agenda within all phases of UNHCR operations. According to the Senior Coordinator, essential to this strategy is the establishment of performance objectives and the steps by which these objectives will be achieved. He informed delegations that increasing the number of community service officers in the field, the creation of regional senior advisory posts to ensure that programming is coordinated and responsive to children's and adolescents' needs, the development of a comprehensive training programme on child-adolescent rights and developmental needs, the inclusion of a line item for "rapid education" in future emergency budgets and the creation of a trust fund to strategically reorient UNHCR programming for children and adolescents are all necessary steps that need to be taken to implement this strategy. Further, the Senior Coordinator noted that continued international advocacy in the areas of conscription limitations, humanitarian codes of conduct and bans on landmines are also necessary to ensure the protection of children and adolescents.

21. Delegations strongly endorsed both the progress report and the follow-up strategy to the Machel study, and requested monitoring and reporting on these matters to the Executive Committee. Further, they requested that the results of the evaluation of UNHCR programming for children and adolescents be made available to the Executive Committee. Several delegations recognized the need to focus on children and adolescents and bring them into the mainstream of UNHCR programming. A number of delegations commented on the need to address not only problems related to conscription and sexual abuse of children and adolescents, but also to larger questions, such as physical protection, trafficking and commercial exploitation, counteracting gender bias with regard to access to education, conflict resolution education, and health and nutrition. With regard to conscription, the need for a flexible definition of "voluntariness" of enlistment for youth was mentioned, as was the possibility of replicating successful projects to separate boys from military components in refugee camps. One delegation expressed its Government's reservations about the appropriateness of UNHCR's support of the ban on military recruitment of anyone under 18 years of age, stating that this was an issue still being debated in various United Nations fora.

22. Special reference was made to the needs of girls and young women, particularly those who have been victims of sexual and other violence. One delegation stressed the need for reproductive health programmes and related education to take into account not only cultural values, but also religious and ethical values. In addition, in relation to the availability of means in the area of reproductive health, taking into account the respect for the aforementioned values, delegations suggested that maximum discretion should be left to agencies, individuals, families and groups in determining the use of those means.

23. In response to questions about UNHCR's capacity to address the large scope of problems identified, the Director of DOS and the Senior Coordinator provided information on agreements signed with UNICEF, WFP and WHO and stressed that UNHCR will collaborate closely with these agencies, as well as with NGOs in the field. They explained that the trust fund was needed to implement punctual activities, while a heightened awareness of these issues is being mainstreamed into UNHCR's general programming. In response to queries about successful projects for children and adolescents, they reiterated that attempts will be made to identify best practices for replication in other countries. They also noted that in finalizing UNHCR's strategy in response to the Machel study, explicit reference would be made to respect for cultural, ethical and religious values in the areas of reproductive health and related education.

VI. FOLLOW-UP TO ECOSOC RESOLUTION 1995/56

24. This was the final consideration of this item, which had been on the Standing Committee's agenda since 1996. Oral updates were given by Mr. Philippe Boullé of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs (DHA) and the Secretary of the Standing Committee on behalf of UNHCR.

25. Mr. Boullé reported on the progress of the inter-agency process to produce a draft of the Secretary-General's report to ECOSOC, in particular the discussions at the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Working Group's (IASC-WG) meeting of 21 and 22 April 1997 in New York. Mr. Boullé informed delegations that the discussions of the IASC-WG highlighted the issue of the relationship between the IASC, the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) and DHA. In this regard, concern was expressed about DHA's operationality. The IASC-WG agreed to examine, in future sessions, DHA's role in natural disasters, field coordination mechanisms, information systems, mine action, demobilization and reintegration. The IASC-WG supported the view that DHA should not be operational, as this would weaken its role as an impartial coordinator. Mr. Boullé also informed delegations that the recommendations in the draft report to ECOSOC did not propose new structures, but rather emphasized the strengthening of those already existing. Its core recommendation, with regard to coordination, called for a unitary field structure based on the resident coordinator system.

26. In his capacity as Head of UNHCR's Inter-Organization Affairs and Secretariat Service, the Secretary recalled the deliberations of the Standing Committee on this item, culminating in a wide-ranging conclusion by the Executive Committee in October 1996 (A/AC.96/878, para. 24). He welcomed the regular briefings to the Standing Committee by DHA on the inter-agency process, in which UNHCR has been actively involved. The Secretary praised the progress made on many issues through the framework of the IASC and its Working Group, but noted that there were still areas that needed further attention. These include the protection needs of internally displaced persons; the need to ensure that the extension of the Consolidated Appeals Process in the areas of rehabilitation and development does not delay the issuing of appeals; and the importance of ensuring that the discussion of the interface between relief and development includes the issue of capacities and not only at that of coordination. He expressed UNHCR's reservations about the unitary coordination model in the conclusions of the IASC review. He elaborated that UNHCR believes that a menu of options should be available to the Secretary-General and the ERC for coordinating response to complex emergencies, including that of the lead agency. In this regard, he urged that the Great Lakes experience be fully evaluated. Finally, he called for greater clarity in the inter-relationship of the ERC, DHA and the IASC.

27. A number of delegations recalled that options had been called for by resolution 1995/56. Delegations asked for clarification between the roles of the IASC and of the newly created Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs (ECHA). In doing so, a number of delegations stressed that they understood the IASC to be the primary body for humanitarian coordination and favoured its strengthening. Several delegations strongly supported the need for a comprehensive examination of the experience in the Great Lakes region, with a focus on coordination arrangements. One delegation asked in what sense "conflict of interest" could occur in the Resident Coordinator model.

28. The Chairman then invited Mr. Martin Griffiths, Director of DHA, to join the discussion. Mr. Griffiths explained that a task force would be looking at the relationship between the ECHA and the IASC, and that he understood that the IASC would remain the primary forum for humanitarian policy development. He went on to explain that the ECHA may evolve into a forum where decisions on strategic coordination might be taken.

29. The Secretary offered clarification on UNHCR's position, stating that one of the reasons UNHCR favoured including the lead agency option on a menu of options was that often, in complex emergencies, problems were of a cross-border nature, and that issues of refoulement and the reasons for flight had to be addressed. Resident Coordinators he explained, by definition, were country specific and, understandably, gave priority to national development issues.

VII. REPORTS RELATING TO OVERSIGHT

30. Under this agenda item, the Standing Committee had before it the Follow-up to Audit Recommendations on Programme and Financial Issues and the Integrated Management Information System (EC/47/SC/CRP.20). In addition, three reports, forwarded from the sixth meeting of the Standing Committee, were before the Standing Committee for consideration: Internal Audit (EC/47/SC/CRP.10), Lessons Learnt from the Burundi and Rwanda Emergencies: Conclusion of an Internal Review Process (EC/47/SC/CRP.11), and UNHCR's Evaluation Activities for 1997 (EC/47/SC/CRP.12).

31. The Controller and Director of the Division of Financial and Information Services introduced the first of these papers, the Follow-up to Audit Recommendations on Programme and Financial Issues and the Integrated Management Information System. Delegations posed several questions, mainly with regard to the preparation of work plans, the means of selecting beneficiaries for projects, and in respect to the evaluation of programme achievements and outputs. The Director of DOS responded to these queries and agreed with the need to improve criteria for the selection of beneficiaries and the need to obtain good information on potential beneficiary populations. Further, he indicated that the evaluations referred to in the paper were not limited to self evaluation.

32. The Deputy High Commissioner introduced the paper on internal audit, explaining that the average audit cycle was for 3 years, differing with the type of operation. Further, he informed delegations that staffing and support for this function of UNHCR were being strengthened. Delegations indicated their continued support for this function and emphasized the importance of the internal audit.

33. The Director of the Inspection and Evaluation Service introduced Lessons Learnt from the Burundi and Rwanda Emergencies: Conclusions of an Internal Review Process. Delegations welcomed the paper and UNHCR's openness in bringing to light issues which needed attention. Several delegations called for an examination of the weaknesses in the managerial, coordination and protection aspects of UNHCR's response to the emergency, and requested further clarification of the relationship between the Regional Bureau and DOS.

34. Several delegations urged UNHCR to implement the protection-related recommendations made in the evaluation as a matter of urgency and requested further information on action taken to address them. One delegation emphasized the necessity for a well-defined policy and strong protection presence in the field, and called on UNHCR to develop workable and wide-ranging cooperation with NGOs and donors. Another delegation suggested that UNHCR should draw on the experiences of other international and bilateral agencies in the context of emergency capacity and conflict prevention. A delegation also suggested that host Governments and the international community should share the responsibility with UNHCR for separating refugees in camps from individuals who have committed atrocities. Other points voiced by delegations included the need for improved logistics and statistics, a better understanding of the social, cultural and political background of refugees, and stronger links between UNHCR and human rights field operations. One delegation asked how many of the lessons learnt had been applied in eastern Zaire.

35. In response to delegations comments and queries, the Director, with reference to refugee statistics, acknowledged that there had to be a balance between responding to the emergency needs in case of mass influx, and refugee registration. With regard to needs assessment, the Director stated that this assessment had been carried out, in particular, with WFP and the early involvement of technical staff. Regarding joint evaluations, the Director pointed out that there was constant participation by UNHCR in the OECD/DAC study.

36. Following this, the Director's introduced UNHCR's Evaluation Activities for 1997. Several delegations felt there should be consultation with the Standing Committee before the programme of evaluation was finalized and asked what criteria were used for the selection of evaluation topics. Delegations also asked about the selection of subjects included in the 1997 evaluation programme and a request was made to review the programme. Another delegation suggested that the topics for evaluation in 1998 should be shared with the Standing Committee prior to their final selection.

37. Several speakers wanted a wider dissemination of evaluation reports, especially to the Standing Committee and NGOs. One delegation, commenting on the somewhat reduced evaluation programme, asked if fewer resources were being devoted to evaluations than previously allocated, urging UNHCR to ensure that the Delphi process led to a strengthening of the Inspection and Evaluation Service. The same delegation looked forward to receiving more evaluation studies. Another delegation requested that a stronger focus be placed on self-evaluations within UNHCR and that a distinction should be made between policy analysis, analytical studies and evaluation.

38. In reply, the Director stated that before the year's evaluation programme was finalized, Directors of Bureaux and Divisions were consulted and a final decision was made by the Senior Management Committee, taking care to avoid duplication with other Divisions. Further, the Director stated that he would encourage self-evaluation by field offices and other services within Headquarters, and would assist with technical input. With regard to the dissemination of evaluation reports, the Director informed delegations that various options were being considered, bearing in mind the necessities of informing the Standing Committee and using the evaluation as an internal management tool.

VIII. GOVERNANCE ISSUES

39. The Standing Committee reviewed two issues under this item; preliminary consideration of the Annual Theme for the forty-eighth session of the Executive Committee; and a Progress Report on the Informal Consultations on Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Observer Participation in the Work of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme and its Standing Committee (EC/47/SC/CRP.21).

40. The Chairman, in introducing discussions on preliminary consideration of the annual theme for the forty-eighth session of the Executive Committee, reminded delegations that new working methods of the Executive Committee replace the general debate with a debate focused on an annual theme. Further, the Chairman recalled that the June 1996 meeting of the Standing Committee asked that the selection of the topic for the annual theme take place in two stages. The Chairman then called upon the Secretary to inform delegations of discussions within UNHCR on a possible topic for the annual theme.

41. The Secretary recalled that the annual theme for the forty-seventh session of the Executive Committee had been "The Pursuit and Implementation of Durable Solutions", and informed delegations that following consultations within UNHCR, it was recommended that the theme "Repatriation Challenges" be put forward to the Standing Committee for consideration. This theme was suggested, the Secretary explained, since it had a logical connection with the previous year's theme and was directly related to a number of critical issues and dilemmas facing the Office.

42. Several delegations voiced support for the proposed theme and expressed readiness to adopt it immediately. While some delegations suggested that there needed to be a clearer focus within this theme, others cautioned against narrowing the debate. Yet another delegation suggested that alternative themes might be proposed for consideration by the Standing Committee. One delegation proposed that follow-up action to last year's theme could be the subject of a future debate. It was agreed that the Standing Committee would, as foreseen, return to the issue and take a decision at its June meeting.

43. The Chairman then turned delegations' attention to the issue of informal consultations on NGO participation in the Executive Committee and its Standing Committee. In highlighting progress achieved so far during the four rounds of informal consultations, the Chairman expressed his hope that a final proposal for enhanced NGO participation in the Standing Committee would be ready for consideration by the Standing Committee during its meeting in June. In this regard, the Chairman informed delegations that a preliminary proposal (SC/IC/NGO/7) was already being considered in the consultations, which he hoped would lead to a consensus on this issue. The main outstanding subject of debate, the Chairman explained, was the question of how actual NGO attendance at Standing Committee meetings would be regulated.

44. Since delegations were still engaged in informal consultations on this issue, the Chairman did not think it was appropriate to open up a parallel debate in the Standing Committee.

IX. MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL ISSUES

45. Under this agenda item, the Standing Committee considered and Information Note on Income and Expenditure for the Year 1996 (EC/47/SC/CRP.22) and two papers, one forwarded from the sixth meeting of the Standing Committee, both entitled an Update on Project Delphi (EC/47/SC/CRP.13 and EC/47/SC/CRP.23).

46. The Deputy High Commissioner provided introductory remarks on the status of Project Delphi, describing the Implementation Plan as an ambitious one, which would still require fine-tuning, particularly in terms of the timelines, the linkages between the various projects to be undertaken and a more detailed assessment of the financial implications. He added that plans had now taken shape that were leading to focused action. Further, he reported that since the Plan had been issued, meetings had been scheduled with senior managers and their staff to review the arrangements for implementation and achievements to-date.

47. The Deputy High Commissioner explained that, while difficulties were being encountered, these were expected and that overall, Project Delphi was moving forward. He then briefly referred to progress achieved so far under several important activities: the design of the Operations Management System (OMS); post reductions at Headquarters; the creation of a global supply chain; the development of a new integrated budget and finance system; the transfer of most administrative and management functions related to local staff to the field; a training strategy for UNHCR staff and implementing partners; the strengthening of internal oversight mechanisms; and the establishment of an Information and Communications Systems Strategy. A workshop would also start on 2 May in Nairobi for staff of the Great Lakes region, to review the relevance of on-going change activities for this operation and to receive initial feedback on the proposed core elements of OMS.

48. A number of representatives then took the floor. One delegation voiced appreciation for the fact that the additional costs envisaged under Project Delphi could be absorbed within the current 1997 budgets and welcomed the proposed post reductions at Headquarters. Another delegation enquired how far the decentralization process had advanced as far as the operation in the Great Lakes was concerned and underlined his delegations hope that the protection principles would continue to be the basis of UNHCR's work, irrespective of the change process. Several delegations were also interested to know what effect the recruitment freeze introduced by UNHCR would have on the Junior Professional Officers (JPOs) programme and voiced concern that developing countries were under-represented in this programme. A delegation also encouraged UNHCR to provide staff with as much stability as possible regarding their career development and underlined the importance of retaining experienced staff while implementing the downsizing process. This delegation also expressed its hope that UNHCR would not discontinue external recruitment completely and commented that external recruitment was a useful way of bringing new ideas and approaches into the organization.

49. The Deputy High Commissioner thanked the delegations for their comments and encouragement to proceed with the change process. Responding to the question in relation to decentralization, he explained that the Director of Operations for Southern Africa was now based in the field and more authority had also been delegated to the former Yugoslavia Operation. Further, he informed delegations that increased decentralization for the Great Lakes operation had been discussed, but the constantly changing situation on the ground had delayed implementation. He gave delegations every assurance that protection remained at the forefront in the minds of those managing the change process, commenting that Project Delphi is aimed at strengthening protection and not weakening it.

50. The Director of the Division for Human Resources Management (DHRM), responding to comments made by delegations, explained that while some limited external recruitment would continue, in-house resources would be considered first. In this context, she added that female JPOs were considered as internal candidates and male JPOs as priority external candidates. Further, the Director informed delegations that the JPO programme was financed by donors, some of whom also helped to fund JPOs from developing countries. She added that countries which were not currently participating in the programme should consider doing so, as this was not an expensive undertaking. On downsizing, she explained that UNHCR would make every effort to retain experienced staff. In this respect, she informed delegations that there were currently more professional posts vacant in the field than professional posts due for discontinuation at Headquarters. Therefore, she explained, suitably qualified general service staff would be given the possibility to apply for posts in the professional category. Finally, she recognized the difficulty of promoting career development in a time of dramatic change, adding that UNHCR was not the only organization facing this problem. She then made reference to plans to implement the Career Management System (CMS), whereby the competency and career development-based performance appraisal system should enable staff members to manage their careers more effectively and equip them better to face future challenges.

51. The Director of the Division of International Protection (DIP), responding to one delegation's comment, reaffirmed that the protection principles remained the basis of UNHCR's activities. In this regard, the Division of International Protection was represented in the OMS Project Team, a protection database would be established and a major protection training exercise was underway. He also informed delegations that further guidelines for field operations on protection were being elaborated in light of the decentralization envisaged under Project Delphi.

52. In concluding this item of the agenda, the members of the Standing Committee adopted the draft decision on the Implementation Plan for Project Delphi without revision (Annex).

X. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

53. An information note entitled Under-Utilization of Conference-Servicing Resources: Request for Information for a General Assembly Report, was presented to the Standing Committee for consideration, following a letter received from the Chairman of the Committee on Conferences drawing attention to the under-utilization of conference facilities reserved for the Executive Committee. It was agreed that the Chairman of the Executive Committee would write to the Chairman of the Committee on Conferences, drawing attention to the fact that, with one exception, the Executive Committee and Standing Committee have met the established benchmark of 80 per cent utilization of the services reserved for them, and informing him that additional efforts will be made, notably in terms of starting meetings on time. It was further agreed that the Standing Committee would keep the matter under review.

54. There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting.

Annex: DECISIONS ADOPTED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE

I. DECISION ON THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF LARGE REFUGEE POPULATIONS ON HOST DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

The Standing Committee,

Noting with concern the impact of large refugee populations on countries of asylum, in particular developing countries with limited resources,

(a) Urges UNHCR, in a manner consistent with its mandate, to develop operational strategies to mitigate such impacts, and to help offset the negative effects of large-scale refugee presence through appropriately conceived refugee aid programmes and projects undertaken with the support of host Governments, development and financial institutions and the donor community; in addition calls on UNHCR to exercise a catalytic role in relation to addressing longer-term rehabilitation needs;

(b) Urges the member States of the Executive Committee to ensure that refugee and returnee rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives feature in multilateral and bilateral development programmes in both host countries and countries of origin and that these initiatives are linked in a timely fashion with broader development ventures aimed at post-emergency rehabilitation and recovery.

II. DECISION ON PROGRAMME AND FUNDING PROJECTIONS

The Standing Committee,

Recalling the decision of the forty-seventh session of the Executive Committee on programme, administrative and financial matters,

(a) Notes that the overall needs for 1997, based on currently known or anticipated requirements, now amount to $1,218.4 million, of which projected needs for General Programmes remain at $ 452.6 million, as approved by the Executive Committee at its forty-seventh session, and those for Special Programmes are $ 741.8 million, of which $ 289.7 are for voluntary repatriation, while the remaining $ 24 million pertain to the United Nations Regular Budget;

(b) Notes also the uses made of the Emergency Fund, the Programme Reserve and Voluntary Repatriation Fund in accordance with their governing criteria;

(c) Acknowledges the High Commissioner's appeal to donors for an early announcement of contributions to permit timely implementation of programmes.

III. DECISION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR PROJECT DELPHI

The Standing Committee,

Welcoming the issuance of the Delphi Implementation Plan and noting that the additional costs envisaged in 1997 can be absorbed within current budget provisions,

(a) Requests the High Commissioner to provide the usual detailed budgetary breakdown in the documentation to be submitted to the forty-eighth session of the Executive Committee;

(b) Asks to be kept informed at its future meetings of progress achieved in the implementation of Project Delphi.