Draft Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Belgium: Amendment to Article 20

A/CONF.2/52

Article 20

Replace paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 by the following:

1. When the exercise of a right by a refugee would normally require the assistance of authorities in a foreign country to whom he cannot have recourse, the Contracting States in whose territory he is residing shall arrange that such assistance be afforded to him by their own authorities or by an international authority.

2. The authority or authorities mentioned in paragraph 1 shall deliver or cause to be delivered under their supervision to refugees such documents or certifications as would normally be delivered to other aliens by or through their national authorities.

3. Documents or certifications so delivered shall stand in the stead of the official instruments delivered to aliens by or through their national authorities, and shall be regarded as authentic in the absence of proof to the contrary.