International co-operation to avert new flows of refugees

A/RES/35/124

35. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE SPECIAL POLITICAL COMMITTEE

124. International co-operation to avert new flows of refugees

The General Assembly,

Gravely concerned over the increasing flows of refugees in many parts of the world,

Deeply disturbed by the human suffering affecting millions of men, women and children who flee or are forcibly expelled from their homelands and seek refuge in other countries,

Reaffirming the right of refugees to return to their homes in their homelands,

Commending the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for his untiring humanitarian and social efforts,

Commending also all Governments, United Nations organs, the specialized agencies and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations which have provided aid for their contributions, and stressing the importance of their efforts in this field,

Noting that, in addition to creating individual human misery, flows of refugees can impose great political, economic and social burdens upon the international community as a whole, with particularly dire effects on developing countries with limited resources of their own,

Considering that massive flows of refugees may not only affect the domestic order and stability of receiving States but also jeopardize the stability of entire regions and thus endanger international peace and security,

Conscious of its duty to examine in depth all aspects of the refugee problem and to study the means and resources provided by the relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations in order to maintain international peace and security,

Reaffirming the inviolability of existing international norms and principles governing responsibilities of States, especially regarding the protection of refugees, and reaffirming the framework of competences of international organizations and institutions,

Reaffirming its resolution 2625 (XXV) of 24 October 1970, by which it approved the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,

Convinced, therefore, that the United Nations is called upon to consider, in addition to humanitarian and social relief, suitable means to avert new flows of refugees,

1. Strongly condemns all policies and practices of oppressive and racist régimes as well as aggression, alien domination and foreign occupation, which are primarily responsible for the massive flows of refugees throughout the world and which result in inhuman suffering;

2. Invites all Member States to convey to the Secretary-General their comments and suggestions on international co-operation to avert new flows of refugees and to facilitate the return of those refugees who wish to return;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its thirty-sixth session, for its further examination and thorough study, the views, comments and suggestions expressed by Member States, together with those expressed on the item at its thirty-fifth session, including all additional contributions pertaining to the matter which he may receive from other United Nations organs;

4. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its thirty-sixth session the item entitled "International cooperation to avert new flows of refugees".

92nd plenary meeting
11 December 1980