Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

3271 (XXIX)

XXIX. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE FOURTH COMMITTEE

3271. Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

A

The General Assembly,

Having considered the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on the activities of his Office¹ and having heard his statement,²

Noting with appreciation the efforts of the High Commissioner in carrying out his duties, including the special humanitarian tasks undertaken by him,

Noting with satisfaction the positive trends in Africa that open the possibility for the voluntary repatriation of large numbers of refugees from Territories emerging from colonial rule,

Recognizing the importance of permanent solutions to refugee problems, including voluntary repatriation, and of the role played by the High Commissioner in co-operation with other members of the United Nations system and non-governmental agencies,

Noting the generous attitude adopted by Governments in supporting and contributing towards the activities of the High Commissioner,

Commending accessions to the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951,³ the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees of 1967⁴ and other relevant instruments,

1. Expresses its deep satisfaction at the efficient manner in which the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and his staff continue to accomplish their humanitarian tasks;

2. Requests the High Commissioner to continue his activities on behalf of those of concern to his Office and takes note, in this connexion, of the decision of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme inviting the High Commissioner, within the framework of programme budgeting, to report to the Executive Committee on his special humanitarian tasks in the same manner as he reports on other activities financed from trust funds under his regular programme;⁵

3. Requests the High Commissioner to take appropriate measures, in agreement with the Governments concerned, to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of refugees from Territories emerging from colonial rule and, in co-ordination with other competent bodies of the United Nations, their rehabilitation in their countries of origin;

4. Further requests the High Commissioner to continue his efforts, in co-operation with Governments, United Nations bodies and voluntary agencies, to promote permanent and speedy solutions through voluntary repatriation and assistance in rehabilitation, where necessary, through integration in countries of asylum or resettlement in other countries;

5. Urges Governments to intensify their support for the High Commissioner's humanitarian tasks by:

(a) Facilitating the accomplishment of his tasks in the field of international protection;

(b) Co-operating in the promotion of permanent solutions to the problems faced by his Office;

(c) Providing the necessary financial means to attain the objectives of his programmes.

2311th plenary meeting
10 December 1974

B

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolutions 1166 (XII) of 26 November 1957 and 2956 B (XXVII) of 12 December 1972 in connexion with the Emergency Fund of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,

Noting the recommendation of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme, as mentioned in paragraph 80 (k) of the addendum to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner,⁶

Authorizes the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to allocate from the Emergency Fund, under the general directives of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme, up to $2 million annually for emergency situations, it being understood that the amount made available for one single emergency shall, as heretofore, not exceed $500,000 in any one year.

2311th plenary meeting
10 December 1974

1 Official Records of the General Assembly, Twenty-ninth Session, Supplement No. 12 (A/9612 and Corr.1), Supplement No. 12A (A/9612/Add.1), Supplement No. 12B (A/9612/ Add.2) and Supplement No. 12C (A/9612/Add.3).

2 Ibid., Twenty-ninth Session, Third Committee, 2098th meeting, paras. 1-12.

3 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 189, No. 2545, p. 137.

4 Ibid., vol. 606, No. 8791, p. 267.

5 Official Records of the General Assembly, Twenty-ninth Session, Supplement No. 12 A (A/9612/Add. 1), para. 38.

6 Ibid., Supplement No. 12A (A/9612/Add.1).