Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Resolution of 23 July 1954

E/RES/549 (XVIII)

The Economic and Social Council,

Having regard to General Assembly resolution 728 (VIII) of 23 October 1953, appealing to the governments of States Members and non-members of the United Nations to intensify their efforts to promote, in cooperation with the High Commissioner, solutions for the problems of refugees, through repatriation, resettlement and integration, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 538 B (VI) of 2 February 1952,

Noting that, in spite of the efforts made by the countries of residence which, as a result of their geographical situation, have to face particularly heavy burdens owing to the presence in their territory of large numbers of refugees within the High Commissioner's mandate, there is little hope that - at the present rate of repatriation, resettlement or integration - a satisfactory solution to this problem will be reached within a reasonable period of time,

Noting that some complementary aid has been shown to be necessary to accelerate the implementation of a programme for permanent solutions which will take account, in particular, of opportunities for the resettlement of refugees in the immigration countries,

Having regard to General Assembly resolution 538B (VI) authorizing the High Commissioner to issue an appeal for funds for the purpose of enabling emergency aid to be given to the most needy groups among the refugees within his mandate,

Noting that the contributions received by the High Commissioner in response to his various appeals have not permitted him to meet the emergency requirements of the most needy refugees,

1 . Expresses the opinion that the programme submitted by the High Commissioner for granting emergency aid, as well as for the implementation of permanent solutions for the refugee problem, contains constructive elements for an effective attempt at coping with the problem;

2. Invites the High Commissioner to make available to the General Assembly, at its ninth regular session, such additional information as might facilitate the General Assembly's task in its consideration of the High Commissioner's proposals;

3. Recommends that, in the event of the General Assembly approving the High Commissioner's proposals:

(a) The General Assembly should ask the Negotiating Committee for Extra-Budgetary Funds to institute negotiations with governments of States Members and non-members of the United Nations concerning contributions for the High Commissioner's programme;

(b) The question of the desirability and the composition and terms of reference of an Executive Committee to give directives to the High Commissioner on the implementation of his programme should be examined by the Economic and Social Council on the basis of proposals submitted by the High Commissioner after consultation with his Advisory Committee.

814th Plenary meeting,
23 July 1954