Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa

A/RES/42/107

The General Assembly,

Recalling all its resolutions, particularly resolution 41/122 of 4 December 1986, relating to the Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on assistance to refugees in Africa,

Mindful that the fundamental purpose of the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa, held at Geneva from 9 to 11 July 1984, was to launch collective action by the international community aimed at achieving lasting solutions,

Gravely concerned at the persistent and serious problem of large numbers of refugees on the African continent,

Aware of the heavy burden borne by African countries of asylum on account of the presence of these refugees and its consequences for their economic and social development, and of the great sacrifices made by them, despite their limited resources,

Deeply concerned that the refugee situation has been severely affected by the critical economic situation in Africa, as well as by drought and other natural disasters,

Bearing in mind the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990, adopted by the General Assembly at its thirteenth special session, devoted to the critical economic situation in Africa, which refers in particular to the need for the speedy implementation of the recommendations of the Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa,

Recognizing that the efforts of the countries of asylum require the concerted support of the international community to meet the needs for emergency relief, and for medium-term and long-term development aid,

Taking note of the declarations, decisions and resolutions adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity at its twenty-third ordinary session, held at Addis Ababa from 27 to 29 July 1987, and of the resolutions adopted by the Council of Ministers of that organization at its forty-sixth ordinary session, held at Addis Ababa from 20 to 25 July 1987, on the situation of refugees in Africa,

Emphasizing the collective responsibility of sharing the urgent and overwhelming burden of the problem of African refugees through effective mobilization of additional resources to meet the urgent and long-term needs of the refugees and to strengthen the capacity of countries of asylum to provide adequately for the refugees while they remain in those countries, as well as to assist the countries of origin in rehabilitating voluntary returnees,

Reiterating once again the vital importance of the complementarity between refugee aid and development assistance,

Noting once again with deep concern that many of the projects submitted to the Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa have yet to be funded and implemented,

Desirous of ensuring the speedy implementation of the recommendations and pledges made at the Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa,

Noting the initiative taken by the Secretary-General to promote increased and effective co-operation between the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees through the signing of an agreement on co-operation, as well as the measures he has taken to revitalize the Trust Fund of the Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa,

1. Expresses its deep appreciation to African host countries, which are the biggest donors, for their generous contribution and continuous efforts to alleviate the plight of refugees in spite of their critical economic situation;

2. Reiterates its appreciation to all donor countries, the organizations and specialized agencies of the United Nations system, regional organizations and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations for their initial support and response to the projects submitted to the Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa;

3. Urges the international community to maintain the momentum created by the Conference and to translate into reality the projects submitted as well as the principles of the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the Conference;

4. Emphasizes the vital importance of the complementarity of refugee aid and development assistance and of achieving durable solutions to the problem of refugees in Africa and the necessity of providing assistance for the strengthening of the social and economic infrastructures of African countries receiving refugees and returnees;

5. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme for their concerted action aimed at revitalizing and further strengthening the mechanisms of implementation of the Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa;

6. Requests the High Commissioner to continue to keep the situation of refugees in Africa under constant review so as to ensure that adequate assistance is available for care and maintenance and for bringing about durable solutions;

7. Requests the United Nations Development Programme to increase its efforts to mobilize additional resources for refugee-related development projects and, in general, to promote and co-ordinate with the host countries and the donor community the integration of refugee-related activities into national development planning;

8. Calls upon all Member States and organizations of the United Nations system concerned, as well as relevant regional, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, to intensify their support for the speedy implementation of the recommendations and pledges made at the Conference;

9. Again requests the Secretary-General, in accordance with the Declaration and Programme of Action, to monitor, in consultation and close co-operation with the Organization of African Unity, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme, the effective follow-up to the Conference;

10. Further requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-third session, through the Economic and Social Council, on the implementation of the present resolution.