Reply to the Fourth Report on the activities of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
- Author(s):
- Parliamentary Assembly
- Origin
- see Doc. 350, Fourth Report on the activities of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and Doc. 459, draft Resolution of the Committee on Population and Refugees This Resolution was adopted by the Assembly at its 26th Sitting, on 26th October, 1955
The Consultative Assembly has noted with interest the Report transmitted to the Council of Europe by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, for which it thanks him.
1. It greatly appreciates all that has been done to find a permanent solution of the problem of 300,000 international refugees in Europe whose assimilation has not yet been possible. It considers that a special effort should be made to seek permanent solutions for the problems raised by international refugees, by helping them to become integrated in the economy of their country of residence or to settle in other European countries, for these are the quickest and least costly solutions. It therefore hopes that in response to the High Commissioner's appeal the Governments concerned will grant generous facilities to this category of refugee.
2. To facilitate and give impetus to a policy of integration, in accordance with.
Resolution 43 of 20th September, 1953, the Assembly expresses the hope that adequate funds will be made available to the High Commissioner to enable him, within the near future, to solve the distressing problem of international refugees as provided for in the plans approved by the United Nations General Assembly.
3. The existence of nearly 15,000 " difficult cases " accentuates the need for positive international action. The Assembly therefore urges Member States with the necessary resources to make a real effort to accept sick or infirm refugees and give them hospital treatment.
4. The Assembly is pleased to note that the United Nations General Assembly has authorised the High Commissioner to make direct appeals for funds to non-governmental sources.
5. It strongly recommends that Member Governments follow the example of the Netherlands in raising considerable sums through appeals to private individuals and charitable institutions, since collections of this type may encourage the spirit of mutual assistance and international fellowship.
6. The Assembly hopes that the High Commissioner- with a view to better co-ordination of work relating to refugees in Europe- will deal directly with the Special Representative with regard to the co-ordination of their respective activities in this field. It also expresses the hope that the different international authorities working in the field of refugees will, in their fund-raising efforts, bear in mind the desirability of presenting to the Governments from which funds are being solicited the totality of the problem in its different aspects.
