International financing of the rehabilitation of refugees and surplus elements of population

Recommendation 35 (1952)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

This Recommendation was adopted by the Assembly at its Twenty-second Sitting, 26th September, 1952 {see Doc. 81, Report of the Committee on Population and Refugees).

The Assembly,

Conscious of the gravity of the problem of refugees and over-population;

Considering that a solution can be found by integrating persons coming under either of these categories in the national or in the European economy;

Considering that such integration is bound up with the general development of the European economy;

Considering also that this development is not taking place at such a rate as to permit the automatic assimilation of the large numbers of refugees and "surplus" population within a reasonable time;

Considering that this integration must be effected with the greatest possible speed in order to reduce the risk of political, economic and social disturbances arising out of the existence of refugees and of a surplus of population;

Believing therefore that it is necessary to take special steps directly affecting certain groups of "surplus" population, in order to complete the overall programme of economic development;

Considering that the fresh influx of refugees into those Member States bordering on the "Iron Curtain" increases the difficulties of the countries concerned and is likely to give rise to further destitution in Europe,

Recommends that the Committee of Ministers should:

a invite Member States and the competent international organisations to grant priority, as far as is possible, to any investment project likely to encourage the integration into the economic system of refugees and of surplus elements of the population;

b contemplate the establishment as soon as possible within the framework of the Council of Europe, of a special fund designed to finance specific limited projects for the assimilation of refugees and "surplus" population and to assist the most needy of the refugees and unemployed. These projects shall be prepared by the Committee on Population and Refugees, in close co-operation with qualified experts and the international organisations concerned with the question and shall later be submitted to the Committee of Ministers, through the Special Liaison Committee.