A/RES/52/102 Page 2 of Refugees, Displaced Persons, Other Forms of Involuntary Displacement and Returnees in the Countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States and Relevant Neighbouring States,3 Reaffirming the view of the Conference that the primary responsibility for tackling population displacement problems lies with the affected countries themselves and that these issues are to be regarded as national priorities, while at the same time recognizing the need for enhancing international support for the national efforts of the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States aiming at the effective implementation of such responsibilities within the framework of the Programme of Action of the Conference, Recalling that the protection and promotion of human rights and the strengthening of democratic institutions are essential to prevent mass population displacement, Mindful of the fact that effective implementation of the recommendations contained in the Programme of Action of the Conference should be facilitated and can be ensured only through cooperation and coordinated activities undertaken in this respect by all interested States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and other actors, Noting and reaffirming the importance of the 1951 Convention4 and the 1967 Protocol5 relating to the Status of Refugees, 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General 1 and that of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;2 2. Notes the positive results achieved by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in the implementation of the Programme of Action adopted by the Regional Conference to Address the Problems of Refugees, Displaced Persons, Other Forms of Involuntary Displacement and Returnees in the Countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States and Relevant Neighbouring States, and invites these organizations to continue to steer the ongoing and future activities relating to the follow-up to the Conference; 3. Welcomes the efforts of the Governments of those countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States that, in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner, the International Organization for Migration, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe, have undertaken practical steps in the implementation of the Programme of Action; 4. Invites all countries that have not yet done so to accede to and implement fully the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees; 5. Appreciates the efforts made by the Office of the High Commissioner, the International Organization for Migration and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to support the implementation of the Programme of Action in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and underlines the necessity of an appropriate response by the international community to appeals for funds by the Office of the High Commissioner and the International Organization for Migration; 3 A/51/341 and Corr.1, annex, appendix. 4 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 189, No. 2545. 5 Ibid., vol. 606, No. 8791. 98-76675 /...