A/RES/51/71
Page 2
Recalling the provisions of General Assembly resolution 2312 (XXII) of
14 December 1967, by which it adopted the Declaration on Territorial Asylum,
Recognizing the need for States to create conditions conducive both to
the prevention of flows of refugees and displaced persons and to solutions,
especially voluntary repatriation,
Bearing in mind that the majority of refugees and displaced persons are
women and children,
Noting with great concern that despite all the efforts deployed so far
by the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity and others, the
situation of refugees and displaced persons in Africa, especially in the West
African and Great Lakes regions and in the Horn of Africa, remains precarious,
1.
Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General1 and the report
of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;2
2.
Notes with concern that the effects of political instability,
internal strife, human rights violations and natural disasters such as drought
have led to increased numbers of refugees and displaced persons in some
countries of Africa;
3.
Expresses deep concern at the serious and far-reaching
consequences of large numbers of refugees and displaced persons in the
receiving countries and the implications for security, long-term socioeconomic development and the environment;
4.
Expresses its appreciation and strong support for those African
Governments and local populations which, in spite of the general deterioration
of socio-economic and environmental conditions, as well as over-stretched
national resources, continue to accept the additional burden imposed upon them
by increasing numbers of refugees and displaced persons in compliance with the
relevant principles of asylum;
5.
Expresses concern at instances where the fundamental principle of
asylum is jeopardized by the unlawful expulsion or refoulement, or the threat
to life, physical security, integrity, dignity and the well-being of refugees;
6.
Commends the Governments concerned for their sacrifices in
providing assistance and protection to refugees, returnees and internally
displaced persons and for their efforts to promote voluntary repatriation and
other durable solutions;
7.
Expresses its gratitude to the international community, and to the
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in particular, for
the humanitarian assistance it has continued to render to refugees and
displaced persons as well as to the countries of asylum;
8.
Welcomes the strengthening of cooperation between the Office of
the High Commissioner and the Organization of African Unity at all levels, and
urges the two organizations, in conjunction with United Nations agencies,
intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, the international
community and the Governments concerned, to increase efforts aimed at
facilitating voluntary repatriation in a dignified and orderly manner, as well
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