A/RES/56/134
Europe and the Council of Europe in accordance with the recommendations adopted
by the Steering Group at its fifth meeting,
Welcoming also the convening, at Kiev from 11 to 13 December 2000, of the
first meeting of experts within the framework of the newly launched thematic
process on citizenship and statelessness, as well as international efforts aimed at
improving migration and border management, with due respect to refugee protection
matters, and encouraging all lead agencies to continue to implement the Work Plan,
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 aimed
at the effective implementation of such responsibilities within the framework of the
Programme of Action adopted by the Conference,
Noting with satisfaction the efforts of 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 developing strategies and
practical tools for more effective capacity-building in countries of origin and
enhancing programmes to address the needs of various categories of concern to the
countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States,
Taking note of positive results emanating from the implementation of the
Programme of Action,
Convinced of the necessity of further strengthening practical measures and of
continuing to maintain the regional approach for the achievement of effective
implementation of the Programme of Action,
Recalling that the protection and promotion of human rights and the strengthening
of democratic institutions are essential to prevent mass population displacement,
Mindful that adherence to the principles and the recommendations contained in
the Programme of Action 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,
1.
Takes note of the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees; 2
2.
Calls upon the Governments of the countries of the Commonwealth of
Independent States, in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration and the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to strengthen their efforts and
mutual cooperation relating to the follow-up to 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 welcomes the positive results achieved by them in
the implementation of the Programme of Action adopted by the Conference;3
3.
Invites all States that have not yet done so to accede to and implement
fully the 1951 Convention 4 and the 1967 Protocol 5 relating to the Status of
Refugees;
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4
5
2
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 189, No. 2545.
Ibid., vol. 606, No. 8791.