A/RES/48/117 Page 3 Recognizing that the extension of the duration of the Concerted Plan of Action of the Conference until May 1994 has enabled substantial progress to be made in the efforts to achieve the proposed objectives and aims, Taking note of the transfer, on 1 July 1993, of the lead-agency role from the Office of the High Commissioner to the United Nations Development Programme in order to strengthen the Concerted Plan of Action of the Conference, Convinced that peace, development and democracy are essential in order to solve the problems of uprooted populations in the region, 1. Takes note of the reports submitted by the Secretary-General 4/ and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; 5/ 2. Notes with satisfaction the progress achieved in the implementation of programmes and projects within the framework of the International Conference on Central American Refugees, and expresses its appreciation to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme for their substantial support to the process, and for the invaluable contribution of non-governmental organizations; 3. Urges the Central American countries, Belize and Mexico to continue to implement and follow up the programmes benefiting refugees, returnees and displaced persons in accordance with their national development plans; 4. Reaffirms its conviction that the voluntary repatriation of refugees and the return of displaced persons to their countries or communities of origin continues to be a positive sign of the progress of peace in the region; 5. Also reaffirms its conviction that the processes of return to and reintegration in the countries and communities of origin should continue to take place in conditions of dignity and security and with the necessary guarantees to ensure that the affected populations are included in the respective national development plans; 6. Supports the special attention that the Central American countries, Belize and Mexico are giving to the particular needs of refugee, repatriated and displaced women and children and to the measures being adopted to protect and improve the environment and to preserve ethnic and cultural values; 7. Requests the Secretary-General, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Development Programme and other organs of the United Nations system to continue their support for and _______________ 4/ A/48/391. 5/ See A/48/12 and Add.1. /...